How To Deal With An Emergency Gas Leak

In Australia, natural gas has supported the country’s standard of living and energy security, supplying more than 25% of the energy requirements.

According to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, around 5 million Australian households and small businesses use natural gas. 

Australians spend around $65 on gas bills every month. They use fuel to cook food, heat water, and heat and cool buildings. 

Natural gas is an eco-friendly form of energy. However, it can also be dangerous if it starts leaking. 

At Link Plumbing, we can help you solve your leakage problems, especially gas leaks, with our licensed gas fitter. Call us today at 0412 056 027 to ensure your property’s safety.

Signs of a Potential Gas Leak

Natural gas is an odourless energy source from fossil fuels and doesn’t produce noise when leaking. It can circulate rapidly and ignite quickly with only a spark, increasing the risk of fire and explosion.

Detecting the early signs of a possible gas leak can save lives and properties. Below are the signs of a potential gas leak you must watch out for:

Indoor Signs

Stench: Natural gas has no smell but is usually delivered with a non-dangerous additive called Mercaptan, emitting a weak stench of rotten eggs. Open the windows and doors of your house or building to let the air out. 

Noise: Sometimes, leaks from bigger gas appliances and wall pipes can produce a hissing sound. 

Outdoor Signs

Dying Vegetation: A gas leak can deprive plants of oxygen, showing discolouration. When your healthy plants change colour or die suddenly without any reason, it means there could be a leak.

Dry Areas: There’s a possible gas leak when usual moist or damp areas in your property become dry. 

Bubbles: A gas leak sometimes causes bubbles to appear in moist sections of the property. You might also see bubbles on the water’s surface, indicating a gas leak. 

Peculiar Animal Behaviour: Generally, animals are keen to smell, and they can detect gas leakage before people do. They will act differently when something is wrong, and you must check the issue before it worsens.

Flames: Sometimes, gas leaks in the ground can result in burns above the ground. 

Apparent Damage to Gas Pipe: Another indication of gas leaks is visible gas pipe damage.

If you think you have a gas leak, call us today at 0412 056 027  to immediately check your area for potential gas leakage and our licensed gas fitter will fix them as soon as possible.

Emergency Steps to Take in Case of a Gas Leak 

During a gas leak situation, everyone’s safety is the priority. Essentially, immediate actions ensure the prevention of injury or even death. Follow these steps when you experience gas leakage, whether at home, in the office, or somewhere else where there is a suspected gas leak. 

During a gas leak situation, everyone’s safety is the priority. Essentially, immediate actions ensure the prevention of injury or even death. Follow these steps when you experience gas leakage, whether at home, in the office, or somewhere else where there is a suspected gas leak. 

Step 1. Stay calm but evacuate immediately. If you smell gas inside and believe there’s a gas leak because of a strong smell, leave the area as soon as possible and move to a safe location. Don’t locate the source of the leak or try fixing it, especially when you’re not a gas fitter. 

Step 2. Refrain from using electrical appliances. During a gas leak, never use electrical appliances. Mobile phones, light switches, and other appliances could create an explosion once they spark or set the gas alight.

Step 3. Put out open flames. Extinguish flames such as pilot lights or candles, as they can be a source of ignition and lead to a huge gas fire. 

Step 4. Don’t think of starting your engine. Starting your car, especially near the affected area, is a big NO. Fire always boils down to spark and ignition, resulting in possible fire and explosion. 

Step 5. Seek professional help. Get away safely from the area of gas leakage. Act quickly by contacting your local gas distributor or gas emergency services to report the incident. They will send professionals to evaluate and fix the issue. 

Also, you can call Link Plumbing directly at 0412 056 027. Our certified gas fitter is always available 24/7 to help you.

Step 6. Wait for the confirmation if everything is clear. Before entering the affected area, wait for clearance after the gas leak assessment and repair. This ensures the safety of the place, occupants, and workers.

Safety Precautions to Prevent Gas Leaks

If you assume a gas leakage, ensure your and your family’s safety first. Knowing and understanding the preventive precautions can help ease risks and deal with the situation quickly and effectively. 

Put gas detectors in place. These devices can help detect gas leaks and deliver an early warning sign. Our licensed gas fitter at Link Plumbing can install gas detectors in areas where gas appliances are in your home, such as the kitchen or garage. 

Routinely check and maintain gas appliances. Always check your stove and water heater for leaks. Don’t light matches during the inspection.

Remember your gas shut-off valve’s location. If there’s a leakage, remember to turn off the gas meter quickly. It’s also crucial to inform your family members of the gas supply’s location so that anyone can shut it down in an emergency. 

Help your family understand. It’s paramount to impart to your family the signs of gas leakage. This helps them know what to do to prevent fire, injury, loss of lives and property, and gas safety.

Never put combustible materials near gas appliances. To prevent fire risk, don’t keep flammable materials, such as paper, and clean products from a gas appliance like a gas heater.

Also, you can call Link Plumbing directly at 0412 056 027. Our certified gas fitter is always available 24/7 to help you.

Wait for the confirmation if everything is clear. Before entering the affected area, wait for clearance after the gas leak assessment and repair. This ensures the safety of the place, occupants, and workers.

Safety Precautions to Prevent Gas Leaks

If you assume a gas leakage, ensure your and your family’s safety first. Knowing and understanding the preventive precautions can help ease risks and deal with the situation quickly and effectively. 

Put gas detectors in place. These devices can help detect gas leaks and deliver an early warning sign. Our licensed gas fitter at Link Plumbing can install gas detectors in areas where gas appliances are in your home, such as the kitchen or garage. 

Routinely check and maintain gas appliances. Always check your stove and water heater for leaks. Don’t light matches during the inspection.

Remember your gas shut-off valve’s location. If there’s a leakage, remember to turn off the gas meter quickly. It’s also crucial to inform your family members of the gas supply’s location so that anyone can shut it down in an emergency. 

Help your family understand. It’s paramount to impart to your family the signs of gas leakage. This helps them know what to do to prevent fire, injury, loss of lives and property, and gas safety.

Never put combustible materials near gas appliances. To prevent fire risk, don’t keep flammable materials, such as paper, and clean products from a gas appliance like a gas heater.

FAQs

1. Who is responsible for leak repair to gas infrastructure, such as my gas meter and the pipework between the gas meter and the street mains?

It’s the responsibility of the Australian Gas Networks. 

2. What are the symptoms of a person exposed to gas leaks?

A person exposed to a leaking gas may experience dizziness, headaches, nausea, and breathing difficulty. You may also feel irritation of the eyes and throat, as well as fatigue.

3. Are gas leaks covered by homeowners’ insurance?

It depends on the natural gas leaks policy, which sometimes may cover damages relevant to gas leaks. Reviewing the insurance policy details or discussing the matter with your insurance provider is best.

4. How to prevent gas leakage in a home?

Regular inspection and maintenance are the keys to keeping your home and property safe from gas leaks. Installing carbon monoxide detectors will help prevent fire as this device provides early warning signs of gas leakage. 

5. What are the risks of gas leaks?

Gas leaks can cause several health hazards, can result in fire and explosion, and adversely affect the environment. 

Call Us to Install and Maintain Your Gas Applications 

Link Plumbing provides a wide range of services including leaking pipe repairs, gas fitting, and emergency plumbing services. We prioritise the safety of your home and property by fixing the problem immediately. 

Moreover, we ensure that your area is kept clean after the installation and maintenance of your gas applications are done. Reach out to us today at 0412 056 027, and we’ll inspect your home and property for any gas leakage and fix it promptly.