You catch a whiff of something strange, a bit like rotten eggs, and your stomach drops as you realise it might be gas. It is an unsettling moment, and what you do in the next few minutes genuinely matters. Gas leaks are serious: they can lead to fire, explosion or carbon monoxide exposure, so they are never something to wait on or hope will sort itself out.
The good news is that staying calm and following a few clear steps will keep you and the people around you safe. This guide covers how to spot a leak, exactly what to do in the moment, and when to call a licensed gas fitting plumber.
This one is for everyone. It does not matter whether you own your home, rent, run a business, work in a shop or café, or teach at the local school. Gas is part of everyday life right across the Coffs Coast, and knowing what to do in a leak could one day keep you, your family or the people around you safe. It is worth a read, and worth sharing.
If you can smell gas right now:
- Get everyone outside to fresh air, including pets.
- Turn off the gas at the bottle or meter, but only if it is safe to reach.
- Open doors and windows as you leave to let the gas escape.
- Do not touch switches, lights, phones or anything that could create a spark.
- From a safe distance, call 000 if there is any danger, then call a licensed gas fitting plumber.
How to Recognise a Gas Leak
Both natural gas and LPG are given a deliberate rotten-egg smell so a leak is easier to detect. Most Coffs Coast homes run on LPG bottles rather than mains gas, but the warning signs are the same wherever your gas comes from.
The Rotten Egg Smell
That sulphur-like, rotten-egg odour is the classic giveaway and usually your first warning.
A Hiss or Whistle Near Gas Lines
A soft hissing or whistling near a pipe, bottle, meter or appliance can mean gas is escaping.
Dead Plants or Dry Patches Outside
An outdoor leak can kill nearby grass or plants for no obvious reason, which is always worth a closer look.
Feeling Unwell Indoors
Unexplained dizziness, headaches or nausea that ease once you step outside can point to gas affecting the air inside.
Your Quick Do and Don’t Guide
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Get everyone outside to fresh air | Flick any switches or power points on or off |
| Turn off the gas at the bottle or meter, if it is safe | Use your phone, the stove or any naked flame inside |
| Open doors and windows as you leave | Smoke or light a match anywhere near the area |
| Call 000 if there is danger, then a licensed gas fitter | Attempt a DIY repair or brush off a small gas smell |
What Causes Gas Leaks?
Leaks tend to come from a handful of usual suspects: ageing or corroded pipework, poorly installed appliances, loose connections behind a stove or heater, a perished hose or regulator on an LPG bottle, damaged outdoor lines, or a faulty gas hot water system. Salt air along the coast can speed up corrosion too, which is one more reason local systems are worth keeping an eye on. The reassuring part is that regular inspections by a licensed gas fitter catch most of these issues long before they ever become an emergency.
Why a Gas Leak Is Always a Job for a Licensed Gas Fitter
Gas work is licensed for good reason, and a leak is never a DIY fix. The risk of fire or explosion is real, a botched repair can make things worse, and your insurer may not cover damage caused by unlicensed work. A licensed gas fitting plumber does it properly: a thorough inspection and leak detection to find the source, a safe isolation of the problem, a repair or replacement of the faulty lines or connections, a pressure test to confirm everything is sealed, and certification once it is all clear. You finish up knowing exactly what was found, what was fixed, and that your gas is safe to use again. For more on why this matters, our guides on the dangers of DIY gas fitting and how regular gas inspections prevent costly hazards are well worth a read.
When to Call 000 First
Some situations need triple zero before anyone else. Call 000 straight away if there is a strong gas smell indoors with worsening symptoms, any flames or sparks near gas appliances, or major line damage after a storm or nearby digging. The official advice from the NSW Government is to get out, call 000 and ask for Fire and Rescue NSW, then contact a licensed gasfitter. If your home runs on bottled gas, Fire and Rescue NSW has useful advice on LPG cylinder safety as well. Once the immediate danger is handled, emergency services and your plumber work together to make the property safe.
How to Prevent Gas Leaks
A little prevention goes a long way. Book regular servicing for your gas appliances, fit carbon monoxide alarms, keep gas lines and bottles clear of clutter and damage, and make sure every bit of gas work is done by a licensed professional. For most homes and businesses, an annual gas safety check is a sensible routine that quietly heads off problems before they start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a gas leak smell like?
Both natural gas and LPG have a rotten-egg or sulphur smell added specifically so leaks are easy to notice. If you catch that smell, treat it seriously.
Is a small gas leak still dangerous?
Yes. Even a small leak can build up in an enclosed space and become a fire, explosion or health risk, so never ignore it or wait to see if it clears on its own.
Who do I call first in a gas emergency?
If there is any immediate danger, call 000. Once you and everyone else are safe, call a licensed gas fitting plumber to find and repair the leak. For bottled gas, your supplier’s 24-hour emergency number is also printed on your bill.
Can I fix a gas leak myself?
No. Gas work must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter, both for safety and to keep your insurance and warranties valid.
Stay Safe with Emerald Beach Plumbing
A gas leak is stressful, but acting quickly and calmly is what keeps everyone safe. Saving a trusted local gas fitter in your phone now means you are never scrambling for help when it counts.
Worried about a gas leak or simply due for a safety check? Once everyone is safe, call the licensed team at Emerald Beach Plumbing on (02) 6650 0544, or submit an online enquiry through our contact form. For urgent after-hours gas problems, our 24/7 emergency line is on 0418 106 386. From Emerald Beach and Coffs Harbour to Sawtell and Woolgoolga, we will make sure your home or workplace is safe.
