Gas leak emergency: Who to call for help?

Gas leaks shouldn’t be ignored. If you’ve identified a gas leak, we strongly recommend you act fast and get a professional or certified person to help avert potentially dangerous situations, such as fires, explosions and even carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here we’ll cover the basics of gas safety, including how to spot a leak, who to call, and how to keep you, your family, and your home safe.

How to recognise the signs of a gas leak

Recognising a potential gas leak is key to keeping your family and home safe. Common signs include:

Smell: Trust your nose. While natural gas doesn’t have an odour, the chemical mercaptan (which has a strong smell) is added before it’s piped to your home to make it easier to detect a leak. If you smell rotten eggs or sulphur, it could be a gas leak.
Sound: Escaping gas can make a sound like hissing, whistling, or blowing, near gas pipes, appliances, or meters.
Sights: Dead plants or unusual bubbling in water (or mist clouds) around gas pipes could indicate a leak. Gas stove flames are typically blue, so if the flame is yellow, orange, or red, it may be a leak.
Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, or difficulty breathing indoors could be caused by exposure to a gas leak.

What to do if you suspect a gas leak

If you smell gas or suspect a leak in your home, don’t wait – act immediately to stay safe.

If there’s immediate risk of fire, explosion or injury, call 000 straight away.
Turn off all gas appliances if it’s safe to do so.
Switch off the main gas supply at the meter (familiarise yourself with where it’s located)
Open all doors and windows to improve ventilation.
Evacuate your family and pets from your home.
Avoid sparks or naked flames. This means no electrical switches, mobile phones, or lighters that could ignite the gas.

You should also call your local gas fault and emergencies number

Who to call in a gas leak emergency

As well as taking the steps above, it’s important to call the right professional as part of your gas leak response. If it’s a life-threatening situation, such as a fire, explosion risk, or injury, always call emergency services on 000.

Or you can contact your gas distributor for help and the latest information on gas faults in your area. If you’re an EnergyAustralia customer, you can find your distributor details by using our search tool or by checking the top right corner of your bill.

When to get a licensed gas technician

Once the emergency is under control, you can call a qualified gas technician to take care of:

Minor gas leaks inside your home
Appliance repair jobs
Routine safety checks

Remember, if someone or your home is in immediate danger due to a gas leak, always call emergency services on 000. Or, if you’re seeking servicing or maintenance, it’s best to contact a licensed gas fitter for the job.

Tips for preventing future gas leaks

You can protect your home’s safety and your family’s wellbeing by taking proactive steps to prevent gas leaks. Here’s how:

Regular gas system inspections: Routine inspections of gas lines and appliances are crucial for ensuring safety and identifying potential issues before they become emergencies. This is especially important for older homes or gas appliances, which can be prone to faults.
Install home gas detectors: Installing gas detectors in areas where you use gas appliances, like the kitchen or living area, can serve as an early warning system.
Educate your household: Make sure everyone in your household is aware of the signs of a gas leak and know how to respond if there’s an emergency.

Stay safe and be prepared

With gas leaks, it’s essential to act fast, know who to call and understand what preventative action you can take to avoid potential issues. As a precaution, keep a copy of emergency numbers on your fridge or in a spot where everyone can easily see them. And don’t forget to stay up to date with your gas system and appliance maintenance and inspections.

If you’re an EnergyAustralia customer and have questions about your gas account or want to confirm your distributor details, get in touch with one of our energy experts.