What Not To Do When There Is A Gas Leak

When handling a potential danger within your home, one of the most crucial factors is to take action immediately. This applies if you are experiencing a gas leak. A gas leak in your home or business is never something to ignore, as it can quickly escalate into a serious safety hazard. Understanding the correct steps can help reduce risks to your property, health, and loved ones during a gas leak emergency.

Here at Bayside Plumbing, your safety is our top priority. That’s why we specialise in thorough inspections and emergency plumbing services, including gas leak detection, repairs, and emergency maintenance plumbing.

If you are unsure what to do if you have a gas leak, read our solutions below or contact our team on 1300 417 563 if you suspect a gas leak in your house. 

What Is a Gas Leak and How to Know If It Is Dangerous?

To determine if you have a gas leak, you need to understand what a gas leak is. Natural gas refers to a fossil energy source, its primary component being methane. A gas leak is when natural gas leaks out from its source into specific areas that can lead to potential issues. This may occur inside walls, underground pipes, or near appliances. Gas leaks can lead to explosions, fires, the release of greenhouse gases, and more. This is why professional gas plumbers strongly recommend immediate action when a leak is suspected.

What Are the Signs You Might Have a Gas Leak

Various signs might indicate that you have a gas leak within your home or business. Being aware of these warning signs can help you act fast and prevent dangerous outcomes. Several of those signs include the following:

• Rotten Eggs Odour: This is one of the primary signs that you might have a gas leak within your home or business. Since natural gas doesn’t have a specific aroma, gas companies typically add in chemicals, causing the gas to smell like rotten eggs or sulphur. If this potent odour is coming from within your sink or elsewhere, you likely have a gas leak and need immediate assistance from a licensed gas fitter.
  
  
• Hissing Noise: If you suspect you may have a gas leak, always check for hissing. If you hear strange hissing noises, there may be a large gas leak within your pipes or appliances that requires urgent gas repairs.
  
  
• Air Bubbles Within Your Water: A gas leak can also occur outside your home, primarily within the underground pipes, so you might see air bubbles in puddles or mud near your property. This is a common sign of a gas leak outside the house.
  
  
• Dying House Plants: Natural gas leaks are a primary cause of killing trees and vegetation. Natural gas can prevent the plant’s roots from absorbing oxygen, which results in wilting. With this in mind, it might be a leak issue if your plants appear stunted, dying, or dead.
  
  
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a primary sign of a gas leak and could lead to potential health risks if not taken care of immediately. Poisoning occurs through inhalation and often requires emergency plumbing assistance right away.

What Not to Do When There Is a Gas Leak

When you smell gas and suspect you have a gas leak within your home, your first thought is to locate where it’s coming from and resolve it. However, this is one of the actions you shouldn’t do. What not to do when there is a gas leak? Check other forbidden actions below, as these mistakes can increase the risk of fire or explosion during a gas emergency.

Do Not Locate the Source of the Gas Leak

Do not try to locate the source of the gas leak. You should leave your home and call your gas company or 000 immediately.

Do Not Turn On Your Stove or Light Any Matches

Do not turn on the stove. Anything that can start a fire or ignite, which goes for anything electrical as well, can cause an explosion. It’s also strongly advised not to turn on the hot water if you use a water heater, especially during a suspected gas leak.

Don’t Use Electricity

Ensure that nothing electrical is turned on or plugged in, and do not turn any appliances as it can create a spark. This includes light switches, power points, and electronic devices.

What to Do if You Have a Gas Leak

If you ever smell gas in your home, don’t ignore it. As plumbers, we see this more often than you’d think, and acting quickly can make all the difference.

Whatever the cause, it’s not something you should try to fix yourself. Gas work must always be handled by a licensed professional. Evacuate the premises quickly and call our team on 1300 417 563.

Contact Bayside Plumbing

Gas leak and not sure what to do? Call Bayside Plumbing to handle your gas leak issues

Once you have contacted your gas company and resolved the immediate danger, please contact us by email or phone. Our team of experienced gas plumbing professionals is here to help! We are 24/7 emergency plumbers, available day or night to respond to urgent situations, so you don’t have to worry about resolving it alone.

Once the issue has been fixed by a licensed plumber, gas should only be turned back on after proper testing and clearance.

Implement a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Implementing a carbon monoxide detector is one of the preventative solutions after dealing with a gas leak. This monitor detects any sign of carbon monoxide and helps to prevent potential carbon monoxide poisoning should this issue happen again, especially in homes with gas appliances. At Bayside Plumbing, we can install these into your home. 

Gas Leak in Home or Business?

Here at Bayside Plumbing, we take your safety and plumbing very seriously. That’s why our team of professional plumbers and licensed gas fitters is ready to tackle any issue. For more information or urgent assistance, please contact us today on 1300 417 563.