Gas Leak in Wollongong: Immediate Steps to Take

Essential Guidance for Homeowners in Wollongong, Dapto, Shellharbour, Figtree and Corrimal Who Smell Gas or Suspect a Leak

Immediate Action Required: If you detect the smell of gas, stop reading this immediately and take four crucial steps. First, ensure everyone (including pets) evacuates the premises. Avoid touching any light switches, power outlets, or anything that could create a spark. If possible, open doors and windows as you exit. Once you are safely outside, contact a licensed gas fitter. If the odour is overwhelming or if anyone feels unwell, prioritise safety and call 000 first.

If the smell is faint or you’re uncertain, take a moment to read further for detailed instructions.

Identifying a Gas Leak in Your Home

Quick Insight: Rely on your sense of smell. Natural gas and LPG are odourless, and the distinctive rotten-egg scent is due to an added substance called mercaptan, which is intentionally included for leak detection. If you notice any signs, it’s important to take action.

Common indicators of a gas leak include:

• A rotten egg or sulphur-like smell, particularly near appliances, the gas meter, or BBQ connections.
• A hissing or whistling sound emanating from a gas pipe, fitting, or appliance.
• A pilot light that frequently extinguishes.
• Indoor plants wilting inexplicably near a gas line.
• Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or unusual fatigue experienced by multiple individuals in the home.
• A significant increase in your gas bill without a corresponding change in usage.

You do not need to observe all these signs. Even one is sufficient to warrant immediate action.

Your 10-Minute Emergency Action Plan

Quick Summary: Evacuate everyone from the house, avoid using any electrical devices, open doors and windows if it’s safe to do so, turn off the gas at the meter if it is reachable, and then call a licensed gas fitter from a safe location. If the smell is strong or anyone feels unwell, contact 000 first.

Follow these steps in order. Do not skip any.

1. Evacuate Everyone. This includes adults, children, pets—everyone. Move outside, ensuring you are upwind if there is a breeze.
2. Avoid Flicking Switches. Do not turn on or off any light switches, power points, or phone chargers. Avoid starting any vehicles parked in the garage. A spark in an area filled with gas can ignite a fire.
3. Open Doors and Windows While Exiting. Only do this if it is on your way out. Do not make unnecessary trips through the house to ventilate.
4. If Safe, Turn Off the Gas at the Meter. The valve is typically a quarter-turn handle located next to the meter outside. Turn it 90 degrees so that the handle is perpendicular to the pipe.
5. From Outside, Contact a Licensed Gas Fitter. Use your mobile phone from the footpath rather than the home phone.
6. If the Smell is Strong, You Feel Unwell, or Hear Hissing, Call 000 First. The fire brigade will secure the property. Then you can contact us.
7. Do Not Re-enter the House until a licensed gas fitter has assessed the property and confirmed it is safe.

That’s it. Ten minutes, clear actions.

Identifying an Emergency: When to Call for Immediate Assistance

Quick Insight: Call 000 first if the gas smell is strong, you hear hissing, anyone feels unwell, or the leak is close to an ignition source. A faint smell near a single appliance that poses no symptoms is a case for a same-day call-out, not an emergency. If you are uncertain, treat it as an emergency.

Consider it an emergency (call 000 first, then us) if you notice:

• A persistent strong smell that doesn’t dissipate.
• The sound of hissing.
• Anyone in the house experiencing dizziness, sickness, or difficulty breathing.
• A visible flame in an inappropriate location.
• A leak near any ignition sources, such as a heater, stove pilot, or hot water unit.

You can wait for a same-day visit from a licensed gas fitter if:

• The smell is faint and isolated to one appliance.
• You have turned off the gas at the meter and the odour is diminishing.
• No one is experiencing symptoms and there is no hissing sound.

If you are uncertain about your situation, always err on the side of caution and treat it as an emergency. We would prefer to investigate an issue and find nothing than to miss a potential hazard.

Understanding the Legality of DIY Gas Work in NSW

Quick Insight: In New South Wales, only licensed gas fitters are authorised to install, modify, repair, or disconnect any gas pipes, appliances, or fittings. Licences are granted under NSW Fair Trading, and all work must adhere to AS/NZS 5601 standards. Engaging in unlicensed gas work is a prosecutable offence.

This is not just a technicality. Unlicensed gas work carries legal consequences, and penalties can be severe. Most importantly, gas leaks resulting from DIY connections are among the primary reasons for service calls. A faulty DIY installation, especially one hidden behind a stove, can leak unnoticed for months.

If you have purchased a property and are uncertain whether previous work was conducted by a licensed gas fitter, it is crucial to have it inspected. Look for receipts and a gas compliance certificate as evidence of proper installation.

You can verify whether a tradesperson holds a current NSW gas fitting licence by checking the NSW Fair Trading public licence register.

What Happens When Our Team Arrives

Quick Summary: We will isolate the gas at the meter, test the system using electronic leak detection (not just soapy water), pressure-test the line, repair any identified faults, re-test the entire system, and provide a gas compliance certificate before leaving.

When one of our licensed gas fitters arrives at your location:

• We begin by isolating the gas at the meter and confirming that the supply is off.
• We utilise electronic gas leak detection equipment to accurately identify leaks, avoiding guesswork with soapy water. This allows us to pinpoint the exact location of a leak.
• We pressure-test the line to determine where gas is escaping.
• We repair or replace any faulty sections, pipes, joints, fittings, or appliance connections.
• We conduct a comprehensive re-test of the entire system to ensure that no additional leaks are present.
• We issue a gas compliance certificate, which serves as proof that the work was completed to standard by a licensed gas fitter. Keep this document with your property paperwork, as insurers and future buyers will request it.

We do not conclude our service until the system successfully passes a full pressure test.

Frequent Causes of Gas Leaks in Wollongong Residences

Quick Insight: Common culprits include ageing galvanised or copper pipework in homes over 40 years old, outdated appliances, DIY connections for stoves and BBQs, weather-related damage to outdoor gas lines, ground movement, and surprisingly, rodents gnawing on flexible hoses.

We frequently receive calls regarding these issues in Wollongong, Dapto, Shellharbour, Figtree, and Corrimal. The typical causes include:

• Older Homes with Original Gas Pipework. Many properties in the Illawarra are over 40 years old, and the original galvanised or copper fittings corrode over time.
• Aging or Faulty Appliances. Older gas heaters, stoves, and hot water units often develop leaks at their inlet connections.
• DIY Installations. This is a common scenario where someone has replaced a stove or connected a new BBQ line without the expertise of a licensed gas fitter. Compression fittings done manually are prone to leakage.
• BBQ and Outdoor Kitchen Connections. Outdoor gas points are vulnerable to weather exposure and accidental damage. The flexible hose connecting to the BBQ is a frequent point of failure.
• Ground Movement and Subsidence. Shifts in the ground can place stress on underground gas lines, particularly in older properties built on clay soil.
• Rodent Damage. Yes, it’s true. Mice and rats can chew through flexible gas hoses found in roof spaces and under floors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Still Detect a Gas Smell with All the Windows Open?

Yes, and this indicates that the leak is still active, rather than a one-time occurrence. While ventilation can help disperse existing gas, it will not eliminate a live leak. Evacuate the area and contact us immediately.

Is Gas Leak Repair Covered by Insurance?

Typically, repairs to the gas system itself are not covered, as they fall under maintenance. damage caused by a leak, such as fire, smoke, or damage to contents, is generally covered, provided the work was executed by a licensed gas fitter. Review your policy carefully. This is why obtaining a gas compliance certificate is essential.

What Are the Costs to Detect and Repair a Gas Leak?

Emergency gas call-outs in the Illawarra start from $250, which includes diagnostics and minor repairs. More complex jobs, such as replacing a section of corroded line or an appliance connection, will be quoted on-site once the source is identified. We will provide a price estimate before commencing any repairs.

Do You Provide 24/7 Emergency Response?

Yes, we offer 24/7 service for confirmed or suspected gas leaks in Wollongong and the Illawarra. Feel free to call us at any time. If we are unable to respond quickly and it is an emergency, we will advise you to contact 000 first.

What If the Issue Is with the Gas Appliance Instead of the Line?

Follow the same procedure. Turn off the gas at the meter, evacuate the premises, and call us. We will assess the entire system, including both the line and appliance, and advise you on whether a repair or replacement is necessary. If the appliance is beyond repair, we will inform you directly.

When This Information May Not Apply to You

• You reside outside the Illawarra region. Our services are available exclusively in Wollongong, Dapto, Shellharbour, Figtree, Corrimal, and surrounding suburbs. If you are in Sydney, please contact a Sydney-based gas fitter.
• You intend to carry out gas work yourself. We cannot guide you on this and do not endorse it. DIY gas work is illegal in NSW and poses significant dangers.
• You are seeking the lowest possible price. While we are not the cheapest, we are licensed, insured, and provide a compliance certificate for every job.

Looking for a Licensed Gas Fitter in Wollongong?

CS Plumbing Services offers licensed plumbing and gas fitting services across Wollongong, Dapto, Shellharbour, Figtree, Corrimal, and the broader Illawarra region. We provide gas leak diagnosis and repair services starting from $250, with same-day response available for suspected leaks. A gas compliance certificate is issued for every job.

If you are uncertain, please contact us. We would prefer to investigate and find nothing than to miss a potential issue.

Call CSP now at 0416 101 022.