Gas Leak Detection: What Every Perth Homeowner Must Know

Natural gas is safe when properly contained and used. But gas leaks are extremely dangerous—they can cause explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Every Perth homeowner using gas appliances needs to know how to detect leaks and what to do if they suspect one. This knowledge could save your life and your family's lives.

In this guide, we cover everything about gas leak detection: how to identify leaks, immediate actions to take, when to call emergency services, and how to prevent leaks in the first place.

Gas companies add a distinctive smell to natural gas (which is naturally odourless) to help you detect leaks. Here's what to look for:

The smell: Natural gas is given a sulfur/rotten egg smell called mercaptan. If you smell this anywhere in your home—especially near gas appliances—take it seriously.

Hissing sounds: A gas leak often makes a hissing or whistling sound near gas lines or appliances.

Visual signs: - Dead or dying plants near gas lines - Bubbling in wet areas near gas lines - Dust blowing from a hole in the ground - White mist or fog near gas lines

Physical symptoms (indicates serious leak): - Headaches - Dizziness - Nausea - Fatigue - Breathing difficulties - Eye and throat irritation

The soapy water test: If you suspect a small leak at a connection, mix dish soap with water and apply to the connection. Bubbles forming indicate a gas leak.

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, follow these steps immediately:

DO: 1. Evacuate everyone from the building immediately 2. Leave doors and windows open as you exit (if safe to do so) 3. Turn off gas at the meter if you know how and it's safe 4. Move away from the building (at least 50 meters) 5. Call 000 if you smell strong gas 6. Call ATCO Gas emergencies on 13 13 52 for non-life-threatening leaks 7. Stay outside until given the all-clear

DO NOT: - Use any electrical switches (on or off) - Use phones inside the building - Light matches or cigarettes - Use doorbells - Start vehicles in the garage - Try to locate the leak yourself - Return inside until cleared by professionals

Important: Electrical sparks from switches can ignite gas. Even turning OFF a light switch can create a spark. Leave everything as it is and evacuate.

Every household member should know how to shut off gas at the meter. Here's how:

Locating your meter: Gas meters in Perth are usually located: - On the front boundary of the property - Side of the house near the kitchen - In a meter box with other utilities

Turning off gas: 1. Find the shut-off valve (usually a lever or handle near the meter) 2. Turn the lever 90 degrees so it's perpendicular to the pipe 3. When off, the lever points across the pipe, not along it

Some important notes: - The meter belongs to ATCO, but you can operate the shut-off - After turning off, only a licensed gas fitter should turn it back on - They need to check all appliances and relight pilots

If you can't access or operate the meter: Don't worry—just evacuate and let emergency services handle it. Your safety comes first.

Tip: Take a photo of your meter now so you know where it is and what it looks like before an emergency.

Prevention is always better than emergency response. Here's how to minimize gas leak risks:

Regular servicing: - Gas heaters: Every 2 years - Gas hot water: Every 2-3 years - Gas cooktops/ovens: Every 2-3 years - Gas ducted heating: Annually

Visual inspections you can do: - Check flexible hoses for cracks or damage - Look for rust or corrosion on connections - Ensure appliances are properly ventilated - Check that flames are blue, not yellow

Installing gas detectors: Natural gas detectors provide early warning of leaks. Install them: - Near gas appliances (but not directly above) - In sleeping areas if gas appliances are nearby - Follow manufacturer mounting instructions

When renovating: - Always use licensed gas fitters for any gas work - Check gas line locations before drilling or digging - Get compliance certificates for all gas work

New appliances: - Only buy gas appliances approved for Australia - Have them professionally installed - Keep installation receipts and certificates

Understanding common causes helps you stay vigilant:

Appliance-related: - Worn seals and gaskets - Damaged flexible hoses (common on cooktops) - Corroded gas valves - Poor installation

Connection-related: - Loose connections that have vibrated loose - Corroded fittings - Damage during renovations - DIY gas work (illegal and dangerous)

External causes: - Tree root damage to underground pipes - Ground movement/settling - Accidental damage while digging - Natural wear over time

Perth-specific issues: - Salt air corrosion in coastal suburbs - Soil movement in clay-heavy areas - Hard water deposits affecting some fittings

Age-related risks: If your home is over 25 years old and has original gas fittings, consider a professional gas safety inspection. Older brass fittings and pipe connections may be deteriorating.

Licensed gas fitters use specialized equipment to detect leaks accurately:

Detection methods: - Electronic gas detectors (measure parts per million) - Pressure testing (checking system holds pressure) - Ultrasonic leak detection (hearing leaks human ears can't) - Thermal imaging (temperature differences indicate leaks)

When to call a professional: - You occasionally smell gas but can't locate source - Your gas bills have increased unexpectedly - Gas appliances aren't performing well - After any ground work or renovations near gas lines - Moving into a new/old home - Gas appliances are over 10 years old

What a gas safety inspection includes: - Testing all gas connections and joints - Pressure testing the entire gas system - Checking all appliance connections - Inspecting flexible hoses and regulators - Testing safety devices and ventilation - Providing a gas safety report

Cost of professional detection: - Basic gas safety check: $80-$120 - Comprehensive gas system inspection: $150-$250 - Emergency leak detection: $100-$200 (after hours extra)

Gas safety isn't something to take lightly. Every Perth household using natural gas should:

Know the basics: - How to identify gas smell - Where your gas meter is located - How to turn off gas in emergency - Emergency numbers (000, ATCO 13 13 52)

Maintain your system: - Regular professional servicing - Visual checks of hoses and connections - Consider gas detectors

Act quickly if concerned: - Never ignore gas smells - When in doubt, evacuate and call - It's always better to be safe

Our gas safety services: We offer comprehensive gas safety inspections across Perth. Our licensed gas fitters will check your entire system and give you peace of mind.

- Thorough inspection of all gas appliances and connections - Professional leak detection - Written safety report - Same-week appointments available

Don't wait for an emergency. Book your gas safety inspection today and protect your family.