How to deal with a gas leak

A gas leak can be very dangerous and could cause a fire or explosion, so it’s important to act quickly and know exactly what to do. 

Get an emergency gas plumber

Step 1: Identify the source of the leak

Identify where the gas is coming from. If you can locate the source of the leak, it will help you determine what action needs to be taken next.

Foul odours

One of the most common ways to detect a gas leak is by smelling for any strange odours in your home. Natural gas is odourless, but utility companies often add an odourant known as mercaptan for safety purposes. If you detect any strong, sulfur-like smells in your home, it could be a sign of a gas leak and should be investigated immediately.

Unusual sounds

In some cases, a gas leak can create hissing or whistling sounds near the source of the problem. Pay attention to any unusual noises near appliances or piping and remember that all gas lines should remain silent when not in use.

Headaches and nausea

Gas leaks can cause headaches and nausea due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when a gas like natural gas is present in the air. VOCs are known to irritate the lungs, eyes and nose, which can lead to respiratory and neurological problems such as headaches and nausea.

Visible signs of damage

If you can locate the source of the alleged gas leak, there could be visible signs of damage at play as well. This could include corrosion on metal fittings or pipes, damp spots on walls or floors, bubbles on painted surfaces or dying vegetation around outdoor pipelines.

If any of these signs are present in your home, shut off your main gas supply immediately and call for professional help right away. Never ignore warning signs of a potential gas leak – taking action quickly is crucial for keeping yourself and others safe.

Step 2: Shut off the gas supply

Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, shut off your main gas supply. This will stop any more gas from leaking out, and also prevent any potential dangers associated with having an open flame near the leaked gas. If you’re unsure, check your local area for information on exact locations and how to shut it off, or call in the professionals. 

Step 3: Ventilate your home

Once the main gas supply has been shut off, open all of your windows and doors in order to ventilate your home. Gas can accumulate inside closed spaces, so it’s important to let in fresh air immediately.

Step 4: Call for professional help

After ventilating your home, call for professional help right away. A qualified technician can inspect for leaks and repair any damage safely and efficiently. It’s better to not try and fix a problem like this on your own as it could create further complications or expose you to hazardous fumes.

If you experience a home emergency and have added optional Home Assist cover to your GIO Home Insurance policy, we’ll send out a tradesperson to get things back up and running as quickly as possible. Whether you’ve identified a gas leak or just suspect one, play it safe and give us a call on 13 14 46 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

GIO Home Assist comes with the following:

• No excess payable.
• 3 emergency call-outs during your policy period.
• Repair materials covered up to $50.
• Up to 2 hours emergency assistance per call-out.
• Trusted list of tradespersons.

Get a GIO Home Assist quote

Dealing with a gas leak can be quite dangerous, but following these steps will help ensure that everything is taken care of quickly and safely. Remember to stay calm, and always call for professional help when necessary.

Read more:

• A guide to home insurance during renovations
• Tips to reduce your home insurance premium
• What does GIO Home and Contents Insurance cover?

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.