It doesn’t matter if you live in a century-old terrace in Newtown or a brand-new estate out in Penrith—if your home uses gas, you need to know the risks. Natural gas is efficient, clean-burning, and widely used across Australian homes. But it’s not harmless.

Most gas issues go unnoticed until it’s too late. And yet, the warning signs are often right under your nose—sometimes literally. Whether you use gas for heating, cooking, or hot water, it pays to get proactive. Because when it comes to leaks, gas detection services aren’t just for emergencies—they’re for prevention.

I’ll walk you through the common red flags, the mistakes to avoid, and what every Aussie homeowner should be doing before they smell gas.

First things first: Gas leaks aren’t rare

There’s a common assumption that gas leaks are “worst-case scenarios”—the kind of thing that happens to someone else. But the reality? I’ve seen three gas-related callouts on my own street in the past year.

Leaks can stem from:

• Worn-out rubber seals in cooktops or heaters

• Faulty appliances

• Ageing pipe joints or corroded connectors

• DIY renovations gone wrong

• Rodents chewing through outdoor gas lines

The scary part is that leaks often start small. You don’t hear them. You don’t see them. And unless you catch the scent of that chemical additive (mercaptan), you might not even realise what’s wrong until you feel dizzy or notice the pilot light keeps blowing out.

Why every home needs a gas safety check

You service your car. You test your smoke alarms. But when’s the last time someone properly inspected your gas lines?

One Sydney family I worked with had a brand-new oven installed, but never had their older gas meter connection checked. A year later, their back shed smelled faintly odd—nothing alarming. Turned out to be a slow leak near a corroded elbow joint. If we hadn’t found it during a routine check, it could’ve ended very differently.

Regular inspections by licensed professionals don’t just find leaks—they catch pressure issues, substandard fittings, or poor ventilation long before they become dangerous.

Spotting red flags before they escalate

You don’t need to be a tradie to spot when something’s off. Here are a few things I always tell homeowners to watch for:

• Sulphur or rotten egg smell (especially indoors)

• Hissing near pipes or appliances

• Orange or yellow burner flames instead of blue

• Unusual condensation on windows near appliances

• Nausea, headaches, and dizziness when heaters are on

• Pilot lights that won’t stay lit
  
  

These are all covered in standard gas safety guidelines, but they often get overlooked in daily life. If you notice one of them, don’t wait. Shut off your gas supply and call in a pro.

Appliances need love, too

It’s not just about pipes. Gas appliances themselves can become hazards over time.

Older heaters, in particular, can leak carbon monoxide—a silent, odourless killer. If you’re using a flued or unflued gas heater and haven’t had it serviced in the last 12 months, book it now. Don’t assume that “still working” means “still safe.”

The same goes for cooktops and hot water systems. I once found a gas BBQ connection leaking badly, right next to a timber fence. All because the fitting hadn’t been checked since installation.

A few quick tips:

• Always use a licensed gas fitter for installation or repairs

• Turn off and cover outdoor appliances when not in use

• Don’t ignore even minor appliance faults—rattling, weak flame, etc.

• If you’re renting, insist on evidence of servicing from your property manager

Ventilation is non-negotiable

This one feels obvious, but it’s probably the most misunderstood. You’d be amazed how many people close every window while running a portable gas heater in winter.

Gas appliances consume oxygen. Without fresh air circulating, you’re creating a perfect storm for carbon monoxide build-up. And you won’t know it’s happening—until someone passes out.

Keep vents open. Use extraction fans. And if you’re in a sealed modern home, talk to your gas technician about safe appliance placement.

Better yet? Install a carbon monoxide detector. They’re cheap, available at hardware stores, and could save your life.

DIY? Just don’t

Australia’s gas codes are strict for a reason. Still, I’ve seen DIY “repairs” that would make your skin crawl—like duct tape on gas lines, garden hose used as a connector, or old heaters hooked up with zero ventilation.

It’s illegal—and wildly unsafe—to perform any gas work without a license. That includes:

• Replacing regulators

• Installing cooktops or hot water systems

• Extending or modifying gas piping

• Using second-hand appliances without compliance checks

Bottom line: if you think you smell gas or spot corrosion, call licensed gas detection services. Don’t take a guess. Take action.

When to test: Seasonal and situational triggers

There’s no “perfect” time to test for leaks—but there are a few points in the year when it makes sense:

• Before winter: Heaters come back on, demand spikes

• After heavy rains, Outdoor gas lines can shift or erode

• Post-renovation: Even cosmetic work can impact gas integrity

• After buying a new property, especially if the system is 10+ years old

• When you move out of a rental, you’re still responsible for the condition until the final inspection

Some of these might sound overcautious. But remember—natural gas is highly flammable. A single missed fault could impact not just your home, but your neighbours.

Families, pets, and extra risks

If you’ve got kids or pets, the stakes are higher. Pets can chew or knock loose connections, especially in outdoor kitchens or near portable heaters.

Young children also can’t communicate symptoms like nausea or dizziness clearly. If you notice your dog avoiding a certain room or your child getting sleepy every time the heater’s on, trust your gut.

Keep vents clear. Never place furniture in front of gas outlets. And teach older kids what a gas leak smells like and what to do.

Need a full breakdown of common indicators? Refer them to this helpful guide on signs of a gas leak.

Proactive prevention beats panic

Think of gas safety like dental care. You don’t wait until something hurts—you book check-ups.

In my own home, I run a simple routine:

• Annual gas check every autumn

• Carbon monoxide detector tested monthly

• BBQ hoses are replaced every 2 years

• Never install or move appliances myself (tempting though it is)

If you’re not sure where to begin, try following a step-by-step gas maintenance checklist like this one on how to prevent gas leaks. It’s like a roadmap for staying ahead of disaster.

Final word: Peace of mind is worth it

Gas is a modern convenience. But like electricity, it demands respect. Knowing the basics—and being willing to act early—can make the difference between a minor repair and a major emergency.

And look, it’s easy to ignore what you can’t see. But just because there’s no smoke or spark doesn’t mean it’s safe.

If in doubt? Get your system checked. Call a licensed fitter. And if you need reliable, professional support for inspections or suspected issues, turn to qualified gas detection services. Peace of mind isn’t a luxury—it’s a smart investment.