Gas leak signs in Sydney homes during winter

Is There a Gas Leak in Your Heater?

Weeks ago, emergency services responded to a deadly explosion at a retirement village in Kingscliff. The incident raised concerns about the condition of ageing gas systems and highlighted the need for regular inspections, maintenance, and reliable gas leak detection. A suspected LPG leak killed one person and injured another. 

The blast occurred during a cold snap, raising concerns about gas safety as winter heating systems see more use. Older homes and apartments across Sydney rely on gas for heating, many of which have ageing infrastructure that can corrode or leak during damp, cold conditions.

A gas leak may not always be obvious. Small leaks in fittings or pipe joints can release gas slowly, putting residents at risk without any large warning signs. The combination of enclosed rooms, cold weather, and gas heaters running for hours creates the perfect setting for undetected gas exposure. That makes it essential to know the warning signs and understand what to do if you suspect a leak.

How Do You Check Fittings for Leaks?

You can detect small gas leaks at home by inspecting fittings with soapy water. Use a spray bottle or brush to apply a mix of dish soap and water to pipe joints, valves, or appliance connections. If bubbles appear or expand after application, this indicates gas escaping from the fitting. Do not light any flames or use appliances while testing.

You should also inspect for signs of corrosion on copper or steel pipes, particularly in colder or damp areas of the home. If any pipe looks rusted, greenish, or flaking, it may be compromised. Leaks often occur where pipes bend, meet joints, or pass through walls and cabinetry.

Smell is another critical indicator. Gas suppliers add a sulfur-based odour to help identify leaks. If you detect a smell similar to rotten eggs, leave the area immediately. In quieter rooms, a soft hissing or whistling sound near gas appliances can also indicate a leak.

What Steps Follow a Suspected Gas Smell?

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, act quickly. The first step is to shut off the gas supply at the main isolation valve. Most homes have this valve located near the meter box. Once turned off, open all windows and doors to increase airflow. Do not switch on lights, appliances, or your mobile phone inside the house. These can trigger a spark.

Evacuate everyone from the building and do not re-enter until emergency services or a licensed professional has confirmed the area is safe. Contact your gas provider or emergency line. After the immediate danger passes, call a qualified gas leak plumber to inspect the system and carry out any repairs.

Professional help for inspection and repairs is available through our Gas Heating service.

Health Effects of Gas Exposure

Even without fire or explosion, gas leaks can cause harm. Prolonged exposure to leaking gas can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, or dizziness. In enclosed spaces, carbon monoxide buildup can be fatal.

Symptoms may worsen during sleep or when heating runs overnight. If multiple household members report similar discomfort, consider this a red flag. Shut off your system and ventilate the area until a plumber can inspect the source.

Sydney homes built before the 1990s are more likely to have older copper or galvanised pipes prone to corrosion. Residents in suburbs like Paddington, Balmain, or North Sydney should take extra care during winter. Condensation and low temperatures accelerate wear on pipe seals and joints.

When to Call a Gas Leak Plumber

Some problems go beyond what can be solved with soapy water or visual checks. If you have recurring gas smells, pilot lights that won’t stay lit, or irregular burner flames, call a licensed gas plumber.

Gas leak detection in Sydney often involves pressure testing and thermal scanning. These methods can find leaks in walls, under flooring, or behind appliances. A gas plumber can isolate the problem, repair the section, and retest for safety.

If your property has not had a gas inspection in several years, schedule one before peak winter use. This is especially important in older buildings or properties with previous plumbing work.

Request an inspection or urgent gas leak repair today.

Checking Appliance Performance

Appliances give off subtle clues when they are affected by gas flow issues. If you notice a change in the colour of your heater’s flame, this could mean an imbalance. Gas burners should have a blue flame. Yellow or orange indicates incomplete combustion, which could mean a leak or blockage.

Poor performance such as lower heat output, soot buildup, or pilot lights that fail to stay on can also point to gas pressure problems. These can be signs of a slow leak in the supply line. A qualified gas fitter can test appliance output, check connections, and confirm safe operation.

Suburbs with older infrastructure, such as Newtown and Glebe, may still have ageing internal gas lines. If your property has undergone renovations, you should confirm that all fittings meet current standards.

Safe Repairs and Gas Fitting Services

Gas fitting should never be a do-it-yourself task. It is illegal and dangerous to work on gas systems without the right qualifications. All repairs, replacements, or upgrades must be handled by a licensed professional.

A qualified gas plumber in Sydney will assess pipework, test pressure levels, and check for compliance with safety codes. If needed, they will replace worn sections and reconnect systems safely. For households in North Sydney or surrounding areas, this work is essential during the colder months.

Ongoing safety relies on annual servicing and visual checks before winter starts. Gas systems need attention just like any other part of a home. Small repairs done early cost far less than emergency callouts after a failure.

Book a Gas Inspection in Sydney Today

Many Sydney homes still use gas heaters or wall units that were installed years ago. Without regular checks, these systems pose a risk. Before running gas appliances daily, inspect visible piping, test fittings, and confirm that your meter and shut-off valves are accessible.

If you have not had a gas inspection in the past year, now is the time. A licensed plumber in
Sydney can detect hidden issues and fix them before they escalate. Gas leaks are preventable with routine checks and timely repairs.

To arrange a full inspection, repair or system replacement, contact Proximity Plumbing. We provide gas leak detection, gas fitting, and heating repairs across Sydney’s suburbs, including North Sydney, Inner West and the Eastern Suburbs.

You can request a booking through our Gas Heating service to arrange an inspection or repair before winter.