Gas Leaks

Emergency Gas Leak Detection Services

When it comes to gas leak emergencies, Metropolitan Heating and Cooling is the trusted name Australians rely on.

If you notice the smell of gas in your home, don’t delay – reach out to our team of licensed gas fitters. We’re fully equipped with the tools and know-how to handle the situation promptly and safely.

When a gas leak occurs, it is serious and requires immediate attention. That’s why we respond fast and come ready to inspect any gas appliance or connection in your home. Alongside your local gas provider, our experts can quickly identify the issue and offer reliable, on-the-spot solutions to keep your household safe.

How to Maintain Gas Safety at Home

At Metropolitan Heating and Cooling, our licensed technicians are available around the clock to respond to gas-related issues quickly and efficiently.

Whether it’s day or night, weekday or weekend, we’re ready to assist with:

• Problems with your gas meter
• Malfunctioning gas appliances like a gas stove or gas hot water system
• Leaking or damaged gas lines

When you detect the smell of gas, every minute counts. Gas leaks can endanger both your home and your loved ones, so acting fast is crucial. That’s why we aim to be at your door within the hour* of your call – no matter the time or day.

Our vans come fully stocked with the tools and parts needed to fix most issues on the spot, meaning you won’t be left waiting for a safe, lasting solution.

What are the Common Signs of a Gas Leak?

Natural gas is both colourless and odourless in its pure form, but gas distributors add a chemical (called mercaptan) to give it that strong, unmistakable rotten egg smell. While this odour is often the first clue, it’s not the only red flag when natural gas leaks happen.

Other signs to watch for include:

• Bubbles forming in puddles or damp areas above buried gas pipes
• Unexpectedly dry or dead grass and plants near gas lines
• Hissing or whistling sounds from gas appliances or pipe joints
• Pilot lights that flicker, won’t stay lit, or change colour from blue to yellow or orange
• A sudden spike in your gas bill
• Family members experiencing unexplained illness (see more on gas exposure symptoms below)

Whether your home uses natural gas or LPG, these symptoms can be easy to miss – especially things like bubbling water or dying plants.

That’s why regular gas appliance servicing is so important. With Metropolitan Heating and Cooling, you’ll receive expert maintenance and a Certificate of Compliance for peace of mind.

The Many Dangers of Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are more than just an inconvenience – they’re a serious safety hazard. Even a small leak can have major consequences if left unnoticed. The most obvious danger is the risk of fire or explosion. If gas builds up in an enclosed space and comes into contact with a spark or flame, it can ignite instantly.

But the dangers don’t stop there. Breathing in gas can lead to health problems, including dizziness, headaches, nausea and in extreme cases, unconsciousness or even death. Long-term exposure to gas leaks can be especially harmful to children, pets, and the elderly.

Carbon monoxide, often produced by faulty gas appliances, is another silent threat. It’s odourless and deadly, making it essential to stay on top of appliance maintenance and gas leak detection.

When it comes to your gas supply, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect a leak, don’t hesitate – call the experts immediately.

Health Risks and Hazards of Gas Leak Exposure

Exposure to a gas leak can cause a range of physical symptoms that are often mistaken for the flu. Common signs include:

• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Persistent headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tiredness or confusion
• Irritated eyes or a sore throat

Because these symptoms are so similar to a regular cold or virus, it’s easy to dismiss them. But if you use gas appliances – especially a gas heater – it’s worth considering that a leak might be the real cause, particularly if symptoms continue.

Prolonged exposure to gas can be much more dangerous, potentially leading to unconsciousness, serious illness, or even death. Your home is also at risk. A single spark – from a lighter, switch, or even a mobile phone – can ignite leaking gas and cause a fire or explosion. Regular servicing is a small step that can prevent disaster.

What to Do First if You Suspect a Gas Leak

If you think there’s a gas leak in your home, your first step should be to contact your local gas distributor immediately by calling 1800 898 220. This alerts the network to any potential danger in your area.

After that, reach out to Metropolitan Heating and Cooling. Our licensed gas fitters are available 24/7 and can respond quickly to inspect and repair the leak. We understand how stressful a gas issue can be, and we’re committed to making your home safe again as soon as possible.

That said, even with rapid service, there may still be a short wait before we arrive. During that time, it’s important to take a few key safety precautions to reduce risk and keep your household protected. Here's what you should do while you wait for our team to get there.

Essential Steps to Take If You Detect a Gas Leak

If you smell gas and suspect a leak, quick action is vital. Here’s what you need to do:

• Turn off the gas at the meter immediately. Look for a brightly coloured valve handle and rotate it so it’s positioned at a right angle to the pipe – this shuts off the flow.
• Open all windows and doors to let fresh air circulate and help clear out any gas buildup.
• Do not use any electrical appliances – including powerpoints, light switches, or even your mobile phone – inside the house.
• Don’t turn on fans or air conditioners, as they also run on electricity and could create a spark.
• Keep flames far away – never light a match, candle or use a lighter.
• Once your home is ventilated by opening doors and windows, head outside and stay in a safe, open area.

When your Metropolitan Heating and Cooling gas technician arrives, they’ll use specialist tools to pinpoint the source of the leak and make a safe, lasting repair.

We Offer a Range of Finance Options**

When your gas fixtures need repairing, you will need a licensed gas fitter to carry out the work. Under no circumstances are gas repairs a DIY job.

Everything must be above board, which is why your professional gas specialist is legally required to provide a Certificate of Compliance upon completion.

When you experience a gas leak, it is a genuine domestic emergency. However, it can happen at a time of year that doesn’t suit your household budget.

That’s why Metropolitan Heating and Cooling offers flexible finance options** for eligible customers.

Speak to your attending plumber/gas fitter about how to apply with one of our finance providers, Zip or HummLoan. We can take you through the easy application process on site and approval usually takes only a few minutes.

We also offer a variety of additional payment options including cash, cheque, direct bank transfer and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).

When you find yourself dealing with leaking gas in and around your home, you need to address the problem urgently. To learn more about how Metropolitan Heating and Cooling can help you, contact us by phone or fill out our online form.