Natural gas and LPG are safe when contained — but a leak in your home can quickly become life-threatening. As a licensed gas fitter working across the Adelaide Hills, I'm called out to suspected leaks every week. Most homeowners aren't sure what to look (or smell) for. Here's the no-fluff guide every household should read.
The 4 Warning Signs of a Gas Leak
Gas companies add a sulphur-based odourant called mercaptan to natural gas and LPG so leaks are easier to detect. If you notice any of these signs, treat it as a real emergency.
- A strong rotten-egg or sulphur smell — especially near appliances
- Hissing or whistling near a gas line, hot water unit or meter
- Dead or yellowed vegetation in a single patch above an underground line
- Unexplained physical symptoms — headaches, dizziness, nausea or fatigue
What To Do Immediately
- Do NOT switch lights, appliances or anything electrical on or off
- Do NOT use a phone, lighter or anything that could spark inside the house
- Open every door and window to ventilate the building
- Turn the gas off at the meter or LPG bottle if it's safe to reach
- Evacuate everyone (including pets) to a safe distance outside
- From outside, call your gas distributor and then a licensed gas fitter
Common Causes We See in the Hills
Older homes in Stirling, Aldgate and Hahndorf often have copper or galvanised gas lines that have shifted over decades. The most frequent culprits we find on site are:
- Perished rubber hoses behind cooktops and on LPG bottles
- Loose unions and fittings after appliance replacements done without a licensed gas fitter
- Corroded outdoor lines exposed to weather under decks and along external walls
- DIY hot water installs that skipped pressure testing
Why DIY Gas Work Is Illegal in South Australia
Under SA's Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act, only a licensed gas fitter can install, alter or repair a gas installation — and a compliance certificate must be issued. Insurers will deny a claim outright if non-compliant work is found to be the cause of a fire or explosion.
"The cheapest gas job is the one that's done right the first time. A $300 service call is nothing next to a house fire."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smell gas but my detector hasn't gone off?+
Yes — most household smoke alarms don't detect gas. Trust your nose. If you can smell rotten eggs, treat it as a leak.
Will my insurer cover a gas leak?+
Only if the original installation was done by a licensed gas fitter and a compliance certificate exists. Always keep your paperwork.
How quickly can Nicholls Plumbing & Gas respond?+
Same day across the Adelaide Hills and greater Adelaide. After-hours emergency callouts available — call 0417 321 894.
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