What to Do If You Smell Gas at Home
The smell of gas in your home is one of the few situations where seconds matter. Here is exactly what to do — and what not to do — to stay safe.
If you smell gas (rotten egg smell), do not turn any electrical switches on or off, do not use your phone or doorbell, and do not light any flames. Open doors and windows as you leave, evacuate everyone including pets, move at least 10 metres from the building, then call 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532) or 000 from outside. After the gas supply has been isolated, call a licensed gas plumber to locate and repair the leak. Do not re-enter the building until a professional confirms it is safe.
- • Do not touch any electrical switches, phones, doorbells, or naked flames.
- • Evacuate everyone to at least 10 metres outside the building.
- • Call 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532) or 000 from outside only.
- • Wait for the gas authority to isolate the supply before re-entering.
- • Call a licensed gas plumber to repair the leak and restore supply.
6 steps to take (and what not to do)
Every step here is designed to prevent ignition. A gas leak does not need an open flame to explode — a spark from a light switch or phone is enough.
1. Do not operate any electrical devices
Do not turn lights on or off, do not use the phone or doorbell, and do not unplug anything. A single spark from a switch can ignite gas. This includes the doorbell — its transformer creates a spark when pressed. If your phone is in your hand, walk outside before using it.
2. Open doors and windows if safe to do so
If the gas smell is faint and you can move quickly, open exterior doors and windows as you exit to ventilate the space. Do not go room to room opening everything — only what you pass naturally on your way out.
3. Evacuate the building immediately
Get everyone out — family, pets, visitors. Do not stop to grab belongings, turn off appliances, or investigate the source. Move to a safe outdoor location at least 10 metres from the building. Do not stand near the gas meter.
4. Call the gas emergency line from outside
Once you are a safe distance away, call the national gas emergency number on 1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532) or call 000. If you know which gas retailer supplies your property, you can also call their emergency line. Describe the smell and whether you can hear any hissing.
5. Call a licensed gas plumber
After the emergency gas authority has made the situation safe and isolated the supply, call a licensed gas plumber to locate and repair the leak. Do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself — only a licensed gas fitter can legally reconnect your supply.
6. Do not re-enter until declared safe
Do not go back inside until either the gas authority or your plumber confirms it is safe. Gas dissipates quickly once the source is isolated, but pockets can remain in enclosed spaces. If you smell gas again after re-entering, evacuate and call again.
What NOT to do
Do not light matches, lighters, or candles — no naked flames at all.
Do not use the doorbell — the electrical spark can ignite gas.
Do not turn any light switches on or off — sparks from switches are a common ignition source.
Do not use a mobile phone inside the building — use it only after evacuating.
Do not start a car or any vehicle in the garage or near the building.
Do not try to find the leak yourself — evacuate first, report details from outside.
When to call a plumber
Call a licensed gas plumber after the emergency gas authority has isolated the supply and the immediate danger has passed. A gas plumber will pressure-test the system, locate the leak using electronic gas detectors, and make the repair. Only a licensed gas fitter can legally reconnect your gas supply.
If you smell gas but the gas authority test shows no leak in the street main, call us — there may be a leak in your internal gas line, a faulty gas appliance, or a loose fitting. We serve the whole Northern Beaches with same-day gas plumber service.
Northern Beaches considerations
Gas leaks on the Northern Beaches have some specific causes worth knowing. In older homes in Mosman and Forestville, ageing copper gas pipes can develop pinhole leaks from internal corrosion, especially in properties built before 1980 when gas pipe standards were different. These slow leaks may not produce a strong smell but can still be dangerous.
In coastal suburbs like Manly, external gas fittings and meters exposed to salt spray corrode faster, leading to leaks at connection points. The meter assembly itself can rust through at the base, which is why we recommend annual visual inspections for coastal properties.
Newer Northern Beaches developments with gas continuous-flow hot water units have their own risk — the high-pressure gas fittings on these units can loosen over time due to thermal cycling. If you smell gas near your hot water system, evacuate the area around the unit and call a gas plumber.
Frequently asked questions
What does a gas leak smell like?
Natural gas is odourless, so gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinctive "rotten egg" or sulphur smell. If you notice this smell, treat it as a gas leak. Some people describe it as similar to a dead animal or skip bin left in the sun — if it smells unusual and sulphur-like, evacuate and call.
Can a gas leak make you sick before you smell it?
Yes — natural gas itself is odourless, but the mercaptan additive is detectable by most people at very low concentrations (1 part per billion). If you cannot smell it due to a cold or age-related smell loss, you may notice symptoms first: headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or eye and throat irritation. If multiple people in the house feel unwell at the same time with these symptoms, evacuate and call the gas emergency line.
What if I smell gas but the test says no leak?
Call a licensed gas plumber anyway. The gas company emergency line tests for free air in the street main but will not test inside your home. A gas plumber can pressure-test your internal gas lines, check appliances, and inspect fittings. Sometimes the smell is from a nearby sewer vent or a chemical spill, but it is always worth having a professional confirm.
Is a gas leak covered by home insurance?
The cost of repairing the gas leak itself is generally not covered — it is considered maintenance. However, damage caused by a gas leak (such as fire or explosion) is typically covered under most Australian home insurance policies. Some policies also cover the cost of emergency gasfitter call-outs. Check your policy and ask your insurer.
Smell gas? Call a licensed gas plumber.
Emergency gas plumber service across the Northern Beaches. We locate and repair gas leaks fast. Call now or book online.
Related reading
- 6 Signs of a Gas Leak You Should Never Ignore— Spot the warning signs before you smell gas.
- What Counts as a Plumbing Emergency?— Gas leaks are always an emergency — here is why.