Step by step
Gas has a smell added to it so you can notice it. The smell is often described as rotten eggs. Treat every gas smell seriously. These steps cover the usual cases.
If the smell is strong, you hear hissing or someone feels unwell
- Get everyone out, including pets, if you can do it quickly.
- Do not turn lights or appliances on or off. Do not use a phone, lighter or anything that can spark inside.
- Once outside and away from the building, call 000.
- Do not go back in until you are told it is safe.
If the smell is faint
- Put out any flames and open windows and doors to let fresh air in.
- Do not use switches or electrical appliances near the smell.
- If you can do so safely, turn the gas off at the meter or at the bottle.
- Call the right number from the list below.
Who to call
- 000 if the smell is strong, the hiss is loud or anyone is unwell.
- Jemena on 131 909 if you think the leak is at the street or the meter on mains gas.
- Your LPG supplier if the leak is at a bottle. The supplier's number is on the bottle tag or your invoice.
- A licensed gasfitter if the problem is in your pipes or appliances inside the property. That is the job this site is for.
Turning the gas off
On mains gas, the meter has a valve. A quarter turn so the lever sits across the pipe closes it. On LPG, the valve on top of the bottle closes by turning it clockwise. Only do this if you can reach it without going into a gassy space. Leave it off until a licensed gasfitter has checked the system.
What not to do
- Do not light a match to find the leak.
- Do not start a car or run a generator in a closed garage with a gas smell.
- Do not ignore a smell because it comes and goes.
- Do not turn the gas back on yourself after a suspected leak.
After the smell is dealt with
If the network or supplier found nothing at their end, the leak may be inside. It could be an appliance connection, a joint under the floor or a hose. A licensed gasfitter will isolate the problem, test the pipework and repair it. See gas leak detection and repair for how that works.
Not every smell is a leak. A pilot light that has blown out can release a little gas, and a rubbish bin or drain can smell similar. The only safe approach is to treat it as gas until a professional says otherwise.
Smells that come and go
Winter is when many Mountains homes run heaters all day. A blocked flue or a worn appliance can cause smells that appear only when the heater is on. If this is happening, switch the appliance off and book a gas heater service. Carbon monoxide has no smell, so do not rely on your nose alone. Headaches or drowsiness while a heater runs are warning signs. If anyone feels unwell, get outside into fresh air and call 000.
Save the numbers from the red box in your phone or stick them on the fridge.
Common questions
What does a gas leak smell like?
Most people describe it as rotten eggs or sulphur. It is added to gas so you notice it.
Should I open windows?
For a faint smell, yes, if it is safe. For a strong smell, leave the building and call 000 from outside.
Can I use my phone inside?
Not if the smell is strong. Go outside first, then call.
Who do I call for a smell at the meter?
Call Jemena on 131 909 if you are on mains gas.
Who do I call for a bottle leak?
Your LPG supplier. If the leak is in your pipes or appliances, call a licensed gasfitter.
Does carbon monoxide smell?
No. It has no smell, which is why heater checks matter.
Gas leak or gas appliance problem? Call a licensed gasfitter.