Some repairs can wait. A dripping tap, a squeaky door hinge, that fence panel you’ve been meaning to fix since summer. Gas problems are not on that list.
When something goes wrong with your gas system, it’s the kind of issue that stops you mid-sentence and moves straight to the top of the pile. The catch is, you’ve got to know what you’re looking for. Gas leaks and faults don’t always announce themselves loudly. Sometimes they’re quiet, subtle, easy to brush off as something else – right up until they’re not.
Here are five warning signs Adelaide homeowners should never ignore.
1. You Can Smell Gas
This one’s the most obvious, but worth saying clearly: if you can smell that rotten egg odour anywhere in your home, stop what you’re doing. That smell is added to gas deliberately so you’ll notice it. Call your service provider and a licensed plumber ASAP.
2. Your Gas Appliances Are Struggling
Burners that won’t light properly, flames that keep cutting out, a hot water system that’s suddenly lukewarm. They’re usually signs of a supply issue or a fault somewhere in the line. In Adelaide’s older suburbs, especially, ageing gas infrastructure can start showing its age in exactly these ways. If multiple appliances are playing up at once, that’s a red flag worth acting on quickly.
3. You’re Hearing Hissing Near Gas Lines
A hissing sound can indicate gas escaping under pressure from a damaged or loose fitting. If it’s audible, it’s bad. Treat it the same way you’d treat a smell – get out, ventilate, and call a professional.
4. You’ve Got Unexplained Headaches or Nausea at Home
This one catches people off guard. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. You won’t smell it, you won’t see it. But you’ll feel it. Persistent headaches, dizziness, or nausea that clears up when you leave the house is a serious warning sign. In Adelaide’s cooler months when homes are sealed up tight and heaters are running constantly, CO build-up becomes a real risk. If this sounds familiar, get out and get help.
5. Your Gas Metre or Pipes Look Damaged
Corrosion, rust, or any physical damage around your metre box or external pipework isn’t something to monitor and revisit later. Deteriorating pipework can lead to leaks without any obvious smell at first. If something looks off when you’re doing a bit of yard work or checking around the house, call it in. A quick inspection by a licensed gas plumber is a lot cheaper than the alternative.
What to Do in a Gas Emergency
If you suspect a gas leak, act fast and keep it simple:
- Don’t touch any switches – a single spark is all it takes
- Leave doors and windows open as you exit, to ventilate the space
- Get everyone out – people and pets, no exceptions
- Ring your gas provider’s emergency line
- Then call a licensed gas plumber to inspect and repair
Don’t Wait on Gas Repairs in Adelaide
Most household problems are fine to sit on the to-do list for a week or two. Gas isn’t one of them. The signs above are your system telling you something’s gone wrong. And in Adelaide’s climate, with homes running gas heating and hot water year-round, the risks are real.
LJ Plumbing Solutions Adelaide has been handling gas repairs across the city for over 15 years. We’re licensed gas plumbers who prioritise your safety over financial gains. And we realise the importance of same-day, accessible plumbing. If something feels off, call us on (08) 8004 4005, and our fully equipped van will be on the way.