Are gas leaks really that dangerous?
Gas leaks are otherwise known as the silent killer. If they happen within the home they can have damaging effects on the occupants even resulting in death. There were 13 fatalities from carbon monoxide poisoning between 2003 and 2015. Don't allow yourself or your family to add to this statistic. Ensure that all of your gas appliances and fittings are checked by a fully qualified and licenced gas fitter.
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Warning signs of leaking gas
When it comes to gas leaks the earlier you catch it the better off you'll be. There are signs that will affect your senses as well as physical signs that help you to identify that you have a gas leak. If a gas leak is present, you need to remove yourself and everyone else from the infected area.
Sense signs
- Smell - If you can smell rotten eggs or sulfur, that is a clear sign that you have a gas leak.
- Visual - With most gas leaks there can be a discolouration of the type of flame that will be produced.
- Hear - Sometimes depending on the leak, you can hear a hissing sound which as you get closer will smell.
Physical signs
- Headaches / Migraines - Come from exposure and smell of the gas leak as well as the lack of oxygen.
- Dizziness / Light Headedness - With lack of oxygen causes the body to start feeling dizzy.
- Nausea / Vomiting - Prolonged exposure to a gas leak can cause your body to expel unneeded substances.
Gas leaks can also cause confusion and drowsiness. Due to carbon monoxide being heavier than air it pushes the air out of the room which can make it also increasingly difficult to breathe properly.
What to do if you have a gas leak
When a gas leak is detected by you or someone in your home, you mustn't delay. The first thing you must do is to get everyone outside and away from the home. Essentially where there is far more air than there is gas. If it is possible you should turn off the gas to the property by switching the valve from your gas supply to the off position.
Once safely outside you should call for help with the following numbers:
- Australian Gas Networks: 1300 427 532
- Jemena Gas Network: 131 909
- Everyday Plumbing: (02) 9191 7309
It would also be a good idea to warn passers-by about the gas leak so that they do not get too close. Under no circumstances should you try to go back inside until after a licenced professional has told you that it is safe to do so.
Preventing gas leaks
They say that prevention is better than cure. Having regular maintenance conducted on your gas appliances and the system can help to reduce or even prevent a future gas leak from forming. Our gas maintenance covers everything from checking the lines and appliances through to an inspection or compliance certificate at the end.
Make sure that when you get work conducted on the gas systems you receive a Certificate of Compliance or inspection as that will cover you if the result of the leak is due to poor quality workmanship.
Only use reputable, licenced and qualified gas fitters. Every gas fitter is also a licenced plumber but not all plumbers are qualified gas fitters. Be sure to do your research and only use a company that you are comfortable working with.
Your local gas plumbers in Sydney & the Sutherland Shire
We pride ourselves on our high level of workmanship, so much so that all of our gas fitters' work is backed by a lifetime labour guarantee. Have our gas fitters conduct regular maintenance on your gas and live comfortably knowing that your home is in great hands. Give us a call today at (02) 9191 7309 to see how our gas fitters can help you.
If you would like to schedule regular maintenance you can do so by filling in our online booking form or by giving us a call.
