Natural gas powers many Melbourne homes — heating water, cooking meals, and warming living spaces. But gas demands respect. Improper installation or maintenance can lead to leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and explosions. Here’s what every homeowner should know.

Never DIY Gas Work

This is the most important rule. In Victoria, all gas work must be performed by a licensed gasfitter. This is not a suggestion — it’s the law, and for very good reason.

Gas work includes:

• Installing or relocating gas appliances
• Connecting or disconnecting gas lines
• Repairing gas leaks
• Servicing gas hot water systems
• Installing gas bayonet points
• Converting appliances from natural gas to LPG (or vice versa)

Unlicensed gas work puts lives at risk and can void your insurance, result in fines, and create criminal liability if someone is harmed.

Signs of a Gas Leak

Know these warning signs:

You Can Smell Gas

Natural gas is odourless, but an additive called mercaptan gives it a distinctive rotten egg smell. If you can smell it:

1. Don’t use electrical switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark
2. Open doors and windows
3. Turn off the gas at the meter if you can safely reach it
4. Leave the house immediately
5. Call 000 if the smell is strong or you feel unwell
6. Call a licensed gasfitter once the area is safe

Other Warning Signs

• A hissing sound near gas lines or appliances
• Dead or dying plants near a gas line
• Unexplained increase in your gas bill
• Soot or black marks around gas appliances
• Pilot light that keeps going out
• Yellow or orange flame instead of blue on gas burners
• Condensation on windows near gas appliances

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Danger

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when gas doesn’t burn completely. It’s colourless and odourless, making it impossible to detect without a monitor. CO poisoning symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Prolonged exposure can be fatal. If multiple family members feel unwell at the same time — especially with headaches — and feel better when they leave the house, suspect CO poisoning.

Prevention

• Have gas appliances serviced every two years
• Ensure adequate ventilation around gas appliances
• Never block air vents or flues
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm (available at hardware stores)
• Never use outdoor gas appliances (BBQs, patio heaters) indoors

Gas Appliance Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps gas appliances safe and efficient:

Gas Hot Water Systems

• Service every two years
• Check the flue is clear and properly connected
• Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit
• Listen for unusual sounds during operation

Gas Heaters

• Service before each winter
• Check for soot or discolouration around the unit
• Ensure the flue (if applicable) is clear
• Clean dust from air intakes
• Check that the flame is blue, not yellow or orange

Gas Cooktops and Ovens

• Keep burner ports clean
• Check flames are blue with a small yellow tip
• Ensure the ignition works reliably
• Have the regulator and connections checked periodically

When to Call a Gas Plumber

Contact a licensed gasfitter if:

• You smell gas (after taking safety precautions)
• A pilot light won’t stay lit
• Flames are yellow or orange instead of blue
• You see soot around appliances
• You want to install or relocate a gas appliance
• Your gas appliance hasn’t been serviced in over two years
• You’re renovating and need gas lines moved
• You’re buying a property and want gas appliances checked

Hankook Plumbing Gas Services

We are licensed gasfitters providing complete gas services across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs:

• Gas leak detection and repair
• Gas appliance installation — cooktops, ovens, heaters, BBQ points, hot water
• Gas appliance servicing — keeping your appliances safe and efficient
• Gas line installation and relocation
• Gas compliance certificates
• Emergency gas call-outs

Your family’s safety is not worth risking. Call Hankook Plumbing on 0407 756 172 for all gas fitting needs.