Gas leak detection is the process of confirming whether gas is escaping, finding where it is coming from, and repairing the fault so the system is safe to use again. A licensed gasfitter typically uses pressure testing and electronic detection to check the cylinders or meter, regulator, pipework and appliances. In Mackay, most homes run on LPG, and LPG is heavier than air. A leak can collect in low areas instead of dispersing, which is one reason a suspected leak should never be ignored.
If you can smell gas right now: do not use light switches or anything that could spark, turn off the gas appliance, open doors and windows, and if the smell continues turn off the gas at the cylinder or meter. Contact your gas supplier or a licensed gasfitter. If you still smell gas after turning off the supply, or there is a fire, call 000. This site is not an emergency service.
Signs that you may have a gas leak
- A smell like rotten eggs. Fuel gas has no natural odour, so a smelling agent is added to make leaks noticeable.
- A hissing sound near the cylinders, regulator, pipework or an appliance.
- Bottles emptying faster than usual even though your gas use has not changed.
- Bubbles appearing when you spray soapy water on a connection.
- Dying plants or discoloured soil above a buried gas line, which is less common but possible.
Feeling dizzy, nauseous or headachy around gas appliances can also point to a problem. A poorly burning appliance can produce carbon monoxide, which has no smell. If anyone feels unwell, get them into fresh air and seek medical help.
What you can safely check yourself
Queensland safety guidance describes a simple soapy water check for householders. Mix detergent and water in a spray bottle. With the gas on, spray the meter or cylinder fittings, the regulator and hoses, and the connection points. Bubbles mean gas is escaping. If you find a leak, turn the gas off at the source and do not use the system until a licensed gasfitter has repaired it.
Do not use a naked flame to search for a leak. Do not tighten or take apart gas fittings yourself, because repairing gas systems is licensed gas work.
How a gasfitter finds and fixes a leak
Benchmark providers describe similar methods. The exact approach depends on the property.
1. Make safe
The gasfitter checks the area, isolates the supply if needed, and confirms there is no immediate danger to people.
2. Pressure test
The system is pressurised and watched for a pressure drop. A drop confirms a leak somewhere and helps show whether it is in the pipework or at an appliance.
3. Pinpoint the source
Electronic gas detectors and leak-detection fluid help narrow down the exact joint, fitting, regulator or appliance. Under-floor, in-wall and buried pipework can take more time.
4. Repair
Repairs might mean replacing a perished hose, refitting a joint, replacing a regulator, repairing a section of pipe, or isolating and condemning an appliance that is not safe.
5. Retest and document
After the repair the system is tested again. If the gasfitter finds a safety concern they cannot fix straight away, Queensland rules require them to give the owner a defect notice. If they believe there is an imminent risk of serious harm, they must take steps to reduce it and report it.
Where leaks commonly occur in Mackay homes
| Location | Why it can leak |
|---|---|
| Regulator and pigtails at the cylinders | Weathering, ageing rubber, damage during changeovers |
| Outdoor barbecue hoses and bayonets | UV and salt exposure, hoses being stepped on or kinked |
| Underfloor pipework in high-set homes | Corrosion, old joints, accidental damage during renovations |
| Appliance connections | Loose or poorly made fittings, appliances being moved |
| Buried lines | Digging damage; call Before You Dig Australia (1100) before excavating |
After a storm or flood
Tropical storms and wet-season flooding can damage cylinders, regulators and outdoor appliances or loosen their restraints. If gas equipment has been under water or hit by debris, turn the gas off and have it checked before you use it again.
Renters and property managers
In a rental, report a gas smell or suspected leak to the property manager or owner immediately. A gas leak is treated as an emergency repair under Queensland tenancy rules. If you rent, follow the safety steps above first, then report it.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I smell gas near my gas bottles?
Turn off any appliances, close the cylinder valve if you can safely reach it, and keep sparks and flames away. Then contact your LPG supplier or a licensed gasfitter. If the smell continues after the supply is off, call 000.
Is it safe to keep using my cooktop if the gas smell is faint?
No. A faint, persistent smell still means gas is escaping somewhere. Stop using the system, do a soapy water check if it is safe, and have a licensed gasfitter inspect it.
Can a gas leak cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
Fuel gas itself is not poisonous, but in an enclosed area it can displace oxygen. Carbon monoxide comes from appliances that burn gas incompletely, which is a separate problem. Both need attention from a licensed gasfitter.
How do gasfitters find a leak inside a wall or under the floor?
They usually start with a pressure test to confirm a leak, then use electronic detectors and leak-detection fluid at accessible joints. In some cases, sections of pipe are isolated and tested separately to find the fault.
Who pays to fix a gas leak in a rental property?
In Queensland, a gas leak is an emergency repair that the landlord or property manager has to arrange. Report it straight away and keep a record of when you reported it.
Related services
- LPG gas bottle connection for regulator and cylinder setup problems.
- Gas appliance servicing and repairs for appliances that burn poorly.
Request a connection with a local provider
This site connects people with independent local gas providers and does not attend call-outs itself. For urgent danger, call 000. For a non-emergency leak check, send your details and the symptoms, and we will pass your enquiry to a Mackay provider.