What to do if you smell gas at home
Natural gas and LPG are odourised so leaks can be noticed. A strong smell, hissing sound or dying plants near a gas line should be treated as dangerous until a licensed gasfitter or the gas distributor says otherwise.
Safety classification
Emergency services required
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Do not create a spark
Do not switch lights or appliances on or off, use a naked flame, start a car nearby or use a phone inside the affected area.
- 2
Get everyone out
Leave doors open as you go if it is safe, and move people and pets well away from the building.
- 3
Turn off the gas if you safely can
If the gas meter valve or LPG cylinder valve is outside and easy to reach, turn it off. Do not go back inside to do it.
- 4
Call for help from outside
Call 000 if the smell is strong, there is fire, or someone is unwell. Otherwise call your gas distributor's 24-hour emergency line, shown on your gas bill or meter.
- 5
Arrange a licensed gasfitter
Do not relight appliances until a licensed gasfitter has found and repaired the leak and tested the installation.
When to stop
- The smell is strong or getting stronger
- Anyone has headaches, dizziness or nausea
- You hear hissing or see damage to a gas line
- The leak is inside and you cannot leave safely
Plumbing
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category will be pre-filled.
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