FAQs | GAS RELATED PROBLEMS
Why can I smell gas in my home?
What you might be experiencing
You may notice a strong sulphur-like smell resembling rotten eggs or cabbage near a gas appliance, pipework, meter or LPG cylinder. You might also hear hissing or notice an appliance that will not ignite or operate correctly. Any unexplained gas smell should be treated as a potential leak.
What’s likely causing the problem
Possible causes include a loose or damaged connection, deteriorated pipework, a faulty appliance, an extinguished pilot light, a leaking gas valve or regulator, or an issue with the gas meter or supply network. LPG systems may also leak from the cylinder, regulator or connecting hose.
What can you do to fix it?
Leave the property immediately and warn everyone else to leave. Do not smoke, light a flame, operate electrical switches, unplug appliances or use a phone while inside. Once you are safely outside, call 000 if the smell is strong or there is an immediate danger. For a natural-gas supply leak in Jemena’s NSW network, call 131 909. Jemena gas-safety guidance
Do not return until advised that it is safe. Arrange an urgent inspection with MAS Plumbing Solutions to locate the leak, isolate the affected installation and complete the necessary repairs. Never test for a leak using a flame.
Why won’t my gas cooktop ignite?
What you might be experiencing
The burner may click without lighting, produce no spark, ignite only when using a lighter or go out shortly after lighting. You might also notice a weak or uneven flame, or that one burner works while another does not.
What’s likely causing the problem
Common causes include food or grease blocking the burner ports, a wet or incorrectly positioned burner cap, a dirty ignition electrode, interrupted electrical power or an empty LPG cylinder. If none of the burners works, there may be a closed isolation valve, failed regulator, faulty ignition system or interruption to the gas supply.
What can you do to fix it?
Turn the cooktop off and allow it to cool. Clean and dry the removable burner components, then reinstall them correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the cooktop’s power supply and, for LPG systems, whether the cylinder is empty.
If you smell gas, stop immediately. Do not keep attempting to ignite the cooktop or operate electrical switches. Leave the property and call 000 from outside if the smell is strong or there is immediate danger. Otherwise, arrange an inspection with MAS Plumbing Solutions to safely test the cooktop, gas pressure, ignition components and supply.
Why is the gas flame yellow instead of blue?
What you might be experiencing
Your cooktop, heater or hot-water appliance may produce a yellow or orange flame instead of a steady blue flame. You might also notice soot, staining, an unusual smell, poor heating performance or headaches and nausea when the appliance is operating.
What’s likely causing the problem
A persistent yellow flame can indicate incomplete combustion caused by blocked or dirty burner ports, incorrect burner-cap positioning, insufficient airflow, incorrect gas pressure or an appliance configured for the wrong gas type. Dust, cleaning products or airborne particles can sometimes cause temporary orange flickering, but an ongoing yellow flame requires attention.
What can you do to fix it?
Turn the appliance off and allow it to cool. Removable cooktop burners can be cleaned, dried and correctly repositioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not adjust the burner, regulator or gas controls yourself.
If the yellow flame continues—or you notice soot, illness symptoms or a gas smell—stop using the appliance, move into fresh air and arrange an urgent inspection with MAS Plumbing Solutions. Call 000 if anyone is dizzy, fainting or seriously unwell. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled, so the flame colour should not be relied upon as the only warning sign.
Why does my gas hot-water pilot keep going out?
What you might be experiencing
Your hot-water system may repeatedly lose its pilot flame, leaving you with no hot water. The pilot might ignite but go out when you release the control button, extinguish when the main burner starts or remain lit briefly before failing again.
What’s likely causing the problem
Possible causes include a dirty pilot assembly, faulty thermocouple or flame-sensing device, inadequate gas pressure, a failing gas-control valve or excessive draughts affecting the flame. Poor ventilation, a blocked flue or combustion problem may also cause the system’s safety controls to shut it down.
What can you do to fix it?
Follow the manufacturer’s relighting instructions displayed on the unit and make only one careful attempt. Never bypass safety controls or keep trying if you smell gas, see soot or notice a yellow flame.
If the pilot goes out again, turn the system off and arrange an inspection with MAS Plumbing Solutions to test the pilot assembly, thermocouple, gas pressure, ventilation and flue. If you smell gas, leave the property without operating electrical switches and call 000 from outside if there is immediate danger.
How do I turn off my gas supply?
What you might be experiencing
You may need to isolate the gas because you can smell gas, hear hissing, suspect a leak or have a damaged or faulty appliance. You might also need the supply turned off before repairs, appliance replacement or extended non-use.
What’s likely causing the problem
An emergency shut-off may be necessary because of leaking pipework, a loose connection, a faulty appliance, a damaged regulator or an issue near the meter or LPG cylinders. Turning off the supply reduces the flow of gas but does not repair the underlying fault.
What can you do to fix it?
Only approach the shut-off valve if it is safe and there is no strong gas smell, fire or visible damage nearby.
- Natural gas: Locate the valve on the supply pipe beside your external gas meter. Turn it one-quarter turn so the handle sits across the pipe rather than in line with it. Do not force a seized valve or interfere with the meter.
- LPG: Turn the valve on top of the cylinder clockwise to close it. For a twin-cylinder system, close both cylinders.
If you smell gas, do not operate electrical switches, use your phone nearby or create any flame or spark. Leave the area and call 000 from a safe location if there is immediate danger. For Jemena network emergencies, call 131 909. Arrange an inspection with MAS Plumbing Solutions before restoring the supply following a suspected leak. Permanent disconnection or meter work must be arranged through the gas retailer or network provider. Jemena gas-safety information
Concerned about leaking taps and pipes?
Hire a professional to handle all your plumbing needs. You'll save money & gain peace of mind.