5 Types of Gas Leaks in Homes You Should Know About – Follow Our Guide

Gas leaks in homes are more common than you might think − and they can be extremely dangerous.

From fire hazards to serious health risks, an unnoticed leak can put your family at risk. The tricky part? Not all gas leaks are the same. Some are easy to detect with a strong smell, while others are completely odourless and invisible.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through five different types of gas leaks that can occur in homes, including natural gas, carbon monoxide, and even refrigerant leaks.

Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make all the difference in keeping your home safe. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, understanding these risks is essential. Let’s take a closer look at the types of gas leaks you should be aware of.

1. Natural Gas Leaks

Natural gas is widely used in homes for heating, cooking, and powering appliances. While it’s efficient and convenient, a gas leak can be extremely dangerous, leading to fire hazards, explosions and health risks. Here’s what you need to know:

How Natural Gas Leaks Occur

• Faulty or damaged gas lines – Ageing pipes, corrosion or physical damage can cause leaks.
• Loose or broken connections – Appliances like stoves, water heaters and furnaces can develop leaks at connection points.
• Improper installation – Poorly fitted gas lines can allow gas to escape.

Signs of a Natural Gas Leak

• Rotten egg smell – Gas companies add a chemical (mercaptan) to make leaks noticeable.
• Hissing sounds – A leak may produce a faint hissing or whistling noise.
• Dead plants – Gas leaks can kill indoor or outdoor plants near the leak source.
• Physical symptoms – Headaches, dizziness, nausea and difficulty breathing.

What to Do if You Suspect a Leak

• Turn off the gas supply (if safe to do so).
• Open windows and doors for ventilation.
• Leave the house immediately and avoid using electrical devices.
• Call emergency services (000) or a qualified gas professional for immediate help.

2. Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer for a reason − it’s colourless, odourless and highly toxic. Unlike natural gas, which has a distinct rotten egg smell, carbon monoxide gives no warning when it leaks into your home.

It’s produced by fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces. If these appliances aren’t properly vented or maintained, CO can build up to dangerous levels.

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and even unconsciousness. In severe cases, prolonged exposure can be fatal. That’s why having a carbon monoxide detector in your home is essential. These devices can alert you to dangerous CO levels before it becomes a serious threat.

To prevent leaks, schedule regular inspections of gas appliances and ensure proper ventilation. If your CO detector goes off, open windows, leave your home immediately, and call emergency services.

Never ignore potential symptoms, especially if multiple people in your home experience them at the same time. Early detection can save lives.

3. LPG Leaks

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is commonly used in homes for heating, cooking and powering appliances like water heaters and barbecues.

While it’s an efficient fuel source, a LPG leak can be dangerous, leading to fire hazards, explosions or even asphyxiation in enclosed spaces.

Here’s what you need to know about LPG gas leaks:

How LPG Leaks Occur

• Faulty LPG tanks or regulators – A worn-out or damaged tank can leak gas.
• Loose or broken connections – Gas lines or appliance connections may develop leaks over time.
• Overfilled LPG tanks – Excess LPG can expand and escape from the tank.

Signs of a LPG Leak

• Strong rotten egg smell – LPG is odourised to make leaks detectable.
• Hissing sounds – A high-pressure LPG leak may create a hissing noise.
• White mist or frost near the leak – LPG leaks can cause frost buildup on valves or lines.
• Difficulty breathing, dizziness or nausea – Symptoms of LPG inhalation.

What to Do If You Suspect a Leak

• Turn off the LPG supply immediately.
• Do not use electrical devices or open flames.
• Leave the area and call emergency services or an LPG professional.
• Have your LPG system inspected and repaired before use.

4. Sewer Gas Leaks

Sewer gas leaks are often overlooked, but they can be just as concerning as other gas leaks in your home. Sewer gas is a mixture of gases, including methane, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia, which can be harmful in high concentrations.

The most recognisable sign of a sewer gas leak is a strong, rotten egg smell coming from drains, toilets or basements.

These leaks typically occur when drain traps dry out, sewer lines crack, or plumbing vents become blocked. While small amounts of sewer gas might only cause unpleasant odours, prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory irritation, dizziness and even nausea. In extreme cases, methane buildup can pose an explosion risk.

To prevent sewer gas leaks, ensure that drains are regularly used to keep water in the traps, check for cracks in sewer pipes and keep plumbing vents clear. If you notice a persistent sewer smell, don’t ignore it − contact a plumber to inspect your system. A quick fix can save you from potential health risks and serious plumbing issues.

5. Refrigerant Gas Leaks

Refrigerant gas leaks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of gas leaks, but they can pose serious health and environmental risks. Found in air conditioners, refrigerator and heat pumps, refrigerants like Freon help keep your home cool.

However, when these gases leak, they can affect air quality, harm the environment and even cause health issues if inhaled in large amounts.

One of the first signs of a refrigerant leak is reduced cooling efficiency − your AC or fridge might struggle to maintain the right temperature. You may also notice a hissing sound, an oily residue near refrigerant lines, or even mild dizziness and breathing difficulties. Unlike natural gas, refrigerant leaks don’t have a strong odour, making them harder to detect.

To prevent leaks, have your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and appliances serviced regularly. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, turn off the system and call a professional technician immediately. Handling refrigerants yourself is dangerous, so it’s always best to let a trained expert fix the issue safely.

How to Prevent and Respond to Gas Leaks

Gas leaks can be dangerous, but the good news is that most leaks can be prevented with proper maintenance and awareness. Knowing what to do in an emergency can also help protect your home and family from potential harm.

How to Prevent Gas Leaks

• Schedule regular inspections – Have a professional check your gas lines, appliances, and HVAC systems at least once a year.
• Install gas detectors – These can detect natural gas, LPG or carbon monoxide before it becomes a serious threat.
• Check appliances for wear and tear – Inspect gas-powered appliances for loose connections, rust or cracks.
• Keep vents and flues clear – Proper ventilation prevents gas buildup and carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Know the shut-off valve location – In an emergency, turning off the gas supply can prevent further leakage.

How to Respond to a Gas Leak

• Turn off the gas supply immediately (if safe to do so).
• Open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
• Do not use electrical devices, matches or open flames – even a small spark can ignite gas.
• Evacuate the home and call emergency services (000) or a licensed gas professional.
• Do not return inside until a professional gas fitter confirms it’s safe.

Better Safe Than Sorry

By staying proactive and knowing how to respond, you can prevent gas leaks from turning into life-threatening emergencies.

Gas leaks are a serious safety concern, but knowing the different types and their warning signs can help you protect your home and family. Whether it’s natural gas, carbon monoxide, LPG, sewer gas or refrigerant leaks, early detection is key to preventing fires, health risks and costly damage.

Regular maintenance, installing gas detectors and paying attention to unusual smells or symptoms can go a long way in keeping your home safe. If you ever suspect a gas leak, act fast − turn off the gas supply, ventilate the area, and call a professional immediately.

By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risks associated with gas leaks and enjoy peace of mind in your home. When in doubt, always seek expert help − it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.