How do I know if I have a gas leak?

Gas Plumbing Chadstone

A customer in Chadstone reported a gas leak in their DUX hot water unit. Our licensed gas plumbers attended the call fast.

The Doherty Plumbing Solutions team investigated the unit and found the gas cock supply to the hot water unit was leaking, due to a loose compression nut. The existing compression nut was tightened, and soapy water test carried out around the appliance’s connections. Everything was found back to working order.

Everything was tested, and all was ok! The heater was now functioning perfectly relying on a gas booster unit.

How do you know if there is a gas leak?

A potential gas leak is not always easy to detect – it may not make a sound or is easily smelt/seen. Moreover, there could be a danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

So, having a professional gas plumber inspect all gas appliances and pipelines regularly will ensure their safety and efficiency. Where required, they may also advise you on long-term fixes and the correct upgrades.

Observing these tell-tale signs might mean calling a licensed gas plumber for renewal/repair of your gas units and connections in Melbourne.

  • Physical manifestations
    A gas leak can be deceiving. A rotten egg-like stench in your property, and residents suffering from flu-like symptoms, including headache, nausea, muscle pain and weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pain, could indicate a potential gas spillage.
  • Gas output
    Erratic gas output, and when appliances start burning a yellow flame, could be signs of a problem in the supply line. A safely burning gas flame is bluish yellow in colour.
  • Hissing noise
    A hissing sound from a point in the gas connection or a gas appliance means there might be a leak. This requires an immediate fix, with the help of an expert gas plumber.
  • Unusual gas bills
    If you suspect the monthly gas bills at your household or workplace are inconsistent with the usage, this higher-than-normal amount could be a sign of faulty gas lines.
  • Decomposing plant matter
    Dead/decomposing/withering vegetation in spots around your property’s gas mains and connecting pipes could be a giveaway of gas line malfunctions.
  • Old, galvanized pipes
    Outdated galvanized gas pipes run the risk of corrosion and rusting, which need replacement in the long run to avoid gas leakage that might cause a health hazard.

More information:

When your hot wat

For the latest gas safety information from Energy Safe Victoria, please visit the following links:

You can also contact Energy Safe Victoria via info@energysafe.vic.gov.au or call 03 9203 9700 or 1800 800 158 (freecall). For any emergencies, please always dial 000.

How can Doherty Plumbing Solutions help?

As your local gasfitting experts in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, our licensed and experienced gas plumbing professionals here at Doherty Plumbing Solutions can locate and safely carry out necessary repairs/renewals of all types of gas lines and appliances. We will provide you with a Gas Safety Report on completion of work.

Get in touch with the Doherty Plumbing Solutions office today at:

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    George came; did my work quietly and respectfully. Noted a problem (big gaping crack in the pipe under the bench), and asked if we would like to change it. No pressure applied, and just added it to his list when I gave the go ahead. Would use this company again and again.
    Kath Edney Avatar
    Kath Edney
    3/30/2024
    I have been using Doherty Plumbing Solutions for a few years now and I have always found them to be great value and relieable.
    Andrew Radford Avatar
    Andrew Radford
    9/08/2025
    Brian Doherty and his team provided first class service for several gas/electric requirements we had. The plumbing staff were excellent, fully capable, and very easy to work with. Most highly recommended service.
    PJB Avatar
    PJB
    9/13/2024
    Highly recommended 10/10. On time . Courteous guy , friendly and polite. In lead up to him arriving I was kept in the loop during the whole process. Cost I was amazed it was so reasonable. Being screwed in the past by tradesmen this plumbing service made me realise honest tradesmen are still around. Thanks. Guys.
    Gazza East Melbourne Avatar
    Gazza East Melbourne
    3/30/2024
    Arrived at the scheduled time, completed the work professionally and in a timely manner, and to our complete satisfaction, as has always been the case in the past. Staff are always polite and skilled.
    Roger Wilson Avatar
    Roger Wilson
    10/13/2024
    The first gentleman I arranged the appointment with at Doherty Plumbing was most helpful & the attending plumber was a lovely, polite young man who arrived promptly, worked efficiently & completed the job well. Greatly appreciated.
    Denise Dixon Avatar
    Denise Dixon
    10/27/2025
    Quick and efficient. The work was done as quoted and unlike many tradies they turned up when they said they would. Very happy with there work.
    Tony G Avatar
    Tony G
    12/13/2024
    Tim arrived on time and quickly and efficiently got to the work needed - snaking out a blocked storm outlet. All working now like it should and as I hoped. Great service from Doherty’s!
    Mark Coffey Avatar
    Mark Coffey
    8/12/2025
    I had an incredible experience with George from Doherty Plumbing. He was punctual, reliable and sorted out my leaking roof. Trustworthy and experienced. Would definitely recommend this small business if you are looking for excellent skills.
    Natalie King Avatar
    Natalie King
    11/03/2025
    I have been dealing with Doherty Plumbing for some years and I find them to be professional, knowledgeable and prompt. Their costs are very competitive. They are quick and always fix the problem. They have been so competent and reliable, that I will always call them and never go anywhere else.
    Gillian Morgan Avatar
    Gillian Morgan
    2/06/2025
    For reliable plumbing services, call 03 9877 5775 or 0417 577 432