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    Outdated galvanized gas pipes run the risk of corrosion and rusting, which need replacement in the long run to avoid gas leakage that might cause a health hazard.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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    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
    Came same day as I called to fix broken tap that couldn’t be turned off (had to turn water off at mains to stop flooding). Third time I’ve used them within 12 months for different issues. Very helpful, professional staff and reasonable pricing. Highly recommended.
    Garry & Wendy Grinsted Avatar
    Garry & Wendy Grinsted
    4/23/2024
    Great service, arrived on time and fixed our burst garden pipe quickly. Very happy with the service, would use Doherty Plumbing again.
    Anna Stewart Avatar
    Anna Stewart
    2/29/2024
    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
    The team at Doherty Plumbing provided exceptional services at very short notice to fix my hot water system. Their quote was very fair and honest quote where other plumbers were charging extortionate amounts for the same problem. They were able to fix the issue within the day and communicated very well. I highly recommend their services.
    Laura Avatar
    Laura
    11/06/2025
    Super quick diagnosis and service from the crew at Doherty’s Plumbing. The plumber who attended was really friendly and helpful. Highly recommend 😉
    Peggy Couper-Woods Avatar
    Peggy Couper-Woods
    10/21/2025
    Of the many plumbing services they offer, this is the second time I've engaged them for different types of work. James has been very helpful and efficient in scheduling a time for a roof leak repair. Very pleased that the work was completed promptly. Trust that they have addressed the issues at hand.
    tjokro aminoto Avatar
    tjokro aminoto
    12/13/2024
    The 3rd time I have used the Doherty team for Plumbing issues and I highly recommend them! Responsive, professional, polite and reasonably priced, all make for a great experience.
    Matt Lane Avatar
    Matt Lane
    2/29/2024
    James was professional and knowledgeable. He explained my shower leaking issues as I was not able to attend myself. The plumbing work was completed promptly. And I was advised next steps with Tiler to make water proof. Very helpful and would definitely recommend to my family & friends.
    Fay Avatar
    Fay
    11/21/2025
    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