6 Telltale Signs To Call A Gas Fitter

The gas systems and appliances in your home should be handled with proper precautions to ensure the safety of all your family members, your house, and your surroundings. If something goes wrong with the gas, it could be deadly! And you don’t want that.

So, your best bet here is a gas fitter – a licensed professional who can take care of your gas system related issues like installation, maintenance, and repair. 

But how do you know when to call a gas fitter?

6 Signs You Need a Gas Fitter 

Do you notice an odd smell in the air at home? Or are you receiving unusually high gas bills? Perhaps these are the signs you need to call a professional gas fitter to inspect or repair your gas system or appliances. 

Here are top 6 signs that tell you when it’s the right time to call a gas fitter:

1.You smell a gas odour

Natural gas is odourless, but a smell is intentionally added to it so you can detect leaks as soon as the gas is out. This smell can be described as similar to rotten eggs. 
The odd waft of gas can happen but if you notice a persistent smell around gas appliances, gas lines or gas tanks you must take action.
Gas leaks can result in a fire, blast, and gas poisoning. So, if you smell gas, you need to seek advice.

2. A hissing sound near the gas lines or appliances

If you cannot detect a smell, use your ears. When gas leaks from the lines or appliances, you might hear a hissing sound. a quick test is to put some soapy water on where you thing the hissing is coming from. if it is leaking you will see bubbles.
Get in touch with a gas fitter quickly and they will direct you what steps to take.

3. Dead Foliage

If gas lines are running to your home, is there patches of dead lawn? or is there dead plants around gas bottles or a gas hot water service? Leaking gas will kill plants that it comes into contact with.
if you think the gas leak in under ground, you can put soapy water onto a dead lawn patch and you will see soap bubbles will signal there is a leak coming from underneath.

4. The pilot light struggles to stay lit

If the pilot light on a gas appliance struggles to light up or keeps going out, it’s a sign that your gas appliance needs an inspection. The appliance could be faulty, or there could be a gas supply issue. 

5. Gas appliances heating slower

Another sign of insufficient gas supply could be your gas appliances taking longer than usual to heat up. This could happen due to a block in the gas line, insufficient gas pressure, improper functioning, or something else. Get a gas fitter to inspect the line and appliance thoroughly to address any complications.

6. A sudden increase in your gas bills

If you’re surprised by a hefty gas bill, it’s time to check your past bills and compare them. If the costs spike, either your gas line has a bad leak already, or your gas appliances are working inefficiently. Having a gas fitter check and fix these issues can save you from costly repairs in future.

Types of Services Gas Fitters Provide 

Gas fitters do more than installing gas lines or fixing gas leaks. Here’s a list of services you can expect from a gas fitter in your home.

Gas Components Installation

The work of gas fitters includes the comprehensive installation of various gas appliances, fixtures, and gas lines. You might need a gas fitter to install:

• Gas stoves 
• Gas hot water Systems
• Gas pool heaters
• Furnaces
• Outdoor gas barbecues
• Gas Lines
• Gas-Powered Clothes Dryers

Routine Maintenance, Safety Inspection & Repair

When you have a gas system and appliances at home, you must inspect them regularly for leaks and potential issues. Maintaining these helps you avoid all the costly repairs and potential gas hazards. During a maintenance visit, a gas fitter can- 

• Inspect gas lines and appliances, looking for potential leaks or wear.
• Clean dirt, dust, and debris build up on burners. 
• Replace old filters on the gas appliances like furnaces and gas heaters.
• Examine the ventilation systems to reduce the possibility of CO poisoning. 
• Test pilot lights, making sure they function properly

Gas Line Relocation and Extensions

Gas line relocation and extension services are usually needed when you change your home’s layout or wish to extend gas lines to new locations. A gas fitter can safely relocate or expand the gas lines, following all safety codes and regulations and provide the gas safety certificate. 

Gas Emergency Services

Professional gas fitters can promptly reach your location during emergencies like leaks or appliance failures. In emergencies, a gas fitter can: 

• Immediately stop the gas supply and locate the source of the leak 
• Repair damaged lines or connections 
• Ensure the affected area is vented correctly and safe
• Promptly fix any gas supply issue or repair faulty gas regulators and appliances 
• Safely repairing or replacing burst pipes while stopping the gas leak

Do You Need a Profesional Gas Fitter?

Australian laws prohibit DIY gas installations and repairs. So, it’s clear why homeowners should not opt for a DIY gas fitting. Plus, if your gas system is not installed and handled by a professional gas fitter, you could receive fines or experience legal and invalidated insurance issues.

Even if you disregard these laws, gas shouldn’t be handled by anyone as it’s highly flammable. Gases like carbon monoxide (CO) can even cause poisoning, which is fatal in most cases. Not to mention, often, minor gas leaks lead to an explosion or fire just because of negligence.

When a professional gas fitter handles such issues, they do it with utmost precaution, following all safety standards. They have the training, equipment and experience to handle such risky tasks. In fact, gas fitters can address all the underlying your issues, identify many potential issues and suggest long-term solutions. 

FAQs

What type of gas is used in Australian homes?

The main gas distribution system supplies natural gas. LPG is the gas stored in tanks or cylinders is used in areas where natural gas is not available. 

How can you tell someone has gas poisoning?

The first signs of gas poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, seizures, chest pain, loss of consciousness and disorientation. If you experience something like this, please immediately seek medical attention. 

Who can conduct a gas safety check in Australia?

Gas safety checks must be done by licensed or registered gasfitters

We’re Ready To Handle Your Gas Fitting Needs 

Plumbmaster Plumbing is a family-run company serving clients in the Hills District and Surrounding areas. We’re a family-friendly business that arrives spot on time while providing a courtesy call or SMS before arriving.

Call us at 0430 054 007 to book a Free consultation and receive upfront pricing from our licensed and insured plumbers.