Rotten egg or sulphur-like smell near gas appliances
Natural gas is odourless, so an odorant called mercaptan is added to make leaks detectable. If you notice a rotten egg or sulphur smell near your stove, heater, hot water unit, or gas meter, treat it as a potential gas leak. Open doors and windows, avoid operating electrical switches, and evacuate the area before calling a licensed gas fitter.
Pilot light that keeps going out or burns yellow instead of blue
A healthy gas flame burns blue with a small inner cone. A yellow, orange, or flickering flame indicates incomplete combustion - often caused by a dirty burner, incorrect gas pressure, or insufficient air supply. A pilot light that repeatedly extinguishes may point to a faulty thermocouple, blocked pilot tube, or drafting issue that needs professional diagnosis.
Hissing or whistling sound near a gas line or fitting
An audible hiss from a gas pipe, connection, or valve usually means gas is escaping under pressure. Even a small leak can accumulate gas in an enclosed space and create an explosion risk. Do not attempt to tighten fittings yourself - turn off the gas at the meter if safe to do so and call for emergency gas fitting service.
Black soot marks or staining around gas appliances
Soot deposits on or around a gas heater, cooktop, or hot water system indicate incomplete combustion and poor ventilation. This can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide - an odourless, colourless gas that causes headaches, nausea, and in extreme cases can be fatal. Have the appliance inspected and serviced immediately.
Higher than expected gas bills with no usage change
A sudden increase in your gas bill without a corresponding change in usage habits may indicate a gas leak in the supply line or at a connection point. Underground or concealed gas leaks can go undetected for months. A licensed gas fitter can pressure-test the system to confirm whether gas is escaping.