TL;DR: If you smell gas at home, get everyone out immediately and call 000 — do not touch any switches, use any appliances, or re-enter the building. The first 10 minutes determine how safe the next 10 hours are.
Smell gas? Stop. Don't touch a light switch. Don't open the fridge. Don't use your phone inside. Get everyone — people and pets — out of the house immediately, then call 000 once you're outside. That's the whole answer. Here's why each step matters.
What Does a Gas Leak Actually Smell Like?
Natural gas is odourless on its own. Gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan — that's what creates the distinctive rotten egg or sulphur smell. If you catch even a faint whiff, treat it as a confirmed leak. Don't wait for it to get stronger. Don't assume it's a drain.
A homeowner we attended near Coburg assumed the smell was coming from outside — a neighbour's bin. She opened a window and went back inside. When our gas fitter arrived, the gas meter regulator had been weeping for hours. Concentration inside was well above safe limits. The window latch created a spark risk on the way open. She was lucky. Don't make the same call.
The 10-Minute Checklist — In Exact Order
Step 1 (0–60 seconds): Get out. Every person. Every pet. Don't grab your bag. Don't grab your phone charger. Out. The time you spend collecting things is time gas is accumulating.
Step 2 (60–120 seconds): Don't touch anything electrical. No light switches. No power points. No garage door opener. Electrical sparks ignite gas. This includes your phone if you're still inside — wait until you're outside and at a safe distance before calling anyone.
Step 3 (2–5 minutes): Turn off the gas at the meter. If your gas meter is outside or in an open area, turn the valve a quarter turn so it sits perpendicular to the pipe. If the meter is inside the building or in an enclosed space — skip it and leave. Don't go back in.
Step 4 (5 minutes): Call 000. Not a plumber. Not your landlord. 000 first. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade attends gas leaks as emergencies. They carry gas detection equipment, clear the scene, and confirm it's safe before anyone re-enters.
Step 5 (after 000): Call a licensed gas fitter. Once the fire service clears the scene, a
What Not to Do — This List Saves Lives
-
Don't flick any switch — on or off
-
Don't light a match, candle, or cigarette
-
Don't use the range hood, oven, or any exhaust fan
-
Don't re-enter until a licensed gas fitter gives the all-clear
-
Don't assume the smell disappearing means the leak has stopped
-
Don't call a plumber who isn't specifically VBA-licensed for gas
How Long Does a Gas Leak Repair Actually Take?
Most gas leak repairs in Melbourne take between 45 minutes and three hours. A loose fitting at the meter or a regulator fault is a fast fix. A leak inside a wall cavity or under a concrete slab takes longer — gas leak detection equipment is needed to pinpoint it without guessing.
Straightforward repairs typically run $250–$600. Detection work plus internal pipe repair can reach $800–$1,500 depending on access and materials. What it never costs is what a gas explosion costs. Learn more here:
Need a Licensed Gas Fitter in Melbourne Right Now?
Call 1300 102 158 — or
Visit our
People Also Ask
What should I do first if I smell gas at home? Get everyone out of the house immediately — don't stop to grab anything, and don't touch any electrical switches on the way. Call 000 once you're outside and at a safe distance. Only call a licensed gas fitter after the fire brigade has attended and confirmed the scene is safe.
How do I turn off the gas in an emergency? Find your gas meter — usually on an outside wall or in a cabinet near the front of the property. Turn the valve a quarter turn so it sits perpendicular to the pipe. If the meter is indoors or in an enclosed space, don't go in to reach it. Get out and call 000.
How much does it cost to fix a gas leak in Melbourne? Straightforward repairs typically cost $250–$600 for accessible fittings or regulator faults. Internal pipe leaks requiring detection equipment and wall or slab access can run $800–$1,500. All repair costs include a pressure test before your gas is turned back on.
Can a gas leak go away on its own? No. A gas leak will not resolve itself — the source is a physical fault in a fitting, regulator, or pipe that requires a VBA-licensed gas fitter to repair. If the smell fades, it usually means gas has dispersed through the building rather than the leak stopping. Do not re-enter until a professional has inspected and pressure-tested the line.