We set the scene for Melbourne households and businesses — if you notice a strong odour, act fast to protect people, pets and property. We explain clear, practical steps to reduce ignition risk, ventilate low areas and isolate supply where needed.
Do not use naked flames or operate switches, appliances or mobile phones. Open windows and doors and turn off gas appliances so pilot lights go out. If the smell stays after that, close the main tap at the meter and move to fresh air.
For life‑threatening danger call 000 immediately. For meter or street faults contact your distributor (for example Jemena 131 909 or Australian Gas Networks 1800 427 532). We are based in Melbourne and offer 24/7 response for licensed repairs, general plumbing, blocked drains, burst pipes and leak fixes.
We use reputable brands and quality materials, and our goal on this page is to give reliable information so you can act quickly and safely. Keep our number handy: 1800 571 216.
Key Takeaways
- Recognise odours and act quickly to reduce ignition risks.
- Ventilate low spaces — LP gas can collect near the floor.
- Do not operate switches or phones; turn off appliances and the meter if needed.
- Call 000 for threats to life or property; contact your distributor for meter faults.
- We provide 24/7 Melbourne response for licensed repairs and everyday plumbing.
Recognise the signs of a gas leak and act fast
A sudden rotten‑egg or cabbage smell indoors calls for immediate caution and quick safety steps. Treat that scent as a potential hazard and move people and pets to fresh air. From a safe distance, check visible fittings without touching switches or controls.
Smell gas? What natural gas and LP gas odours mean
Odorant added to natural gas gives it that rotten‑egg or cabbage scent so you can detect a fault early. Even faint or intermittent smells should not be ignored—act as if you suspect gas leak until a professional confirms the source.
Common clues: pilot lights, burners, flames and hissing near the meter
Look and listen for signs beyond smell: a hissing sound at pipe joints, bubbles with soapy water on fittings, or plants dying above underground lines. Extinguished pilot lights, misfiring burners and soot marks show an appliance may be malfunctioning.
- Blue, steady flame is normal; persistent yellow or orange flame needs servicing.
- Do not relight a gas appliance while you detect odour; isolate supply if smell remains.
- Keep the suspected area clear and ventilate when safe to do so.
| Clue | What to check | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Unusual odour | Room, cupboards, floor cavities | Evacuate, ventilate, call for help |
| Hissing sound | Pipe joints, meter area | Do not touch; move to fresh air |
| Pilot or burner issues | Stove, heater, water heater | Turn off appliances; do not relight |
After taking immediate safety steps, our licensed Melbourne team at OnCall Emergency Plumbers can attend 24/7 for detection and repairs. We work across homes and businesses using reputable brands. Call 1800 571 216.
Immediate safety steps during a gas leak emergency
Our first priority is safety. If you suspect gas, act quickly to remove ignition risks and get people to fresh air.
Avoid anything that can start a flame or spark. Keep all naked flames out of the area. Do not smoke or strike matches.
- No switches or devices: Do not use electrical switches, appliances or mobile phones while you are inside. Step outside first if you must call.
- Turn off appliances: Switch off gas appliances at their controls and ensure pilot lights have gone out before returning indoors.
- Ventilate: Open doors and windows to increase ventilation and help disperse fumes. Let fresh air flow in while keeping bystanders clear.
If there is fire or an immediate threat to life or property, call 000 without delay. After you follow these steps, we can attend 24/7 anywhere in Melbourne. We provide repairs, leak fixes and safety testing using reputable brands and quality materials. For fast response contact our team or an emergency plumber Flemington service; call 1800 571 216.
Isolate the supply safely at the gas meter
Prioritise fresh air and clear the room; only then approach the meter to isolate the supply.
First steps: make sure every appliance control is off and pilot lights are out before you touch the meter. Keep ventilation running and do not operate indoor switches while you work.
How to turn the main gas supply tap to OFF at the meter
The main tap sits beside the meter, usually inside the meter box. Locate the control and turn the supply off as required.
Gate valve versus lever tap: OFF positions and safe handling
- Gate valve: turn the wheel clockwise until fully seated — do this gently if it is stiff.
- Lever tap: align the lever to the OFF position, typically perpendicular to the pipe.
- Avoid forcing a seized valve to prevent damage to fittings or pipe work.
After isolating, do not relight appliances or pilot lights yourself. Wait for a licensed professional to confirm it is safe. We can attend fast across Melbourne to locate and repair the issue. OnCall Emergency Plumbers are available 24/7 and use reputable brands to deliver quality, affordable work. Call 1800 571 216.
Who to call in Melbourne and when to call 000
Knowing who to contact can make the difference between a safe outcome and serious harm. Keep clear contacts and simple steps ready so you can act calm and fast.
Call 000 immediately if there’s a fire, danger to life or property
If there is a fire, explosion or any immediate threat to life or property, call 000 without delay. Move everyone to fresh air and stay a safe distance away. Do not return until authorities say it is safe.
Contact your distributor for meter or network faults
For problems at the meter or in the utility network, contact the distributor. Key Melbourne contacts:
- Jemena: 131 909
- Australian Gas Networks: 1800 427 532
- Energy Safe Victoria (advice and reporting): 1800 815 721
These services manage public supply and will advise on street‑side or gas meter issues.
Why licensed gasfitters matter under Energy Safe Victoria
Issues inside your house after the meter must be fixed by a licensed gasfitter. Energy Safe Victoria requires licensed trades to test, repair and issue a compliance certificate for qualifying work.
We offer 24/7 licensed services across Melbourne to repair internal faults, replace components and restore safe operation. For fast, reliable repairs and more information, call 1800 571 216.
Special considerations: natural gas versus LP gas and ventilation
Different fuels behave differently indoors, so ventilation and handling should match the type of supply you use.
Natural gas is lighter than air and tends to rise and disperse. LP is heavier and can pool at floor level, in cellars or pits.
Ventilate low-lying spaces thoroughly before anyone attempts to relight pilot lights or return appliances to service.
- Air enclosed areas well and avoid anything that could ignite vapours in the area.
- Watch for poor combustion: persistent yellow flame, soot, headaches or drowsiness—stop use and call us for a licensed service.
- If odour persists after switching appliances off, isolate the main supply at the meter and keep people clear of the space.
| Fuel type | Behaviour indoors | Immediate action |
|---|---|---|
| Natural gas | Rises and disperses | Ventilate high and low, check pilot lights, arrange professional service |
| LP (liquefied petroleum) | Pools at floor level and in pits | Ventilate low areas first, avoid ignition, isolate supply if odour stays |
| All fuels | May cause poor combustion | Stop use, do not relight until a licensed fitter confirms safety |
We can inspect and service both natural gas and LP installations across Melbourne 24/7. We use quality materials and offer budget‑minded options. Call OnCall Emergency Plumbers on 1800 571 216.
Professional help now: OnCall Emergency Plumbers, 24/7 across Melbourne
When a suspected supply fault affects your home, get professional help fast to limit damage and restore safe operation.
We are Melbourne‑based and available 24/7. Our team responds quickly to protect people and property and to restore power and essential services.
What we do in a gas emergency: leak detection, repairs and safety testing
We locate the source precisely, isolate the supply and carry out compliant repairs. Our work includes pressure testing and appliance checks.
Trusted quality at an affordable price, using reputable brands and materials
We use reputable brands and quality materials so repairs last and meet safety standards. We balance safety, performance and affordability for every job.
Fast response for homes and businesses — call 1800 571 216
- Rapid 24/7 attendance across Melbourne for detection, isolation and certified repairs.
- Safety testing on completion to make sure combustion, ventilation and clearances meet rules.
- We support homes and businesses, and can handle related plumbing work like blocked drains and burst pipes.
- We explain the cause, the work we did and any follow‑up steps to protect your property.
- If odour persists after turning off appliances, isolate the main supply at the meter and contact a licensed professional. Never relight while you smell gas. For life‑threatening situations call 000.
We’re ready now — call 1800 571 216 and we’ll guide you on safe steps while our licensed team is on the way.
Conclusion
Keep safety front of mind: act quickly to remove ignition sources and get people outside.
If you smell gas, avoid sparks and naked flames, do not use electrical switches or mobile phones, and open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
Turn off gas appliances and ensure pilot lights go out. If the odour continues, carefully turn the main tap at the meter to OFF (gate valve clockwise) and keep clear of the supply.
Save our number — OnCall Emergency Plumbers are available 24/7 across Melbourne. For urgent help or to arrange a service that protects your home and property, call 1800 571 216.
