Gas Leaks and Gasfitting

Emergency Plumber Geelong does plumbing work across the Geelong and Bellarine region, including gas leaks. Tell us what's happening and whether water is still running. We give you a firm price before work starts.

Right now, in this order

One. Get everyone out of the building.

Two. Don't touch electrical switches, don't use a phone inside, don't light anything. A switch arcing is an ignition source.

Three. If you can reach the gas meter safely from outside, turn it off.

Four. From outside, ring 000 if anyone is at risk, and ring AusNet Services on 13 67 07 — they are the gas distributor for western Victoria including Geelong.

Only after all of that do you ring us.

Why the distributor comes before the plumber

AusNet is responsible for the gas network up to and including your meter, and they attend leaks. That call costs you nothing and they can make the supply safe.

A licensed gasfitter handles everything on your side of the meter — the pipework and appliances inside the property. Both may be needed, but the distributor is the one who makes it safe.

Gasfitting is its own licence

In Victoria, gasfitting is a separate class from general plumbing. A plumber licensed for water is not automatically permitted to work on gas.

Gas work goes to a plumber who holds the gasfitting class, as the law requires, and you can check any practitioner's class yourself on the BPC public register.

Carbon monoxide is the quieter risk

Unlike a gas leak, carbon monoxide has no smell. It can come from a faulty or poorly ventilated gas heater.

Energy Safe Victoria says gas heaters should be serviced by a licensed gasfitter at least every two years. If yours is overdue, have it done before winter. Symptoms — headaches, nausea, tiredness that improves when you leave the house — are worth taking seriously. That is not something to wait out.