If you’ve clicked through, it’s because you’re wondering: who do I call if I smell gas outside? But before you unlock your smartphone, the most important thing to remember is that you NEVER assume that smell is harmless just because it’s not inside your home. Smelling gas outdoors can still signal an extremely serious issue with supply lines, meters, or nearby infrastructure.
Knowing the right response can prevent an already risky situation from escalating into something extraordinarily dangerous.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Who to call in Brisbane
- How the answer changes depending on where the smell is coming from
- And what practical steps you should take if you notice gas outside your home.
Why Gas Smells Outside Should Never Be Ignored
Most Brisbane homes connected to gas use natural gas, which is odourless by nature. Because of that, a strong sulphur-like smell is deliberately added so that leaks can be detected quickly – with our noses!
So when you smell gas outside, it often means gas is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t be – either from underground pipework, supply connections, or the meter itself.
One misconception we hear from time to time is that outdoor gas isn’t that dangerous because it safely disperses. Wrong! It can actually collect in:
- Drains
- Pits
- Retaining walls
- Enclosed areas
And under the right conditions it can travel inside your home. That’s why ANY suspected gas leak – even outside – needs to be treated as highly urgent.
Who Do I Call If I Smell Gas Outside My House?
Here in Brisbane, the first call depends on where the smell is coming from and how strong it is. These are the correct priorities every single time:
1. Call Your Gas Distributor If The Smell Is Outside
Is the gas smell coming from outside your home? Near the:
- Front boundary?
- Driveway?
- Footpath?
Around the gas meter? Your first call should be to the gas distributor responsible for the supply network. In Queensland the main emergency hotline for gas leaks or gas odours is:
1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532)
This is the 24/7 gas leak and emergency contact for natural gas supply issues, including outdoor smells and potential leaks on the network up to and including the meter.
If you’re connected through certain smaller networks (for example in southern Brisbane/Gold Coast), Allgas Energy also directs the same 1800 427 532 number for gas emergencies and safety issues.
In any life-threatening or rapidly worsening situation – especially if the smell is very strong, you hear hissing, or anyone feels unwell – call 000 first and evacuate to a safe distance.
2. Call Emergency Services If The Smell Is Strong Or Worsening
We just mentioned 000 above, but let’s flesh that out a little: Is the gas smell:
- Strong?
- Persistent?
- Spreading?
Or do you hear hissing or suspect a major leak that could even be life-threatening?
Call 000 IMMEDIATELY!
This is especially important if the smell is near drains, construction works, or enclosed outdoor areas. Emergency services are trained to manage gas incidents and can secure the area quickly while coordinating with the gas network.
3. Call A Licensed Gas Plumber After The Area Is Safe
Once the gas distributor or emergency services have confirmed the situation is safe, you may need a licensed gas plumber to repair or replace customer-owned pipework, fittings, or appliances.
Plumbers cannot work on gas network infrastructure, which is why they should not be your first call for an outdoor gas smell – but they are essential for permanent repairs once the supply has been isolated.
What If The Gas Smell Is Inside The House Instead?
If you smell gas inside your home, the response is different – and more urgent.
- Do not turn lights or appliances on or off, as even a small spark can ignite gas.
- Open doors and windows if it’s safe to do so
- Get everyone outside immediately
- Call 000 or your gas distributor from a safe distance.
Indoor gas smells pose a much higher risk because gas can accumulate rapidly in enclosed spaces.
What To Do If You Smell Gas Outside (While Waiting For Help)
If you notice gas outside your home, keep your response calm, simple and cautious:
- Move away from the area
- Keep other people clear
- Do NOT smoke or produce any flames
- Do not use power tools.
And if possible, note where the smell is strongest so you can explain it clearly when you call.
It’s also important not to attempt to dig, inspect, or ‘check’ pipes yourself. Gas infrastructure should only ever be handled by authorised professionals.
Common Places Outdoor Gas Smells Come From
In Brisbane, outdoor gas smells are most commonly noticed near the gas meter, along boundary lines, around driveways or footpaths, or after ground movement caused by rain or construction. Older properties and areas with recent works are particularly prone to underground pipe disturbances.
And even if the smell seems minor or intermittent, it’s still worth reporting.
After The Issue Is Resolved
Once the immediate risk has been addressed, arranging a professional inspection of your gas system can help prevent future problems. A licensed gas plumber can check:
- Appliances
- Connections
- And pressure levels.
It’s always best to make sure everything is operating safely, because gas is no joke.
Need A Licensed Gas Plumber In Brisbane?
If you’ve had a gas issue made safe and need expert repairs or follow-up work, the friendly team at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting are fully licensed, Brisbane-based gas specialists.
Call now for fast, professional help exactly when you need it.
If you’ve clicked through, it’s because you’re wondering: who do I call if I smell gas outside? But before you unlock your smartphone, the most important thing to remember is that you NEVER assume that smell is harmless just because it’s not inside your home. Smelling gas outdoors can still signal an extremely serious issue with supply lines, meters, or nearby infrastructure.
Knowing the right response can prevent an already risky situation from escalating into something extraordinarily dangerous.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Who to call in Brisbane
- How the answer changes depending on where the smell is coming from
- And what practical steps you should take if you notice gas outside your home.
Why Gas Smells Outside Should Never Be Ignored
Most Brisbane homes connected to gas use natural gas, which is odourless by nature. Because of that, a strong sulphur-like smell is deliberately added so that leaks can be detected quickly – with our noses!
So when you smell gas outside, it often means gas is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t be – either from underground pipework, supply connections, or the meter itself.
One misconception we hear from time to time is that outdoor gas isn’t that dangerous because it safely disperses. Wrong! It can actually collect in:
- Drains
- Pits
- Retaining walls
- Enclosed areas
And under the right conditions it can travel inside your home. That’s why ANY suspected gas leak – even outside – needs to be treated as highly urgent.
Who Do I Call If I Smell Gas Outside My House?
Here in Brisbane, the first call depends on where the smell is coming from and how strong it is. These are the correct priorities every single time:
1. Call Your Gas Distributor If The Smell Is Outside
Is the gas smell coming from outside your home? Near the:
- Front boundary?
- Driveway?
- Footpath?
Around the gas meter? Your first call should be to the gas distributor responsible for the supply network. In Queensland the main emergency hotline for gas leaks or gas odours is:
1800 GAS LEAK (1800 427 532)
This is the 24/7 gas leak and emergency contact for natural gas supply issues, including outdoor smells and potential leaks on the network up to and including the meter.
If you’re connected through certain smaller networks (for example in southern Brisbane/Gold Coast), Allgas Energy also directs the same 1800 427 532 number for gas emergencies and safety issues.
In any life-threatening or rapidly worsening situation – especially if the smell is very strong, you hear hissing, or anyone feels unwell – call 000 first and evacuate to a safe distance.
2. Call Emergency Services If The Smell Is Strong Or Worsening
We just mentioned 000 above, but let’s flesh that out a little: Is the gas smell:
- Strong?
- Persistent?
- Spreading?
Or do you hear hissing or suspect a major leak that could even be life-threatening?
Call 000 IMMEDIATELY!
This is especially important if the smell is near drains, construction works, or enclosed outdoor areas. Emergency services are trained to manage gas incidents and can secure the area quickly while coordinating with the gas network.
3. Call A Licensed Gas Plumber After The Area Is Safe
Once the gas distributor or emergency services have confirmed the situation is safe, you may need a licensed gas plumber to repair or replace customer-owned pipework, fittings, or appliances.
Plumbers cannot work on gas network infrastructure, which is why they should not be your first call for an outdoor gas smell – but they are essential for permanent repairs once the supply has been isolated.
What If The Gas Smell Is Inside The House Instead?
If you smell gas inside your home, the response is different – and more urgent.
- Do not turn lights or appliances on or off, as even a small spark can ignite gas.
- Open doors and windows if it’s safe to do so
- Get everyone outside immediately
- Call 000 or your gas distributor from a safe distance.
Indoor gas smells pose a much higher risk because gas can accumulate rapidly in enclosed spaces.
What To Do If You Smell Gas Outside (While Waiting For Help)
If you notice gas outside your home, keep your response calm, simple and cautious:
- Move away from the area
- Keep other people clear
- Do NOT smoke or produce any flames
- Do not use power tools.
And if possible, note where the smell is strongest so you can explain it clearly when you call.
It’s also important not to attempt to dig, inspect, or ‘check’ pipes yourself. Gas infrastructure should only ever be handled by authorised professionals.
Common Places Outdoor Gas Smells Come From
In Brisbane, outdoor gas smells are most commonly noticed near the gas meter, along boundary lines, around driveways or footpaths, or after ground movement caused by rain or construction. Older properties and areas with recent works are particularly prone to underground pipe disturbances.
And even if the smell seems minor or intermittent, it’s still worth reporting.
After The Issue Is Resolved
Once the immediate risk has been addressed, arranging a professional inspection of your gas system can help prevent future problems. A licensed gas plumber can check:
- Appliances
- Connections
- And pressure levels.
It’s always best to make sure everything is operating safely, because gas is no joke.
Need A Licensed Gas Plumber In Brisbane?
If you’ve had a gas issue made safe and need expert repairs or follow-up work, the friendly team at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting are fully licensed, Brisbane-based gas specialists.
Call now for fast, professional help exactly when you need it.