8 Gas Fitting Issues Homeowners Face & How To Prevent Them

1. Gas Leaks: A Silent but Dangerous Threat

A leak is one of the most critical risks in any home with gas appliances. Gas is odourless by nature, so a chemical additive is used to give it that familiar rotten egg smell. But leaks can still go undetected for too long—especially if they’re small or in underground lines.

What causes them?

• Deteriorated gas pipes or joints
• Loose appliance connections
• Poor installation practices
• Corroded fittings or outdoor pipe damage

How to prevent it:

• Schedule annual pressure checks by a licensed gas fitter
• Replace ageing or worn-out components promptly
• Avoid DIY repairs—incorrect fixes can make things worse
  

2. Ageing Appliances That Hide Serious Hazards

Gas appliances don’t last forever. Over time, burners can become blocked, safety valves may fail, and carbon monoxide can be released without any warning signs.



Red flags to look for:

• Yellow or flickering flames
• Soot or scorch marks near the appliance
• Pilot lights that won’t stay lit
• Unusual odours or sounds

Prevention tip:

Have your appliances professionally serviced every 1–2 years. A gas fitter will clean burners, test safety controls, and check ventilation systems to reduce risks.

3. Poor Installation: The Source of Long-Term Problems

When gas systems or appliances are installed by someone unqualified, you risk major safety issues. Gas installation must comply with Australian Standards, and incorrect setups can result in pressure faults or dangerous leaks.



Common installation mistakes:

• Incorrect pipe sizing
• No isolation valves near appliances
• Use of incompatible or uncertified parts
• Improper fluing for indoor gas heaters

Prevention tip:

Only use a licensed gas fitter for any installation or upgrade. They’ll issue a compliance certificate and ensure everything meets local code.

4. Faulty Pipe or Hose Connections

Gas travels through a network of connections—between your main supply, pipes, joints and appliances. Even if everything else is in top condition, a single faulty connection can compromise your entire system.



Watch for:

• Hissing noises near joints
• Signs of wear on flexi hoses
• Loose fittings after moving appliances

Prevention tip:

Have your connections inspected and tested regularly. A gas fitter will pressure test all joints and replace any faulty seals or fittings.

5. Weather & Ground Movement Impacting Underground Lines

Tamworth’s varied weather conditions—particularly in areas with clay soils—can lead to subtle but damaging ground movement. This natural shift places strain on buried gas pipes and fittings, potentially leading to cracks or disconnections.

Natural Shifts

• Heavy rainfall causing soil swelling and pipe misalignment
• Drought or dry conditions causing soil shrinkage
• Seasonal temperature changes affecting metal fittings

Inspection Solutions

• Using specialised leak detectors to monitor underground lines
• Installing expansion joints where movement is likely
• Performing trench inspections if leaks are suspected

Early detection is vital to prevent gas from migrating into crawl spaces or walls, where it may accumulate unnoticed.

6. DIY Gas Work: Illegal & Highly Dangerous

While handling small gas jobs during renovations or appliance swaps may be tempting, DIY gas fitting is illegal and extremely dangerous. Even a minor mistake can result in leaks, explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning.



Legal and safety concerns include:

• Heavy fines and insurance voidance for unlicensed gas work
• Increased risk of gas leaks or system damage
• Improper venting of appliances or exhaust systems
• Failure to meet Australian Standards for materials and installation

Always engage a licensed gas fitter to handle installations, upgrades, or repairs. They’ll issue a compliance certificate, assuring you that the job was done safely and legally.

7. Signs That Your System Needs Immediate Attention

Being proactive starts with recognising the early warning signs of a gas problem. If anything seems unusual, call a gas fitter for a safety check.



Some signs to watch for:

• A sulphur or rotten egg smell near appliances or outdoors
• Hissing or whistling sounds near pipes or fittings
• Unusually high gas bills despite regular usage
• Appliances not performing as they used to
• Burners that won’t stay lit or don’t light at all

These symptoms suggest something more than a faulty appliance. They often indicate a deeper issue in the gas line or supply that requires immediate attention.

8. Lack of Regular Maintenance Leading to Emergencies

Just like any home system, gas fittings need regular servicing to stay safe and efficient. A licensed gas fitter can identify and correct small problems before they become major hazards.

Preventive Maintenance

• Annual inspections for homes using gas heating or multiple gas appliances
• Pressure testing the system for hidden leaks
• Cleaning appliance burners and checking exhaust vents

Long-Term Safety

• Keeping fittings and joints sealed and secure
• Verifying that all appliances meet current safety standards
• Ensuring safe, reliable operation of water heaters, ovens, and heaters

Routine servicing saves money in the long run by avoiding costly emergency repairs, appliance failures and insurance issues due to non-compliance.

Need Help From a Licensed Gas Fitter Near you?

At ACS Plumbing, we understand the importance of a safe and efficient gas system. Whether it’s identifying a hidden leak, upgrading an old appliance or ensuring your home complies with Australian standards, our licensed gas fitters in Tamworth are ready to help. 

Our gas fitters are fully qualified to handle installations, maintenance, and emergency repairs across all types of gas systems. Don’t wait for a problem to become a hazard—get in touch via our contact page or give us a call for more information or to book a service.