Gas connection is an essential part of every household, carrying fuel to stoves. But when something goes wrong inside those lines, the results can be catastrophic.

Gas is usually stored under pressure so it can move through pipes and reach appliances. If the joints, seals, or fittings become loose or rusty, the pressure can push gas out, causing a leak. Over time, metal pipes can wear down, especially when they are exposed to moisture or when the ground shifts. This makes it easier for cracks and holes to form, which increases the chance of gas escaping.

A recurring problem is wrong use or incorrect installation of the gas stove. A common cause of a gas build up is when the flame goes out but the stove is still on.

Faulty setups or old materials can also cause gas leaks, especially if the parts are not made to handle modern appliances. This is why regular checks and proper work by trained gas fitters are so important. They help catch problems early and fix them before the leaks become dangerous.

Working with gas systems is not something people should try to do themselves. In fact, it should be against the law for anyone who is not a licensed gas fitter to install, repair, or change a gas system. Sadly, we often see unsafe setups done by people without proper training -- and sometimes even by homeowners who try to save money by doing the work themselves.

A gas cylinder should always be kept vertically. Humidity and a closed environment can also lead to deterioration.

Some of the common mistakes of gas build up are:

- Loose pipe joints

- Incorrect regulator settings

- Incompatible or substandard parts

- Cross-threaded or over-tightened fittings that eventually fail

Many times incidents occur when the valve is not closed or completely closed after use. It causes problems, such as gas leaks.

Natural gas itself has no smell, which means a leak would normally be impossible to notice. To solve this problem, a harmless chemical called mercaptan is added during processing. Mercaptan has a strong smell, similar to sulphur or rotten eggs, and this makes it much easier for people to detect a gas leak quickly.

What should you do if you smell gas in my home?

If you smell gas in your home, evacuate immediately and avoid doing anything which could ignite the gas. This means definitely no smoking or turning on any electrical or light switches. Move calmly and quickly outside and don’t go back inside until the emergency services have given you the all-clear.

From a safe location, contact emergency services.

Here are some other precautions you can take before leaving home:

- Open doors and windows wide to allow fresh air in for ventilation

- Find the gas shut-off valve (it’s usually near your gas meter)

- Turn the valve lever 90 degrees so that it doesn’t line up with the gas supply pipe

Your gas supply should now be shut off.

Make sure you know where your gas shut-off valve is and what it looks like before you need to use it. It is usually a metal lever and can have a red or yellow handle for extra visibility.

Once you’ve shut the gas off you should leave your home immediately.