What Typically Causes a Gas Leak?

7 Common Causes of Gas Leaks

Gas leaks don’t just appear at random—they’re often the result of small, preventable issues that build up over time. Unfortunately, many Perth homeowners don’t realise they have a problem until it’s already dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to understand the most common causes of gas leaks and how you can stay ahead of them with the right maintenance and professional support.

Here are the seven most frequent causes we encounter—and how you can reduce the risks in your home:

Faulty appliances and poor connections

One of the most common sources of gas leaks is a worn or faulty gas appliance. Over time, everyday use can take a toll on appliances such as gas stoves, gas heaters, and hot water systems. Seals can perish, valves can crack, and pipe fittings can work loose—especially if appliances haven’t been serviced in several years.

Gas hot water systems are particularly vulnerable. They often operate quietly in the background for years without inspection, until a minor fault escalates. A small leak in the system can result in dangerous gas build-up inside your home or near ignition sources like pilot lights or electrical equipment.

To minimise risk, it’s vital to service your appliances regularly and act quickly if you notice any changes in performance (such as difficulty igniting, unusual smells, or yellow flames). If your unit is older or hasn’t been checked in a while, we recommend reviewing the importance of same-day hot water system repairs—addressing issues early could prevent a far more serious hazard.

Poor installation by unlicensed or careless fitters

Gas fitting is not a DIY job. In fact, it is illegal in WA to install, repair or alter a gas system unless you are a licensed gas fitter. Unfortunately, we often encounter dangerous installations done by unlicensed operators—or in some cases, by homeowners trying to save money.

Common mistakes include:

• Loose pipe joints
• Incorrect regulator settings
• Incompatible or substandard parts
• Cross-threaded or overtightened fittings that eventually fail

Even one small error can lead to an undetected leak. If you’re planning a new gas appliance installation, or if your current system hasn’t been properly certified, take the time to choose the right tradesperson. Our guide to the 5 things to look for when hiring a Perth plumber can help you avoid costly and dangerous mistakes.

Old or corroded gas pipes

While modern gas installations are designed to last, nothing is immune to the effects of age, moisture, and corrosion. Many older Perth homes—especially those with original plumbing—have galvanised steel or other older pipe materials that can break down over time.

Pipes can develop cracks or pinhole leaks when exposed to:

• Moisture from surrounding soil or building materials
• Ground movement (common in Perth’s sandy soils)
• General wear from decades of use

Since most gas lines are hidden behind walls or buried underground, the signs of corrosion aren’t always obvious. That’s why periodic inspection by a licensed gas fitter is essential, especially if your home is more than 20 years old or you’ve never had your gas pipes professionally assessed.

Mishandling or moving appliances incorrectly

Many homeowners don’t realise that simply moving an appliance—like pulling out a gas stove or shifting a portable heater—can be enough to strain or damage the gas connection.

Flexible gas hoses are designed to tolerate small movements, but if the hose is stretched, kinked, or bent too sharply, it can weaken over time. Worse still, if an appliance is moved without first shutting off the gas supply, joints and fittings can be compromised without anyone realising.

If you’re renovating, cleaning behind an appliance, or rearranging your kitchen or laundry, always shut off the gas first and have a licensed gas fitter inspect the appliance if it’s been disconnected or moved. Taking shortcuts here is one of the most avoidable causes of dangerous leaks.

Physical damage during landscaping or DIY

Every year in Perth, we see gas leaks caused by accidental damage during backyard renovations or DIY projects. Gas pipes are commonly buried beneath gardens, driveways, or patios—and it only takes one misplaced shovel or power auger to rupture a supply line.

Unfortunately, leaks from underground pipes often go undetected for longer, increasing the risk of gas pooling beneath concrete slabs or near structures. Before doing any work involving digging or excavation, always contact Dial Before You Dig—it’s a free service that will help you locate underground utilities safely.

We also recommend having a professional gas fitter assess your system if you’ve recently completed major landscaping, built a new retaining wall, or had earthworks done on your property.

Natural wear and tear over time

Even with no visible damage, gas fittings, seals, gaskets and regulators all degrade naturally over time. Temperature changes, vibration from appliances, and simple material fatigue can cause tiny leaks to develop at joints or along flexible hoses.

This is why manufacturers recommend regular inspection and replacement of certain gas system components—especially for older appliances that may no longer meet modern safety standards. Like any other part of your plumbing system, gas infrastructure benefits from proactive maintenance to prevent small issues from becoming dangerous ones.

Pest interference or accidental impact indoors

A lesser-known cause of gas leaks—yet one we see surprisingly often—is pest interference or unintentional damage indoors.

For example:

• Rodents and vermin sometimes chew through internal gas lines, especially flexible hoses behind kitchen or laundry appliances.
• A heavy bump or knock to a gas heater can crack fittings or loosen a connection.
• Children or pets pulling on flexible gas hoses can also cause leaks at appliance connections.

These situations are often overlooked until a leak is detected by smell, noise, or a rise in gas bills. Regularly checking behind appliances for chewed hoses, disturbed fittings, or signs of rodent activity can help you catch these problems early.

For more on unexpected plumbing hazards to watch for, see our guide to common Perth plumbing issues.

Contact Your Local Experts in Leak Detection & Gas Safety

Gas leaks are never something to ignore. Whether it’s a faint smell near your cooktop or signs of corrosion on your gas meter, acting quickly can protect your home, your health, and your loved ones.

At Proud Plumbing and Gas, we’re Perth’s trusted team for fast, reliable gas leak detection, repairs, and safety inspections. We understand the urgency of these issues—and we treat them that way.

• Need an emergency repair? We offer same-day service for gas leaks and urgent plumbing concerns.
• Looking for someone qualified? Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and fully compliant with WA safety standards.
• Want honest pricing and clear advice? We’ll walk you through every step with no hidden surprises.

Don’t leave your safety to chance. If you’ve noticed the signs of a potential leak or just want peace of mind, get in touch with the professionals who put safety first. Learn more about choosing a reliable Perth plumber or contact Proud Plumbing and Gas today to book your inspection.