Natural gas is colourless, odourless and non-toxic. As a safety precaution, to enable the speedy detection of a leak of natural gas, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs is added to it. The unusual smell is immediately noticeable.
If you suspect there is a gas leak indoors
Evacuate and move at least 20m away, leaving doors and windows open.
- Don’t turn anything electrical on or off.
- Call the fire service on 111.
- Turn off any gas appliances that are on.
- Do not smoke or use an ignition source.
- Do not use your mobile phones, cameras or devices.
- Turn the gas meter off, if you know where the gas meter is. Your gas meter is located outside the house. The valve on the service pipe only requires a quarter turn to move from ‘on’ to ‘off’. The gas supply is off/closed when it is horizontal to the pipe. Give the valve a 1/4 turn clockwise (i.e. 12 – 3 o’clock) to turn it off.
- Call Vector on 0800 764 764.
If you hit a gas pipe
Leave all machinery and electrical equipment running and remove yourself from the gas cloud and move upwind of the gas. Move at least 20m away and call the fire service on 111.
- Do not smoke.
- Evacuate the immediate area.
- Leave the damaged pipe to vent, keeping it open and free from any materials or equipment.
- Leave any ignited gas fires to burn.
- DO NOT inhale fumes. Move away if you are near fumes.
- Call Vector immediately on 0800 764 764.
Once the immediate danger is dealt with, you’ll need a certifying gas fitter to inspect and repair the line before reconnecting. Our team handles emergency gas fitting and leak repairs across Auckland. Contact us for help.
