Investigating a Strong Gas Smell Around a Cronulla Home's Hot Water System
Recently, Everyday Plumbing was called to a Cronulla property after the homeowner noticed a strong gas smell near their instantaneous gas hot water system. Given the potential hazards and safety risks associated with gas leaks, it was important to quickly identify the source of the problem and make sure the house is safe.
Our team of licensed and insured gas fitters attended the property and carried out a comprehensive gas leak detection service to see if the hot water system was responsible for the smell.
Gas Testing and Diagnosis
Using our advanced and specialised gas testing tools, our team thoroughly inspected the instantaneous gas hot water system and all of the other accessible gas pipes and connections.
Testing confirmed that the hot water unit was working correctly and there were no gas leaks coming from the appliance itself. However, the strong gas smell remained, indicating that a leak is somewhere within the gas supply line.
Further investigation revealed that the leak was coming from a section of copper gas pipe concealed behind a brick wall.
Accessing the Hidden Gas Leak
Locating and repairing concealed gas leaks needs careful planning to minimise damage to this Cronulla home. To access the pipes, our team carefully cut and removed the surrounding bricks using a carbide saw. We took great care to preserve the existing bricks so they can be reinstated after the repair was completed, maintaining the appearance of the wall.
Once our team exposed the hidden gas line, the cause of the problem became immediately obvious.
Repairing The Corroded Gas Pipe
The exposed pipes showed significant corrosion, which had weakened the copper, leading to a substantial gas leak. Corrosion in gas pipes occurs over time due to moisture exposure, environmental factors or aging materials. If left unaddressed, a small leak can quickly become a serious safety hazard.
To restore the integrity of the gas system, we:
- Removed the damaged section of corroded copper pipe
- Installed new copper gas pipework
- Reconnected and secured all fittings
- Performed comprehensive gas pressure testing
- Confirmed the repair was completely leak-free
Testing & Reinstatement
Once we had repaired the copper pipe, our plumbers tested the entire gas line to make sure it was working correctly and was up to the latest safety codes. The original bricks were also reinstated, leaving the wall looking neat and tidy, restoring the property's gas supply.
