Where would we be without gas?

83% of Victorian households have a mains gas connection, with gas powering our heating, cooktops and hot water year-round. Run into problems with your home’s gas system and you can say goodbye to all those modern comforts.

A well-maintained gas system is a crucial part of any home, powering different fixtures and appliances that make our lives more comfortable and cosier.

And just like all the other fixtures in our homes, problems with your gas plumbing system require the help of a professional to fix!

Today, Watermaster Plumber will be exploring the different situations when you might need to call on a gas plumber in Melbourne.

You’ve sprung a leak… a gas leak, that is

What do you do when you come home and the entire place smells like rotten eggs?

The answer? Find your main shutoff valve and turn off your gas!

Oftentimes, that strong, sulphuric rotten egg smell is a sign of a gas leak that you need to address ASAP.

Natural gas can be extremely dangerous, especially if it’s leaking into the rest of your house.

Not only does it put you at extreme risk of fire or explosion, but exposure to high levels of gas can also pose serious health risks like asphyxiation and respiratory problems.

Prolonged exposure can manifest in the following symptoms:

Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Irregular breathing
Fatigue

Keep yourself safe during suspected gas leaks by taking the necessary precautions:

Open your windows
Keep yourself and everyone else away from the area where a leak is suspected
Do not light matches, candles, etc.
Put out any open fires
Turn off all gas appliances
Refrain from using electrical devices
Leave the house

And finally, make sure you call a professional gas plumber as soon as possible!

Only a qualified gas plumber should be identifying, handling and repairing gas leaks.

Before you pick up the phone, make sure your emergency plumber is gas-qualified, too!

Making the leap to gas?

With state and federal governments alike committed to phasing out electric water heaters in favour of cleaner options, gas hot water installation is a job we expect to be performing a lot in the coming years.

If you are one of the many homes planning to switch over to gas soon, you’ll need a gas plumber on your side. And not just for installation, but also in case your gas hot water system breaks down or needs immediate attention, you’ll need them for repairs and maintenance, too.

There are various types of gas water heaters on the market today. Which one is best for your household depends on how you use water in your home. If you’re unsure, your gas plumber can walk you through the decision and give their recommendations and advice:

Combination systems

Combination heaters are a versatile, inexpensive and space saving option that are well-worth considering.

These systems fuse your water heater with a fan coil unit, providing your home with both hot water and heating. This makes them ideal for townhouses and apartments.

Tankless water heater

Tired of running out of hot water at home? Then a tankless water heater is your best bet!

Natural gas tankless water heater heat water as it comes into your home, with some systems capable of providing up to 26 litres of hot water every 60 seconds. This means there’s plenty of hot water for the whole family!

Storage water heater

These systems constantly keep a tank of water warmed, guaranteeing hot water any time you turn your taps. And they’re quick and inexpensive – no wonder they’re one of the most popular systems around!

Gas maintenance

And of course, once your hot water system is installed, it’ll need regular maintenance and inspections! Click here to read up on some common problems with hot water systems.

Gas installation and connection

Natural gas is one of the most cost-effective and versatile ways to supply power to your home’s appliances.

Of course, your appliances still need to be connected to your gas supply to work!

Your gas plumber is qualified to look after gas fitting work like installing gas lines, connecting appliances and performing repairs on your gas pipes.

Additionally, your gas plumber can also be a huge help if your home is one of the many connecting to mains gas for the first time.

Call your local gas plumber for expert advice and quality workmanship connecting to the gas supply and installing gas lines throughout your entire home.