Gas guide
How to check for a gas leak
To check for a gas leak, first use your nose: LPG is given a strong smell so leaks are noticed. Then brush soapy water onto joints, the regulator and hose connections with the cylinder open; growing bubbles mean gas is escaping. Never use a flame. A registered installer confirms a leak with a pressure test.
Smell gas right now?
- Close the cylinder valve.
- Don’t switch anything electrical on or off, and don’t light anything.
- Open doors and windows — LPG is heavier than air and collects low down.
- Leave the building and call from outside.
The soapy-water test
Mix dishwashing liquid with water. With the cylinder valve open and appliances off, brush it onto every joint you can reach: the cylinder valve, the regulator, pipe fittings and the hose at the appliance. Bubbles that grow or froth mark a leak. Close the cylinder and have that joint repaired before using the gas again.
What never to do
- Never look for a leak with a match or lighter.
- Never use a leaking installation “just for now”.
- Never tighten fittings on a live installation yourself — gas work must be done by a registered installer.
How an installer tests for leaks
A registered installer confirms tightness with a pressure test. Under SANS 10087-1 the installation is held at pressure with a gauge connected; after 10 minutes to settle and a further 10 minutes, a drop of more than 25 mm water gauge means there's a leak to find. This test is part of every gas certificate of compliance inspection.
Where leaks usually start
Hose connections at the appliance, worn or perished hoses, regulator joints and fittings that were never tightened properly. A hose used for the whole run instead of fixed copper pipe is a common cause, and a common reason an installation fails its COC inspection.
Get it installed or certified
- Gas geyser installationSized, mounted, piped, certified
- Gas stove installationStove, hob or oven, tested
- Gas certificate of complianceInspection, test, COC
- Get a priceCall 083 498 1693 or use the form
More gas guides
- How a gas geyser works
- Geyser types compared
- Gas vs electric stove
- Gas installation regulations
- SAQCC Gas explained
- Gas cylinder sizes
Part of Gas Wizards — gas installers in Johannesburg and the West Rand.
Quick answers
What does an LPG leak smell like?
A strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs or cabbage — an odorant is added to LPG so leaks are noticed.
Can a gas leak be tested without smelling it?
Yes. A pressure test with a gauge shows a leak even when you can't smell one; it's part of every COC inspection.
Should I use the gas if the bubbles are small?
No. Close the cylinder and have the joint repaired and re-tested first.