Spring is usually when Adelaide homeowners start opening the windows, packing away the heaters and getting ready for warmer days and it’s also a good time to take a quick look at the gas appliances around your home.

After working hard through winter, your gas heater, hot water system and cooking appliances can all benefit from a safety check before summer arrives. And while a gas appliance may appear to be working normally, that doesn’t always mean everything behind the scenes is. A few simple checks now can help you spot problems before they turn into an expensive repair or, more importantly, a safety issue.

Start with the gas heater

Your heater has probably had plenty of use over the colder Adelaide months. Before switching it off for the season, check for anything that doesn’t look or sound quite right. Strange noises, unusual smells, discolouration around the appliance or difficulty lighting can all be signs that something needs attention.

Flues are another important one. A blocked, damaged or faulty flue can stop combustion gases from being safely directed outside. SA Government advice also warns that some older gas space heaters can present particular carbon monoxide risks, especially in homes with reduced natural ventilation.

If you have an older gas heater, getting it serviced by a licensed gas fitter before next winter is worth putting on the list now, rather than waiting until the first cold night.

Don’t ignore your gas hot water system

Summer doesn’t mean your hot water system gets a holiday.

Your gas hot water system continues working every day, and small problems can gradually become bigger ones. Keep an eye out for changes in water temperature, unusual noises, leaking around the unit or a pilot light that keeps going out.

If the system is older, spring can also be a sensible time to have it checked. It’s much easier to arrange a gas hot water repair or replacement when you’re not standing under a cold shower and if you’re considering replacing an older system, make sure the appliance and installation are suitable for your home and comply with Australian requirements. Gas appliance installation in South Australia needs to be carried out by an appropriately licensed gas fitter.

Give your gas cooktop a closer look

We tend to notice problems with a cooktop pretty quickly, but not always the small ones. Check that burners light properly and produce an even flame. If a burner is struggling to ignite, keeps going out or looks noticeably different from the others, don’t simply put up with it.

Keep the burners and surrounding area clean and make sure nothing is obstructing ventilation or sitting too close to the appliance. And don’t attempt to pull apart or repair a gas appliance yourself. Gas work is one of those jobs where a quick DIY fix isn’t worth the risk.

Check outdoor gas appliances too

Spring is also when barbecues, outdoor kitchens and patio entertaining start coming back into regular use. Before firing up the BBQ for the first big weekend, check the gas hose, regulator and connections for signs of deterioration or damage. For LPG cylinders, South Australian guidance recommends checking certification and replacing hoses every five years.

If you smell gas, don’t ignore it. Turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so and contact a licensed gas fitter. Never use a flame to try to find a leak.

A spring gas safety check is time well spent

You don’t need to wait for a gas appliance to completely fail before having it looked at.

For Adelaide homes, spring is a convenient time to arrange gas appliance servicing, check older heaters, investigate unusual smells or noises and deal with small issues before they become bigger ones. aba PLUMBING + GAS provides gas services across Adelaide, including gas appliance servicing, repairs, installations and gas safety checks.

A little attention now can mean fewer surprises later and when the first really hot day arrives, you can get on with enjoying summer rather than worrying about what’s happening behind the walls.