7 Signs of Broken or Damaged Gas Appliances

Most, if not all, of your home appliances will likely need to undergo some form of repair in their lifespan. After all, frequent use and the age of the appliance itself can make them less effective and more prone to damage over time. Among all your appliances, gas appliances such as your stove, oven, furnace, and water heater should always be a priority when it comes to regular maintenance. Defective gas appliances are not only inconvenient, they can also pose various safety hazards to your home. Thus, if you notice any signs of damage or malfunction in your gas appliances, it’s best to call professional Dunedin plumbing and gas fitting services right away to prevent accidents from happening.

However, not everyone may be familiar with the symptoms of broken or damaged gas appliances. To make sure you can keep your home safe, here are some indicators that can clue you in on whether your gas appliance needs to be repaired or replaced soon:

1. Unusual Smells

The first sign you’ll notice from a broken or damaged gas appliance is that it emits an unusual odour. Getting a whiff of gas that smells like sulphur or rotten eggs while you’re cooking or turning on your heater is a sign of a gas leak. While natural gas is odourless, gas companies add a component (usually mercaptan) to give it a distinctive smell as a safety measure. So, as soon as you notice this smell, turn off the appliance and have licensed gas fitters look into the problem.

Another unusual smell that may indicate faulty or damaged gas appliances is a metallic odour, which could hint that there’s an internal issue, such as wiring damage. Overlooking this could cause appliance failure or even fires, so make sure to call for repairs right away.

2. Yellow or Flickering Flames

A gas appliance in good working order should be producing steady blue flames, which indicates complete combustion. Thus, if you’re seeing yellow, orange, or flickering flames, it’s a sign that the gas isn’t burning properly. It can be due to a blocked burner, low gas pressure, or improper gas-to-air mixture. This could then lead to increased carbon monoxide production, which is a health and safety hazard. If this symptom shows up, it’s best to turn off the appliance and have it serviced first before using it again.

3. Difficulty Igniting or Staying Lit

Unreliable ignition is another sign that your gas appliance may have faulty components, such as a failed igniter or a damaged thermocouple. Similarly, if your gas appliance is repeatedly turning off and on, it could be an indicator of a clogged gas line, failed sensor, or problem in your gas supply. Beyond inconvenience, these issues may also lead to dangerous gas accumulation and other safety risks if not fixed right away. Have your appliances checked and repaired by a professional gas fitter before you attempt to use them again.

4. Strange Noises



If there are strange noises issuing from your gas appliances, chances are that there are loose or broken parts, clogged burners, or issues with your gas appliance’s ignition or ventilation. In particular, hissing sounds can be caused by gas leaks, while banging or rattling sounds could be tied to faulty ignition. While they may seem insignificant, these noises can lead to bigger problems down the line so it’s better to stay safe and have them fixed as early as possible.

5. Higher-than-Normal Gas Consumption

Damaged or broken gas appliances tend to consume more fuel as their components aren’t working as efficiently as they should. Hence, if you notice an unusual spike in your gas bills, this could be a sign that your gas appliances aren’t working properly. Make sure to have your appliances and gas line regularly checked to spot any damage or leaks that could be contributing to your high gas consumption.

6. Visible Rust or Corrosion

Over time, gas appliances can start showing signs of deterioration, such as visible corrosion. In particular, rust can restrict airflow and interfere with combustion; as such, it’s best to have your appliance repaired or replaced entirely if you’re starting to notice more rust around vents and burners. Doing so could reduce safety hazards and also save you on money in the long run, as older gas appliances tend to be less energy-efficient compared to newer models.

7. Physical Symptoms in Household Members

Another sign that you definitely shouldn’t ignore is if family members are starting to display health-related symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or fatigue. These could be indicators of gas exposure or carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty gas appliance and can be lethal if not attended to right away. If you notice these symptoms and suspect they’re caused by gas exposure, immediately vacate the area and seek medical attention; then, ask help from professionals to pinpoint and fix the leak.

6. Visible Rust or Corrosion

Over time, gas appliances can start showing signs of deterioration, such as visible corrosion. In particular, rust can restrict airflow and interfere with combustion; as such, it’s best to have your appliance repaired or replaced entirely if you’re starting to notice more rust around vents and burners. Doing so could reduce safety hazards and also save you on money in the long run, as older gas appliances tend to be less energy-efficient compared to newer models.

Get Your Broken Gas Appliances Back Into Working Order

Knowing the signs of a broken or damaged gas appliance not only ensures that any cooking, heating, and gas-powered facility in your home is working properly, but it can also be helpful in keeping your family safe. If you’re noticing any of the signs listed above, don’t hesitate to call on Mains Plumbers. Our qualified gas fitters are fully licensed in both plumbing and gas repairs to ensure we can cover all your maintenance needs. Let us get your gas appliances back into working order by giving us a call at 034886000 or leaving a message in our contact form today.