Gas Leak Repairs QLD 2026 - Complete Pricing Guide

Gas Leak Repair Costs in Queensland for 2026

Gas leaks in residential properties are among the most dangerous building defects because combustible gas, whether natural gas or LPG, creates an explosion risk that can cause catastrophic damage to the building and fatal injuries to the occupants if the gas accumulates to a sufficient concentration and encounters an ignition source. The severity of this risk is reflected in the regulatory framework that governs gas work in Queensland, where every gas leak repair, regardless of how minor, must be performed by a licensed gas fitter, followed by a full system pressure test, and documented with a compliance certificate that confirms the gas system has been restored to a safe and leak-free condition. The urgency of gas leak repairs means that homeowners should not delay action when a gas leak is suspected, because even a small leak that produces only a faint odour can worsen rapidly if the pipe corrosion or joint failure that caused the initial leak progresses, and the accumulation of gas in an enclosed space can reach the lower explosive limit within a relatively short period.

The gas leak repair market in Queensland serves two distinct gas supply populations: homes connected to the natural gas reticulation network operated by Australian Gas Networks (AGN) and Jemena in parts of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, and selected regional centres, and homes using LPG supplied in bottles or bulk tanks across the remainder of the state. The leak detection and repair processes are fundamentally similar for both gas types, but the system components, the pressure regimes, and the specific failure modes differ. Natural gas is delivered at low pressure (typically 2.75 kPa for residential supply) through a network of underground mains and service pipes to the gas meter at the property boundary, with the property owner responsible for the gas pipe system from the meter outlet to each appliance. LPG systems operate at higher pressures from the bottle or tank, with a two-stage regulator system that reduces the pressure to the appliance supply level, and the property owner is responsible for the entire system from the bottles to the appliances including the regulators, changeover valve, and all pipe work.

The cost of a gas leak repair in Queensland is influenced by the diagnostic process required to locate the leak, the accessibility of the leak for repair, the pipe material and condition at the leak site, the extent of pipe replacement required if the leak is caused by systemic corrosion rather than a localised defect, and the time of day and urgency of the repair. A gas fitter who can quickly locate the leak using leak detection spray or an electronic gas detector and repair it by tightening a fitting or replacing a short section of pipe will complete the job in one to two hours at a cost of $200 to $500. A more complex repair where the leak is in a concealed pipe run behind a wall or under a floor, or where the pipe system has multiple leaks caused by widespread corrosion, can cost $1,000 to $2,500 and require a full or partial repipe of the gas system.

Gas Leak Detection Methods

The detection of a gas leak begins with the occupant's senses and progresses to the gas fitter's professional detection equipment. Both natural gas and LPG are odorised with a chemical additive called mercaptan (ethyl mercaptan or similar) that gives the gas a distinctive sulphur or rotten-egg smell that is detectable at very low concentrations, well below the lower explosive limit. The smell of gas is the most common first indicator of a leak, and any occupant who detects the smell should take the gas safety precautions described in the emergency response section of this guide. Other indicators include a hissing sound near a gas pipe or appliance (caused by pressurised gas escaping through a small opening), dead or discoloured vegetation near a buried gas pipe (caused by gas displacing oxygen in the soil), condensation or frost on an LPG pipe or regulator (which can indicate a leak where the rapid expansion of the escaping gas cools the surrounding metal), and an unexpectedly high gas bill that suggests gas is escaping from the system before reaching the appliances.

The professional gas leak detection process used by Queensland gas fitters begins with a pressure test of the entire gas pipe system. The gas supply is turned off at the meter or the LPG bottles, and the pipe system is pressurised using a manometer (pressure gauge) to a pressure above the normal operating pressure, typically 5 kPa for a standard residential test. The gas fitter monitors the manometer reading for a specified period (typically 3 to 5 minutes for a residential system) to determine whether the pressure holds steady (indicating no leaks) or drops (indicating a leak somewhere in the system). If the pressure drops, the gas fitter then uses localised detection methods to identify the specific location of the leak.

Localised leak detection methods include applying a leak detection solution (a soapy liquid that bubbles when applied to a joint or fitting where gas is escaping), using an electronic gas detector (a handheld device that senses the presence of gas in the air and produces an audible or visual alarm, with instruments from brands like Sensit, Crowcon, and Testo being commonly used by Queensland gas fitters), and in some cases using tracer gas techniques where the pipe system is pressurised with a detectable tracer gas (typically a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture) and a sensitive detector is used to locate the point where the tracer is escaping. The leak detection service cost in Queensland ranges from $150 to $400, which includes the pressure test, the localised detection, and the reporting of the leak location and recommended repair.

For suspected buried gas leaks where the gas pipe runs underground between the meter and the building, the detection process is more complex because the leak may be occurring beneath concrete, paving, or landscaping where visual access is not possible. The gas fitter may need to use bar-hole testing (driving a probe into the soil at intervals along the pipe route and testing the soil gas concentration at each hole) or electronic ground-penetrating detection to locate the leak without excavating the entire pipe route. Buried gas leak detection costs $300 to $800 depending on the pipe length, the ground surface material, and the access conditions. Our water leak detection guide covers the related discipline of locating hidden water leaks using acoustic and thermal detection methods.

Common Gas Leak Causes in Queensland

The causes of gas leaks in Queensland homes can be broadly categorised as pipe and fitting deterioration, appliance connection failures, external damage, and system design or installation defects. Pipe and fitting deterioration is the most common category for older gas installations, where the gas pipes and their joints have been in service for decades and have gradually degraded to the point where they can no longer maintain a gas-tight seal. Galvanised steel gas pipes, which were the standard pipe material for gas installations in Queensland until the 1980s, are particularly susceptible to corrosion at the threaded joints where the pipe wall is thinnest and the threads create stress concentrations that accelerate the corrosion process. The corrosion often begins on the inside of the pipe where moisture in the gas stream contacts the steel surface, and it progresses outward until the remaining wall thickness is insufficient to contain the gas pressure.

Copper gas pipes, which replaced galvanised steel as the standard material from the 1980s onwards, are more corrosion-resistant than steel but can develop leaks at the soldered (brazed) joints if the original soldering was deficient, if the pipe has been subjected to vibration or thermal cycling that fatigues the solder joint, or if the flux residue from the original soldering has caused localised corrosion of the copper at the joint. CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) gas pipe from brands like Gastite and Trac Pipe, which has been used in Queensland installations since the 2000s, uses mechanical compression fittings rather than soldered joints, and these fittings can develop leaks if they are not installed with the correct torque or if the sealing components degrade over time. Each pipe material has its own failure characteristics, and the gas fitter's assessment of the pipe condition during the leak repair determines whether a localised repair is sufficient or whether a broader pipe replacement is needed to prevent further leaks.

Flexible gas connectors that link the gas pipe to individual appliances are another common leak source, particularly connectors that are more than ten years old or that have been kinked, stretched, or damaged during appliance installation or relocation. Flexible connectors have a limited service life because the rubber or elastomer sealing components degrade with exposure to heat, gas, and time, and a connector that appears visually intact may have degraded seals that are slowly leaking gas. The replacement of flexible connectors is a straightforward repair costing $150 to $400 per connector, and it is recommended as a preventive measure whenever a gas appliance is being serviced, relocated, or replaced. Queensland gas fitters commonly use connectors from Bromic, BOC, and Ozroll that comply with AS 5601 and carry the AGA certification mark.

External damage to gas pipes is a significant risk in Queensland because many residential gas pipe runs are installed externally on building walls, under eaves, and through garden areas where they are exposed to physical damage from gardening activities, building maintenance, vehicle impact, and weather events. Cyclone and severe storm damage to gas infrastructure is a recurring concern in Queensland's tropical and subtropical regions, where flying debris, fallen trees, and building structural damage can rupture gas pipes and create immediate safety hazards. After severe weather events, homeowners should visually inspect their gas pipe runs for damage and smell for gas before turning on gas appliances, and should contact a licensed gas fitter if any damage or suspected leak is identified. Our plumbing services guide covers the broader post-storm assessment of plumbing systems, and our laundry plumbing guide covers gas dryer connections that may also be affected by pipe damage.

Gas Pipe Repair Methods

The repair method for a gas pipe leak depends on the pipe material, the location and nature of the leak, and the condition of the surrounding pipe. For a localised leak at a soldered joint on a copper gas pipe, the gas fitter may be able to desolder the existing joint, clean the pipe and fitting surfaces, and resolder the joint with silver solder (which is mandatory for gas pipe soldering in Australia) to restore the gas-tight seal. This repair costs $200 to $500 depending on the joint location and accessibility, and it is appropriate where the leak is at a single joint and the surrounding pipe is in good condition.

For a leak in a section of corroded galvanised steel pipe, the repair typically involves cutting out the corroded section and replacing it with new pipe material, either copper or CSST depending on the installation circumstances. Replacing a section of galvanised steel with copper requires transition fittings that connect the new copper to the remaining galvanised pipe, and these transition fittings must be dielectric fittings that prevent galvanic corrosion between the dissimilar metals. The cost of a pipe section replacement ranges from $300 to $1,500 depending on the length of pipe being replaced, the access for the work, and the fitting requirements. Where the galvanised pipe system has multiple leaks or is showing widespread corrosion, the gas fitter may recommend a complete repipe of the gas system with copper or CSST, which eliminates the ongoing leak risk and provides a modern, compliant gas pipe system.

CSST repairs typically involve replacing the affected section of tubing and its mechanical fittings, which is a relatively quick process because the flexible tubing can be routed through existing pipe routes without the soldering work that copper requires. The mechanical fittings on CSST systems can also be retorqued if the leak is caused by a fitting that has loosened, though this is less common than fitting replacement because a fitting that has loosened once may not maintain a reliable seal when retorqued. A complete repipe of a residential gas system in Queensland using CSST costs $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the pipe run distances and the number of appliances, and using copper costs $2,000 to $4,000 for the same scope because of the slower installation process.

Appliance Connection Repairs

Gas leaks at the point where the gas supply connects to individual appliances are common because the appliance connection includes multiple components (the shutoff valve, the flexible connector, the appliance gas valve, and the burner seals) that can each develop leaks independently. The shutoff valve (also called an isolation valve or appliance cock) that controls the gas supply to each appliance can develop leaks at the spindle seal or the body joint, particularly in older installations where the valve has been operated thousands of times over its service life. Replacing an appliance shutoff valve costs $150 to $350 including the valve, the pipe connections, and the compliance certification.

The gas valve inside the appliance itself (the thermostat, the solenoid valve, or the manual control valve depending on the appliance type) can develop internal leaks that allow gas to escape even when the appliance is turned off. An internal appliance gas leak is particularly dangerous because the gas may accumulate inside the appliance or in the enclosed space around the appliance (such as inside a kitchen cabinet or behind a stove) without being detected until it reaches a hazardous concentration. The repair of an internal appliance gas valve may require a specialised appliance technician in addition to the gas fitter, and the cost ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the appliance type and the valve replacement parts required. For gas appliances that are more than 15 years old and have developed an internal gas leak, replacement of the appliance is often more cost-effective than repairing the valve, particularly for gas cooktops and ovens where modern energy-efficient models are available at competitive prices.

Gas hot water systems, both storage and instantaneous, are a common source of appliance-related gas leaks because the gas valve and burner assembly are exposed to the combustion heat and the thermal cycling that occurs every time the hot water demand activates the burner. The gas valve on a hot water system should be inspected as part of the regular hot water system service, and any signs of gas leaking from the valve body, the pilot assembly, or the burner connections should be repaired immediately by a licensed gas fitter. Our hot water system guide covers the full range of hot water system types, and our gas fitting guide covers the gas connection requirements for gas hot water installations.

LPG System Leak Repairs

LPG systems have additional leak risk points that are not present in natural gas installations, including the bottle connections, the pigtail hoses, the changeover valve, the first-stage and second-stage regulators, and the relief valve on each bottle. The pigtail hoses that connect the LPG bottles to the changeover valve are one of the most common LPG leak sources because they are exposed to the weather, UV radiation, and the physical handling that occurs during bottle changeovers, and they have a limited service life of approximately five years before the rubber inner tube and the crimp fittings begin to deteriorate. Replacing the pigtail hoses costs $80 to $200 per pair (one for each bottle) and should be performed as routine maintenance every five years regardless of whether a leak has been detected.

The changeover valve and regulators in an LPG system can develop leaks at the diaphragm seals, the body joints, and the pressure adjustment mechanism. A leaking regulator may deliver gas at the wrong pressure (either too high or too low), which affects the appliance performance and can create safety hazards. A regulator that is leaking externally is discharging gas directly into the atmosphere, which is both a safety and an environmental concern. The cost of replacing the changeover valve and regulators ranges from $150 to $500 depending on the system configuration and the component brands. LPG system components from Elgas, Origin Energy, Kleenheat, and Fisher regulators are commonly installed across Queensland.

The bottle storage area for LPG must comply with the clearance distances specified in AS/NZS 1596, which include minimum distances from building openings, ignition sources, property boundaries, drains, and air conditioning units. A gas fitter performing an LPG leak repair should check that the bottle location complies with these requirements and advise the homeowner if the bottles need to be relocated. Non-compliant bottle locations are a common finding in older Queensland homes where the original installation may have complied with the standards at the time but does not meet the current requirements, or where subsequent building modifications (such as adding a window, a door, or a deck near the bottle location) have reduced the clearance distances below the required minimums. For properties with broader LPG system needs, our gas fitting guide covers LPG system installation and maintenance.

Emergency Response Protocol

The correct response to a suspected gas leak in a Queensland home follows a specific protocol that prioritises the safety of the occupants above all other considerations. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, you should not operate any electrical switches, light switches, or appliances (because the electrical arc created by a switch can ignite accumulated gas), should not use a mobile phone inside the building (for the same reason), should open all doors and windows to ventilate the area and disperse the gas, should turn off the gas supply at the meter (for natural gas) or at the LPG bottles (for LPG systems) if this can be done safely without entering a gas-filled space, should evacuate all occupants from the building, and should contact the gas supplier's 24-hour emergency number or call 000 for the fire service from outside the building.

The gas supplier's emergency service for natural gas leaks is provided by the gas distributor (Australian Gas Networks or Jemena depending on the network area), and they will dispatch a technician to assess the leak, make the immediate area safe, and isolate the gas supply if necessary. The distributor's emergency response covers leaks on the network side of the gas meter (the service pipe from the main to the meter), but leaks on the property side (from the meter to the appliances) are the property owner's responsibility, and the distributor will advise the homeowner to engage a licensed gas fitter for the repair. For LPG leaks, there is no network distributor to respond, and the homeowner should contact a licensed gas fitter directly or call 000 if the leak is significant or if they cannot safely isolate the LPG supply.

After the immediate safety response has been completed and the gas supply has been isolated, the property owner should engage a licensed gas fitter to locate and repair the leak, test the gas system, and issue the compliance certificate before the gas supply is restored. The gas supply should not be turned back on until the gas fitter has confirmed that the repair is complete and the system has passed the pressure test, because turning on the gas supply to a system with an unrepaired leak reintroduces the safety hazard. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services provides guidance on gas safety for residential properties, and the Queensland Government publishes information on gas safety regulations and consumer rights.

Carbon Monoxide Risks from Gas Appliances

While gas leaks from the pipe system create explosion and fire risks, the other major safety concern associated with gas installations is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from incomplete combustion in gas appliances. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced when gas burns without sufficient oxygen, and it is extremely toxic even at low concentrations. CO poisoning symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness, and severe CO exposure can be fatal. The risk of CO poisoning is highest with unflued gas appliances (heaters that discharge combustion products directly into the room) in poorly ventilated spaces, and with flued appliances where the flue is blocked, damaged, or incorrectly installed so that combustion products are not properly discharged to the outside.

Queensland homeowners with gas appliances should be aware of the CO risk and should ensure their gas appliances are serviced regularly (at least every two years, or annually for unflued heaters), the flues on flued appliances are inspected for blockages and damage, the rooms containing gas appliances have adequate ventilation as specified in AS 5601, and CO alarms are installed in any room containing an unflued gas appliance. CO alarms from brands like Kidde, First Alert, and FireAngel cost $30 to $80 per unit and provide an early warning of CO accumulation that can be life-saving. The gas fitter performing a leak repair or appliance service should test the combustion performance of each gas appliance and verify that the CO emissions are within the acceptable limits specified in AS 5601. For properties considering the transition away from gas, our hot water system guide covers heat pump and electric alternatives.

Gas Leak Repairs in Older Queensland Homes

Older Queensland homes with gas installations dating from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s are the most likely to experience gas leaks because the pipe materials and fittings used in these eras have now been in service for 30 to 50 years and are approaching or exceeding their expected service life. Galvanised steel gas pipes from the 1970s and earlier are the highest-risk pipe material because the corrosion that has been progressing for decades is now at the stage where leaks are likely at multiple joints, and repairing one leak often reveals additional leaks or near-failures at adjacent joints. The gas fitter's recommendation for a galvanised steel gas system that is leaking may be a complete repipe with copper or CSST rather than incremental joint repairs, because the cost of repeatedly repairing individual leaks on a deteriorating system quickly exceeds the cost of a single repipe that eliminates the ongoing leak risk.

Copper gas pipe systems from the 1980s and 1990s are generally in better condition than galvanised steel, but they can develop leaks at soldered joints where the original soldering used lead-based solder (which was standard practice before lead-free solder became mandatory) or where the flux residue has caused pitting corrosion of the copper adjacent to the joint. The gas fitter should inspect the entire visible gas pipe system during a leak repair and advise the homeowner of any additional joints or sections that show signs of deterioration and should be addressed proactively. For properties with broader pipe concerns extending beyond the gas system, our burst pipe repairs guide covers the assessment and replacement of deteriorating water supply pipes.

Properties where the gas installation predates the current AS 5601 standard may have gas pipe configurations that were compliant when installed but do not meet the current requirements, such as gas pipes running through enclosed wall cavities without protection, inadequate clearances between gas pipes and other services, or insufficient ventilation for gas appliances. A gas fitter who identifies these non-compliances during a leak repair is not generally required to upgrade the entire installation to the current standard (as existing installations are typically assessed against the standards that were in force when they were installed), but they must ensure that any new work they perform complies with the current standard and that any immediate safety hazards are addressed.

Gas Leak Warning Signs Every Queensland Homeowner Should Know

Recognising gas leak warning signs early can prevent dangerous accumulations and expensive emergency repairs. The most obvious sign is the smell of gas, which is a strong, distinctive odour added to natural gas and LPG specifically so leaks can be detected by smell (natural gas is odourless in its raw state). However, very slow leaks may produce a smell so faint that it is only noticeable in enclosed spaces like cupboards, under sinks, or in the subfloor space of a stumped home, and outdoor leaks at BBQ bayonets or pool heaters may not be detectable by smell at all because the wind disperses the gas before it reaches a concentration you can notice. Watch for dead or dying vegetation in a localised patch near a buried gas line, which indicates gas is leaking underground and displacing the oxygen around plant roots. Listen for a hissing sound near gas connections, particularly at the regulator on LPG bottles, at bayonet fittings, and at the joints where copper or CSST pipe connects to appliances. Check your gas meter (if on natural gas) by turning off all gas appliances and watching the meter dial for five minutes; if the dial is still moving with everything off, gas is escaping somewhere between the meter and the appliances.

Queensland's common house types create specific gas leak risk profiles. Highset Queenslander homes on stumps with gas pipe running through the subfloor space are at risk of physical damage to exposed pipe from stored items, lawn equipment, or animal activity beneath the house, and any subfloor gas pipe should be inspected visually at least once a year for damage, corrosion, or disconnected supports. Lowset homes on slabs with gas pipe running through wall cavities can develop leaks at pipe joints that are completely hidden within the wall, detectable only by a gas smell that seems to come from the wall itself or by an unexplained increase in the gas bill. Townhouses and units with shared gas supply systems (common on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane's inner suburbs) may experience pressure fluctuations that stress pipe joints and connections, and a gas smell in one unit of a multi-unit building should be reported to the body corporate as well as to a gas fitter, because the leak source may be in the common supply pipe rather than within the individual unit.

Regional Gas Leak Repair Costs Across Queensland

Gas leak repair costs across Queensland reflect the regional variation in gas fitter availability, the gas type predominant in each area, and the emergency callout rates. Greater Brisbane has the largest number of gas fitters and the most competitive pricing, with standard-hours gas leak detection and repair costing $200 to $600 for most residential leaks. The natural gas network in parts of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Ipswich means that homeowners in these areas have access to the distributor's emergency response service for network-side leaks, which provides an initial safety response at no direct cost to the homeowner. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have gas fitters who service both natural gas and LPG systems, with pricing comparable to Brisbane.

Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, and regional Queensland centres are predominantly LPG markets, and gas fitters in these areas have strong expertise in LPG system repairs, regulator servicing, and bottle installation compliance. The higher cost of LPG fuel compared to natural gas means that a gas leak on an LPG system has a greater ongoing financial impact (in wasted gas) than the same leak on a natural gas system, which increases the urgency and cost-effectiveness of prompt repair. Regional Queensland gas fitter callout rates are typically 10 to 20 percent above South East Queensland due to longer travel distances and smaller markets. Emergency after-hours rates across all regions are typically 50 to 100 percent above standard-hours rates.

Licensing, Consumer Protection, and Standards

All gas leak repair work in Queensland must be performed by a licensed plumber holding a gas fitting endorsement from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Gas fitting work is additionally regulated under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004, administered by Resources Safety and Health Queensland. The gas fitter must issue a compliance certificate (Form 4) for every gas repair, which documents the work performed, the pressure test results, and the gas fitter's licence details. The technical standards governing gas leak repairs include AS 5601 (gas installations) and AS/NZS 1596 (LP Gas) published by Standards Australia. Consumer protection under Australian Consumer Law, enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, applies to gas repair services. Worksafe Queensland requirements apply to the work, particularly regarding confined space entry and working in potentially explosive atmospheres.

What to Look Out For in Gas Leak Repair Quotes

A gas leak repair quote should specify the diagnostic approach (pressure test, leak detection method), the repair scope (joint repair, pipe section replacement, connector replacement), the materials to be used, the compliance certificate, and the total cost. Emergency and after-hours callout fees should be clearly stated, and the quote should indicate whether the callout fee is separate from or included in the repair cost. Some gas fitters charge a diagnostic fee for the leak detection that is credited toward the repair cost if the repair is performed at the same visit, while others include the diagnostic in the repair cost.

When comparing quotes for non-emergency gas leak repairs, confirm that each quote is based on the same diagnosis and repair scope, and that the compliance certificate is included. Be cautious of quotes that do not include the full system pressure test, because a partial test that only checks the repaired section does not verify the integrity of the rest of the gas system and does not meet the compliance requirements. A gas fitter who discovers additional issues during the repair (such as a second leak or non-compliant pipe runs) should advise the homeowner and provide a revised quote before performing the additional work, rather than adding charges without authorisation.

Post your gas leak repair on The Quote Yard to connect with licensed gas fitters across Queensland. For related services, our gas fitting guide covers gas installations and appliance connections, our plumbing services guide covers general plumbing costs, our water leak detection guide covers leak detection methodology for water systems, our bathroom renovation plumbing guide covers gas heated towel rail connections, and our blocked drains guide covers the drainage side of the plumbing system.

A gas leak repair quote that does not include a post-repair pressure test and a gas compliance certificate (Form 4) is incomplete and should not be accepted. The pressure test is the only way to confirm the repair is successful and that no other leaks exist in the system, and the Form 4 certificate is the legal record that the work has been performed by a licensed gas fitter to the standard required by AS/NZS 5601. Ask the quoting gas fitter to explain the repair method: a joint leak on an accessible pipe run is a straightforward repair ($150 to $350), but a leak on a pipe section buried in a wall cavity or beneath a concrete slab may require cutting open the wall ($300 to $600 in making good costs) or rerouting the pipe around the slab ($500 to $1,500) rather than attempting a repair in an inaccessible location. If the gas fitter detects multiple leaks across the system (common in older galvanised or copper pipe systems that are corroding throughout), compare the cumulative cost of repairing each leak individually against the cost of repiping the entire system in modern CSST or copper, because repiping ($2,000 to $5,000 for a typical Queensland home) may be more cost-effective and provides a new system with a 25-year or longer service life rather than patching a deteriorating system that will develop further leaks.