The dangerous thing in your kitchen you forgot to replace (gas hose edition)

You check your smoke alarm. You have a fire extinguisher. But when did you last look at the rubber hose connecting your gas stove or oven to the wall? Most Australians never do. And that’s a problem. Gas hoses degrade over time. Cracks develop. Leaks happen. And a gas leak is not just a smell — it’s an explosion risk and a carbon monoxide hazard.

The five‑year rule

Gas hose manufacturers and Energy Safe Victoria recommend replacing rubber gas hoses every five years. Not “when they look worn”. Even if the hose looks fine externally, the inner rubber dries out and cracks. After five years, the risk of a leak increases eightfold. Yet a survey by Choice Australia found that 67% of households had gas hoses older than 10 years. Some were 20+ years old.

How to check your hose

Go to your kitchen. Follow the metal pipe from the wall to your stove. You’ll see a rubber or braided hose, typically 1–2 metres long. Look for:

• Cracks or perishing (dry, flaky rubber).

• Bulges or soft spots.

• Discoloration near the ends.