Like most people, Chris Campbell didn't think he had to inspect his own gas meter. He admitted he had walked by it before, heard a slight hiss and the sound of the meter ticking over and figured a family member was inside taking a shower.

That was until last week.

"I walked past it on Saturday and could hear it hissing," Mr Campbell said.

"I thought 'no one's home, why is there a sound here?' Then I could smell a really strong gas smell.

"I had a closer look and I could see that the nuts were cracked and the meter was ticking over significantly. So I shut it off at the mains and the sound stopped."

READ MORE: How a young surfer saved injured teen

He turned the gas on and the hissing sound returned. He closed his fingers around the cracked nuts and it stopped.

Fearful of the safety concerns posed by a gas leak, he called a qualified plumber to fix the meter.

He felt other residents should know it may be their responsibility to check the condition of their own meters.

"I showed a few people photos of my meter and they said 'I've got to go home and check mine. I thought the gas people would check this'.

Distributor Jemena has responsibility for gas infrastructure, including meters.

Company spokesman Michael Pintabona declined to explain whether it was the Jemena meter reader's responsibility to report leaking meters, or if it was left to the homeowner.

"We routinely replace gas meters - at no cost to our customers - as part of our gas meter maintenance program," Mr Pintabona said.

"We encourage this customer to contact us to discuss their individual situation. We operate a 24/7 Faults and Emergencies team to respond to gas leaks and other customer concerns."

He said if residents had concerns about their meter they should contact Jemena on 131 909.