How to Detect a Propane Leak

Know What to Do if You Smell Gas

Propane is a clean-burning and safe way to heat your home and water and run many appliances. Leaks are rare, but they can happen and propane can be highly flammable under certain conditions. A leak can result from a runout or near-runout, when pressure changes in lines cause joint compound at connections to contract, or by incorrectly installed equipment, among other things.

Make sure you know the smell of gas and what to do if you detect it can help ensure the situation is resolved safely and quickly. Here’s what you need to know if you suspect a propane leak:

How to Recognize a Leak

Propane has a distinct rotten-egg smell to help you quickly notice leaking gas. Make sure everyone in your home can recognize the odor. If you smell gas:

• Leave the area immediately
• Avoid all flames or sparks—including lights, appliances, phones or cell phones—which could ignite the gas and trigger an explosion
• If you can, shut off the gas at the main valve on your tank—turn the valve clockwise
• Call us, or 911 from a safe area.
• Stay away until help arrives

When & How to Shut Off Your Tank

Under certain conditions, you may need to turn off your gas at the tank.

If you smell gas and suspect a leak, you can turn off the gas at the tank and stay outside and away. Call 911 and us once you are away from the building.

You should also try to shut off the gas at the tank if your tank appears to have moved or been damaged as a result of severe weather, flooding, or another natural disaster, and it is safe to do so. Once you’ve turned off the gas, move away from the area, then call us or 911.

Turning off the gas is not difficult—but it’s important to familiarize yourself with your tank so you know what to do when it’s an emergency.

• Know where the shutoff valve is. You tank should have a large round lid with a hinge. When you lift the lid, you should see the gauge and a round knob that looks like a small steering wheel. That’s your shutoff valve.
• To stop the flow of propane, turn the knob all the way to the right, or clockwise. If you have more than one tank, turn them all off.

Once you’ve turned off your propane, do not go back in the house until a certified technician has confirmed that it’s safe. Also, never turn the propane back on yourself. Turning the gas off changes the pressure in the lines, which can cause the seals around pipe fittings to contract and create a leak. A professional propane technician needs to perform pressure tests, which are required by state and federal law, as well as insurance rules, to check the integrity of the joints and seals.

Safety First and Always

Your safety is important to us! All our technicians are trained and certified to provide safe propane delivery and services. If you have any questions about this information or any other propane safety issues, contact us.