How to Detect a Propane Gas Leak
Written on: December 23, 2024
Sometimes, It Goes Beyond the Sense of Smell
In its natural form, propane is odorless, but manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it a strong unpleasant smell. This odorized propane is often described as something that is like the odor of rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray.
This odor is the most common sign of a propane gas leak. However, in some instances, a propane gas leak may not produce this characteristic smell, particularly if the gas has been leaking for a while and the odorant has dissipated. Read more about this in the next section. Here are other clues to a potential propane gas leak.
- You may see it. A propane gas leak might also be apparent due to a frosting or excessive moisture buildup on the exterior of the propane tank or gas line. Damaged connections or gas lines can sometimes be visually identified as the source.
- You may hear it. Hissing or whistling sounds near a gas appliance or line could indicate a gas leak. If a gas appliance is hissing, turn off the gas supply to the appliance right away, leave the area, and call emergency services.
- You may feel it. In more severe cases, exposure to propane can cause physical symptoms in individuals such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and even becoming lightheaded or passing out
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Why You Can’t Always Smell a Propane Gas Leak
There are situations that may prevent you from detecting the telltale odor of a gas leak Sometimes, conditions in your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home – or in your body – can make it harder to pick up propane’s scent.
Commonly known as “odor loss,” this can be caused by:
- Too much air, water, or rust in your propane tank
- A propane leak underground (soil diffuses propane’s odor)
- Odor “sticking” to the inside of the propane distribution pipes
- Diminished sense of smell, caused by old age, sinus congestion or other medical conditions.
To overcome these uncommon, but possible situations, there are two precautions you can take.
- Install a propane gas detector (or detectors, depending on the size and layout of your home). A propane gas detector, not to be confused with a carbon monoxide detector, is an inexpensive but vital piece of safety equipment. For the best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and maintenance.
- When in doubt, follow propane safety procedures. React at once to even the faintest propane odor and follow the propane safety measures outlined below to get your family to safety.
What to Do if You Smell Gas
If you face this situation, here are safety tips, courtesy of the Propane Education and Research Council.
- Extinguish all smoking materials and any open flames or other sources of ignition. Everyone should vacate the building, vehicle or affected area.
- To avoid creating any electrical sparks, leave without using electric switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones.
- If it is safe to do so, close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder.
- Call your propane supplier or your local fire department from a mobile phone or a neighbor’s telephone.
- Even if you do not continue to smell propane, do not open or turn on the propane supply valve. Do not reenter the building, vehicle or affected area. Let a qualified propane service technician or emergency personnel check for escaping propane gas.
- Have a properly trained propane service technician repair the leak. The propane service technician or emergency responder needs to decide that the leak situation has been fully resolved. The propane service technician should check all your gas appliances and relight any appliance pilots.
- Return to your home only when the service technician or emergency responder says that it is safe to do so.
Preventive Maintenance for Propane Appliances
Without question, propane is one of the safest fuels you can choose for your Massachusetts or New Hampshire home. But to stay as safe as possible, you should always pay close attention to the operation of your propane gas appliances. The best way to keep all your propane equipment running properly is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preventive maintenance. Be sure to consult your owner’s manuals for what’s required.
Propane Delivery and Service in MA and NH
The propane experts at Broco Energy® are trained to keep you and your family safe. It’s our number one priority. Our staff is certified by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), in cooperation with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Propane has an excellent safety record, and we’re proud to be a part of that.
If you live in Wakefield, MA or one of the other communities in our service area, please reach out to us if you would like to become a Broco Energy® propane customer.
