How To Detect A Propane Leak

Written on: May 1, 2023

Information to keep your home and loved ones safe

Propane has an outstanding safety record, thanks to high industry standards upheld by propane companies like Pitmon Oil and Gas, along with strong government regulations.

Still, nothing is 100% safe, so you need to learn about how to use propane safely in your home, and what to do in the very rare event of a propane leak. We’ve put together some common questions and their answers so you can learn more about propane safety.

What does propane smell like?

This is the most important thing you can learn when it comes to propane safety.

On its own, propane does not have any smell. During the manufacturing process, propane is given a distinct scent through an odorant, most commonly ethyl mercaptan, so that any leaks are quickly and easily detected by its scent.

The unmistakable and pungent smell of the odorant, commonly described as being akin to rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray, is a dead giveaway that there is a propane gas leak.

I smell propane gas. What should I do?

Let’s talk first about what not to do if you smell propane gas.

First, don’t panic. Knowing our propane leak safety guidelines below will ensure that you’re prepared.

Second, don’t try to find out where the smell is coming from. Leave that to the professionals and focus on keeping yourself and everyone with you safe.

Now, let’s get into what you need to do as soon as you smell propane’s unmistakable rotten-egg odor.

1. Get everyone, including pets, out of the house immediately.
2. Put out all potential sources of ignition like candles or cigarettes before leaving.
3. As you are leaving the house, abstain from using any items that can produce a spark such as light switches, telephones, and vape pens.
4. Turn off the propane supply valve on your propane tank if you can safely get to it. Furthermore, all adults in your household should know how to do this; if not, please contact us for assistance.
5. Immediately contact 911 and Pitmon Oil and Gas when you are safely distant from the source of any leakage.
6. To ensure your safety, remain at a distance until the first responders and service technicians have located the source of the leak and made any necessary repairs. Only after they give you approval should you return to your home.

How do I protect my home from propane leaks?

Protect yourself from dangerous propane leaks by scheduling regular, expert maintenance for all your propane appliances.

A trained propane service technician will thoroughly inspect your appliances thoroughly during a tune-up, and if they identify any issues that could cause a gas leak, they can fix it.

You can also help to ensure the safety of your home by investing in propane leak detectors. Make sure to locate them close to any propane appliances such as water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces. Position these sensors at a level lower than the pillows on your bed because propane gas is heavier than air.

A common misconception is that carbon monoxide detectors can also identify propane leaks, when in reality they are not built for this purpose. In the same way, a propane leak detector will not be able to detect carbon monoxide leaks. To ensure safety and security from both of these potentially life-threatening substances, you need both types of detectors installed in your home.

Do you have questions about propane safety? Please get in touch with Pitmon Oil & Gas and we’ll be happy to help!