Propane Safety: Smell A Gas Leak?

Propane is a safe, clean-burning and efficient fuel—it is also colorless and odorless. Before gas is delivered to your home, an odorant called mercaptan is added to give it a “rotten egg” smell so you can recognize a leak. The first step of propane safety is to teach everyone in your home which appliances are gas-burning, how to recognize the distinctive smell of propane and what to do if a gas leak is suspected. Gas leaks are dangerous because of the flammable and explosive nature of the fuel in uncontrollable conditions. If a leak is detected near an appliance, first check to make sure the burner valve is not partially on and that all pilot lights are lit. 

If a pilot light is out, it is important to immediately open windows to ventilate the area—wait 15 minutes before relighting.

 If the smell is strong and does not go away or you hear a hissing or leaking sound, you and everyone in the house (including pets) should leave immediately, and call us to come investigate the leak. Below are some tips you should remember if a leak is detected:

• Do not use telephones, cellular phones, light switches, garage door openers, door bells or any other electrical devices.
• Never smoke, use a lighter, match or open flame.
• Do not operate any vehicles or other powered equipment where leaking gas may be present.
• And remember, if you suspect a propane leak, we are here to help 24 hours a day.