Propane Safety Tips for Your Home

Posted: September 20, 2021

Why You Can’t Always Smell Gas

The start of the heating season is a perfect time to review some propane safety protocols that are sometimes overlooked. For instance, do you know the reasons why you can’t always smell a propane gas leak?

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 usually described as something similar to the odor of rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray.
However, there are situations that may prevent you from detecting that odor. Sometimes, conditions in your 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

With all this in mind, it is important to take these two precautions for propane leaks that may otherwise go undetected.

1. Install a propane gas detector (or detectors, depending on the size and layout of your home). A propane gas detector is an inexpensive but vital piece of safety equipment; follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and maintenance.
2. When in doubt, follow propane safety procedures. React immediately to even the faintest propane odor, following propane safety measures to get your family to safety.

Please go here to review the steps to take if you smell gas.

If You Need Propane Repairs, DON’T do it yourself

In this digital age, the initial response to solving a problem is to go online and do research. That’s why do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are such a big trend these days. It seems like people of all ages and skill levels are checking out YouTube videos for a quick-fix way to heal whatever ails their Delaware Valley home.

But what those videos don’t usually show is what happens when that amateur repair doesn’t go as planned. Over the years, there have been some costly—and even dangerous consequences. That’s especially true when someone starts tinkering with gas appliances. Don’t do this!

Propane repairs present unique challenges that more often than not require extensive training and expensive diagnostic equipment to assess and fix.

Attempting to fix or modify a propane appliance can cause severe damage and lead to dangers like explosions or carbon monoxide leaks.

The bottom line: If you need a propane repair, don’t attempt to do it yourself– contact the propane professionals at Wilson Oil and propane and request a service visit. Our team has the training, experience, and tools to find and fix your problem quickly, correctly and safely so you can focus on the things that matter in your life – like having fun with your family.

Propane is one of the safest fuels you can choose for your Delaware Valley home. But to stay as safe as possible, you should always pay close attention to the operation of your 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 and then get in touch with a propane pro if you have any concerns.

Your safety is our number one priority!