What Does Propane Gas Smell Like?

Posted: December 26, 2019

Propane smells like rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray. Propane manufacturers add this smell to help alert consumers to propane leaks. If you are concerned that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider installing one or more propane gas detectors. Read more about propane gas detectors.

What to do if you smell gas

If you think you smell propane in your home, camper, RV or the area around any gas equipment, or if a gas alarm signals the presence of propane, you should IMMEDIATELY follow these steps recommended by the Propane Education & Research Council:

1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
3. SHUT OFF THE GAS! Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
4. REPORT THE LEAK! From a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA…until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED BEFORE REUSE – Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

Preventive maintenance

Without question, 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.

More safety tips

When appliances operate properly, propane burns with a blue flame. If you see yellow flames—or notice significant amounts of soot on any equipment–the gas may not be burning completely. This can create carbon monoxide. Contact us for service if you notice a yellow flame or soot on your appliances.

Regularly check the outdoor vents of your appliances to make sure combustion gases flow unobstructed to the outdoors. Insects, birds and small animals have been known to build nests in vent pipes. To prevent any damage, use a broom or a soft brush to gently remove any obstructions you find in your vents.

Propane is a safe fuel

Propane has an enviable safety record due to the stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).Wilson Oil and Propane plays a large role as well. We make a sincere commitment to training so that our employees know precisely how to deliver fuel safely—and know what to do in case of a leak or other emergency.

We can visit your property at any time if you have safety concerns. It’s a good idea for you to schedule a service visit at least once a year so we can check all your propane tanks and appliances.

Read more safety tips and then contact us if you have any questions.