How to Detect a Propane Leak Near a Range

Your nose will be the first to let you know if there's a propane leak.

Propane, a liquefied petroleum product, is used in over 14 million homes across the United States, according to the National Propane Gas Association. It fuels a wide range of home appliances, including cook-tops and ovens to furnaces and water heaters and is a popular source of energy due to its lower cost and decreased environmental impact. While propane is a non-toxic substance on its own, the risk of fire or explosion when using this type of fuel increases when a leak occurs due to improper installation or damage to the tank or delivery system leading into the home.

Things You'll Need

• Your nose
• Propane gas detector

Instructions

1. Extinguish any open flames, including candles, smoking materials and incense immediately.

2. Leave all electronics and appliances in the present state. Do not turn anything on or off, including light switches, lamps, all appliances, televisions or cell phones, if you suspect a leak. According to Independent Propane Company, even the small spark of electricity in an appliance is enough to trigger a fire or explosion when a propane leak is present.

3. Notice the smell the area near the range. Propane has a distinctive, unpleasant odor similar to that of rotten eggs, skunk spray or of a dead animal.

4. Get everyone out of the house immediately, if you smell propane, even if the scent is very faint.

5. Go to the propane tank, lift the hood and close the service valve by turning the knob completely to the right.

6. Call your propane supplier or licensed repair person immediately. Do not go back into the home until everything has been repaired and tested for further leakage.

Tips & Warnings

• When you or other occupants of your home have a limited sense of smell, installing a propane gas detector is the safest way to discover any propane leaks within the home.

• The Florida Propane Gas Safety, Education and Research Council recommends shutting off the tank supply valve and any supply valves within the home when a storm, such as a violent thunderstorm, tornado or hurricane is imminent.

• It is possible that the odor of leaking propane will fade while still producing toxic amounts of carbon monoxide. For further protection, install carbon monoxide detectors in the home.

• If a propane tank is allowed to go empty and appliance or supply valves are left open, recharging the tank may cause a leak. If you do run out of propane, your supplier, in most instances, must perform a leak check before turning on the gas again.

• Never attempt to repair any part of your propane system. Call your propane provider or a licensed repairmen.

• Even if a propane gas detector does not sound an alarm, never ignore the smell of propane.

References

• Independent Propane Company: Safety
• National Propane Gas Association: Consumer Information
• Florida Propane Gas Safety, Education and Research Council: Safety Benefits of Propane

Resources

• Propane Detectors: Propane Home Detection Equipment
• Propane Education & Research Council: Carbon Monoxide Safety Information