How To Respond to a Propane Leak

Written on: June 5, 2023

Follow these tips to keep your loved ones and your home safe

If you are new to having propane in your home, you may be wondering about how to use it safely.

Fortunately, propane has an outstanding safety record, thanks to high industry standards by propane businesses such as Johnny Prescott along with stringent government regulations.

The most important thing you need to know about using propane safely in your home is what it smells like, as that’s how propane leaks are most commonly detected.

An odorant called ethyl mercaptan is added to propane during processing because propane itself does not have a natural odor. This helps in detecting propane leaks. The scent is very similar to the odor of rotten eggs or the spray of a skunk.

I smell gas. What do I do?

Best practices for propane safety when it comes to smelling propane gas in your home start with what not to do.

First, don’t panic. Just focus on following the instructions below as soon as you detect that unmistakable odor of propane gas.

Second, don’t try to find the source of the leak. Time is of the essence when it comes to keeping your home and everyone in it safe.

Now that those two don’ts are out of the way, here are the instructions for what you need to do.

1. Everyone needs to evacuate the house immediately, including the pets.
2. Put out any potential sources of ignition, such as candles or cigarettes, as you are leaving.
3. Avoid using anything that can create a spark, such as light switches, telephones, or vape pens, until you have safely left the house.
4. If you can get to the propane supply valve on your propane tank, turn it off. It is important for all adults in your household to be aware of how to do this. Please reach out to us if you require assistance in learning this.
5. Once you are at a safe distance from the leak, immediately call 911 and also contact Johnny Prescott.
6. Please stay clear of the area and wait for the first responders and service technicians to identify and repair the source of the leak. Do not return until they have given you the all-clear to do so.

What can I do to protect my home from propane leaks?

To prevent propane leaks, it is important to ensure that your propane appliances receive regular professional maintenance.

During the tune-up, Johnny Prescott’s skilled, experienced service technicians will perform a comprehensive inspection. If any issues that could result in a propane leak are detected, the technician will have the chance to correct them.

To further enhance home safety, install propane leak detectors. You can find them at your local hardware or home improvement store, or online. These detectors should be positioned close to all propane-based appliances, including your fireplace, range, and water heater. Remember to install propane leak detectors lower than the height of your bed pillows since propane is denser than air.

There is a common misconception that carbon monoxide detectors can also detect propane leaks, but this is not true. Propane detectors are separate devices and do not detect carbon monoxide leaks either. To ensure safety, it is necessary to have both types of detectors.

Do you have questions about propane safety? Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help!