Propane is a safer and more eco-friendly fuel source than most home heating solutions. It is non-toxic, not harmful to soil or groundwater and will not ignite unless the source is 920°F. However, despite the safety measures in place, you need to know how to use propane safely and know what to do if there is a leak.
Knowing what propane smells like is part of handling it safely. If you think you smell gas, do you know what to do next?
The smell of gas, whether inside or outside the home, must be taken seriously. Even a tiny spark can ignite the gas, causing damage to your property or worse. Here is what you need to know about handling a propane gas leak.
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Table of Contents
- What Does Propane Smell Like?
- What Should You Do if You Smell Gas in Your House or Apartment?
- How Can You Detect a Gas Leak if You Can’t Smell It?
- Stay Safe and Know the Risks
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Propane Smell Like?
Propane itself is odorless, but manufacturers add mercaptan, a harmless ‘odorizer’ that produces a strong, distinctive odor similar to skunk spray or rotten eggs. This addition helps alert customers to leaks.
Before assuming that the smell you’re detecting is propane, make sure it is not coming from skunk spray, sewage or garbage. It’s also possible for a faint mercaptan smell/odor to linger if the pilot light in appliances like hot water heaters or gas fireplaces goes out or when you light a stove. Therefore, a mild propane smell may not be a cause for alarm.
Nevertheless, If you detect this unpleasant smell, you must take action immediately.
What Should You Do if You Smell Gas in Your House or Apartment?
Follow the steps below if your home smells like gas:
Avoid All Ignition Sources
Put out any open flames and avoid using devices that can generate sparks or electrical charges, such as lighters, thermostats, light switches and doorbells. These items could potentially cause a fire or an explosion if there really is a gas leak in your home.
Evacuate Immediately!
If you are sure you smell a major gas leak, don’t try to correct or identify the issue yourself. Leave the premises with your family immediately and avoid using your vehicle or any other electrical equipment at this time because they may pose safety risks. Wait for clearance from a propane professional, emergency responder or qualified technician before returning.
Notify Authorities
Contact your propane supplier immediately from a safe location or call emergency services or your local fire department if they are unavailable.
Turn off the Gas Supply
If it is safe to do so, rotate the valve on your propane tank clockwise to turn off the main gas supply. If you have a large 120-gallon tank set up right next to the house, avoid turning off the gas and evacuate the premises immediately.
Have a Professional Inspect Your System
Before using any propane appliances, ensure your entire system is thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician to confirm it’s free of leaks. Foster Fuels offers professional system inspections to our customers at no additional cost. Contact us today to schedule a system inspection.
How Can You Detect a Gas Leak if You Can’t Smell It?
Although propane has a distinctive odor, it may be hard for some people to smell it for the following reasons:
- Medical conditions like colds, allergies or sinus issues can hinder your ability to detect propane’s distinct smell.
- Tobacco, alcohol or drug use may reduce odor sensitivity.
- Strong scents, such as cooking smells or tobacco smoke, can mask propane’s odor.
- Aging can lead to a decreased sense of smell.
- Prolonged exposure to propane’s scent can cause “odor fatigue,” where the nose becomes desensitized.
- Propane odors in secluded areas like basements or attics may go unnoticed by occupants in other parts of the building.
- There might be a reduction in the intensity of propane’s characteristic smell.
Luckily, there are also other signs you can look for to help determine if there’s a leak:
- Dead plants: Natural gas prevents plants from absorbing oxygen, causing them to wilt and die. Plants are sensitive to gas and can indicate a leak before other signs appear.
- Hissing sounds: A hissing sound near gas lines usually means a substantial leak. The louder the noise, the bigger the leak. Note the location, but focus on evacuation rather than finding the leak.
- Small bubbles: Perform the bubble test by mixing dish soap with water, wiping down the suspected area and checking for bubbles. Additionally, bubbles in wet areas around your home may suggest an underground leak.
- White mist or fog: Gas escaping from an underground line can cause condensation, creating visible fog or white mist near the ground, indicating a gas line rupture.
- Experiencing gas poisoning symptoms: Inhaling small amounts of propane can cause headaches, dizziness, irregular breathing, nausea and fatigue. High amounts can lead to memory problems, passing out and suffocation. If you experience these symptoms, leave the premises immediately, seek medical attention, and contact our team at Foster Fuels to look at your gas line.
If you or others in your home may have trouble detecting the smell of propane, consider purchasing gas detectors. These devices will sound an alarm whenever a leak occurs, allowing you to get your family to safety in time. If you’re concerned about a gas leak, you can also request a propane leak test. At Foster Fuels, we can help you ensure that you are protected with safe delivery and propane systems that are proven effective for your home needs.
Stay Safe and Know the Risks
Propane fumes can be dangerous, but leaks rarely occur as long as your system is regularly in use and serviced by a qualified propane service provider. A professional should manage propane leaks to ensure everyone’s safety – simply call Foster Fuels and have an experienced technician assess the issue.
Don’t wait until you detect a gas odor in your home to call Foster Fuels — get in touch today by calling us at 800-344-6457, and we will create a maintenance schedule to keep you safe all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does propane smell?
Propane is odorless, but manufacturers add a harmless chemical that produces a strong, distinctive odor similar to rotten eggs or skunk spray.
2. Why am I smelling gas in my house, but there’s no leak?
A faint propane odor might not be a cause for concern. It’s normal for a faint odor to remain after lighting a stove or if the pilot light in a hot water heater, gas fireplace or other appliance goes out. Nonetheless, any possible leak must be taken seriously, especially if the odor is strong, persistent, or accompanied by a hissing sound.
3. Can I turn the lights on if I think I smell gas?
Avoid any flames or sparks. Extinguish all smoking materials and open flames immediately. Do not use anything that could create an electrical charge or a spark, such as lighters, mechanical devices, thermostats, light switches and doorbells, as these can cause an explosion or fire.
4. Is a gas leak dangerous?
While propane has safety features, like being non-toxic and not harmful to soil or groundwater, it is highly flammable. Even a small spark can ignite it, leading to property damage or worse. Always take a propane smell seriously.
5. Why does my stove smell like gas?
A faint propane odor is not necessarily alarming. The gas smell usually lingers when lighting a stove or if the pilot light in a water heater or gas fireplace goes out.
6. What do I do if I smell gas outside my home?
If you detect a gas odor outside, walk to a safe distance, and do not try to identify or fix the problem yourself.
7. Who do you call if you smell gas?
Call your propane supplier, 911 or your local fire department.
8. What to do if you smell gas in your apartment?
If you smell gas in your apartment, ensure all flames are extinguished and any potential flame sources are turned off. Leave the building and call your landlord, emergency personnel and, if possible, the gas company. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel, who may advise evacuating the building or staying a safe distance away.
Going Further
To learn more about propane safety and the propane industry, visit the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). You can find resources for educators, safety professionals and parents to help establish strong safety habits in all environments.
Learn More About Propane For Your Home:
- Propane vs. Natural Gas: Which is Best For Your Home?
- How to Switch Propane Companies
- 5 Things to Ask When Buying a House with Propane Heat
- How Much Propane Do You Need to Fuel Your Home?
*Last Updated 05/19/2022