How Do You Know If You Have a Propane Leak?

Propane gas is an amazingly safe, effective and efficient fuel for your furnace, boiler, or other home comfort equipment. But it is an energy source – and like any energy source, you need to know how to handle it, and how to respond if you have a propane emergency.

The two most important things to know if you’re the owner of a propane-powered home are how to detect a leak in your home, and what to do if you have one.

Here the basics:

1. How can I tell if I have a propane gas leak?

For your safety, propane manufacturers add a strong odorant (usually ethyl mercaptan) to propane so it smells like rotten eggs; this helps you to detect a leak under most conditions.

As a precaution, however, we urge you to install a propane gas detector in your home. On rare occasion, conditions can inhibit the odorant: for example, the presence of rust, air or water inside your tank can reduce the concentration of ethyl mercaptan. You may also be suffering from a cold or allergies and be unable smell the odorant.

2. What should I do if I have a propane gas leak?

If you smell a leak,

• Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
• Leave the house immediately and call 911 from a friend’s house at a safe distance from your own.
• As you leave the house, do not touch any electrical outlets or light switches.
• Make sure you have any propane equipment checked and serviced before you use it again!

You can find more propane safety tips here.

Stay safe! Contact us today to learn more about propane safety in your home or business, or to schedule an always safe and reliable propane delivery in Massachusetts from FSi!