Gas Odor
When it comes to gas appliances, safety is a top priority. If you have a gas odor in your home, follow these steps:
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 fire.
2. Leave The Area Immediately
Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
3. Shut Of 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 nearby building away from the gas leak, call 911 or your local fire department and your propane retailer right away.
5. Do Not Return To The Building Or Area
Until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so, please do not go back into the building.
6. Get Your System Checked
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.
What Does Propane Smell Like?
By nature, propane is clear and contains no scent at all. For safety purposes propane companies add a substance known as ethyl-mercaptan to propane fuel. Ethyl-mercaptan has a strong rotten egg, or skunk-like scent, which allows the consumer to smell it in the case of a leak. If you smell something similar near your appliances and your propane tank, it is possible that you are low on fuel. Ethyl-mercaptan is heavier than propane and sinks to the bottom of the tank so when the tank is low on fuel the ethyl-mercaptan smell will become more noticeable. After a propane delivery you may smell residual odor for a short period of time near your tank.
If you ever have any questions about safety, please call us at 800-287-1921.
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