How To Identify a Propane Leak

It’s Important to Understand These Propane Safety Tips for Recognizing a Gas Leak

Propane is one of the cleanest, more efficient, and most versatile fuels available to homeowners today. In fact, roughly 50 million American homes use propane in some capacity, whether fueling a couple of household appliances or providing whole-home heating and hot water.

At LG Jordan Oil Co., we are proud to deliver premium propane, as well as install and service propane appliances right here in Wake, Chatham, and nearby counties of North Carolina. In our day-to-day operations, we uphold the highest safety standards in the business. It’s why we want to ensure that you know how to identify a propane leak and—if one occurs in your home—how to respond appropriately.

Recognizing the Smell of Propane

Propane does not have a natural smell. Manufacturers add an odorant to it so you can more easily identify it in case of a leak. People describe the odor as that of rotting eggs, dead animals, or a skunk’s spray.

Symptoms of Gas Exposure

If you suffer from allergies or respiratory illness, you might not be able to smell a gas leak as easily. So, it’s crucial to recognize the physical symptoms of gas exposure. These symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, trouble breathing, skin discoloration, blisters and irritation of the eyes and throat. Exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and death in extreme cases.

How to React in the Event of a Propane Leak

If you smell propane or notice gas exposure symptoms, you must act as quickly as possible. Here are the steps to take:

• Get everyone out of the home or affected area IMMEDIATELY.
• Don’t touch lamps, light switches, cell phones or other devices that can create a spark.
• Extinguish any cigarettes, candles, or other open flames.
• Close the propane supply valve on your main tank if it is safe to do so.
• Once you’re at a safe distance from the leak, call 911 and your propane company.
• Wait until emergency services or your propane technicians give the all-clear before returning.

When a propane system is turned off—regardless of the underlying reason—a propane technician must inspect and pressure-test it before turning it back on. The technician will check all propane appliances and relight their pilots.

Tools and Information You Need for Safe Propane Use

As the Boy Scouts always advise: Be prepared!

Here are some precautionary measures you can take to ensure your home and family are ready in case a gas leak occurs.

• Prominently post important phone numbers, like local emergency services and your propane provider for quick, easy access in the event of trouble.
• Learn how to shut off the propane supply to your home. (We can show you how to do this—just ask us how!)
• Install UL-listed gas detectors in your home to alert you to a propane leak. It’s also crucial that you have carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home and outside each bedroom.
• Speak to your family about recognizing a gas leak and ensure everyone knows how to respond correctly.

LG Jordan is always there to inspect and service your propane-fired equipment to confirm that it’s working correctly and efficiently. Contact us today to request service.