Don’t Wait. Evacuate!

Do you know what propane smells like? We admit that this is actually a bit of a trick question. In its natural state, propane has no odor. If it came into your home in that natural state, you’d have no idea if there was a propane leak. That could be dangerous if not deadly.
That is why, during processing, an odorant is added to propane, so leaks are easy to detect. The odorant’s smell is most commonly described as being like rotten eggs.
Here’s another question: Do you know what to do if you smell that rotten-egg odor? You need to—minutes and seconds count when it comes to protecting your home and loved ones. These steps below must be taken as soon as you smell gas.

• Put out sources of ignition like candles or cigarettes.
• Get everyone out of the house IMMEDIATELY.
• On your way out, don’t touch anything that can create a spark, such as appliances, lamp or light switches, and landline and cell phones.
• If you can safely get to it, and know how to do this, turn off the propane supply valve of the propane tank itself.
• Once you get a safe distance away from the house, use your cell phone or a neighbor’s phone to call 911 and LG Jordan.
• Stay away and don’t try to go back to the house until emergency personnel or a qualified propane service technician give you the OK to do so.
• The service technician needs to inspect and pressure-test your propane system and all propane appliances in the house, and relight all the pilots, before you can return and utilize your connected appliances as normal.

You may not always smell gas when there is a propane leak, and there are several reasons for that. There may be rust, water, or excessive air in your propane tank. If you have an underground propane tank, it may be leaking. Propane’s odorant dissipates in the soil. The odorant may stick to the inside of the propane distribution pipes.
You may have a cold, allergies, sinus problem, or another medical condition such as COVID-19 reducing your sense of smell.
Those reasons are why we strongly recommend that our customers also install a propane leak detector in their home. They are inexpensive and can be found at home improvement stores and online—or just ask us and we’ll be happy to help recommend you one!
As an added reminder here—carbon monoxide detectors do not detect propane leaks. It’s important to protect your home against both!
Have questions about propane safety? Get in touch with us. Safety is held in the highest regard at LG Jordan, and we’re always happy to help!