What Does a Propane Gas Leak Smell Like?

Written on: June 5, 2023

Important Safety Information

Propane is a versatile and economical fuel for your New England home. Another one of propane’s benefits is how safe it is to use. Frankly, propane is one of the safest fuels you can use for you home and appliances. However, as with anything, there are some safety measures you need to take and information everyone in your household should be aware of when it comes to using propane safely.

Propane Safety & Thunderstorms

Summertime means thunderstorms. Make sure you know how to keep your family safe. Before, during, and after a thunderstorm hits, take the following propane safety measures:

Before the storm:

• Check for leaks. Make sure you don’t have any propane leaks—not even a small one. You should also make sure everyone in your household can identify a leak and knows what to do when there is one (see below).
• Find your gas main. It’s important to know where your gas main is and how to turn it off. If you ever need to evacuate your home because of inclement weather, be sure to turn off the gas main before you leave. If your tank is damaged in the storm, that could lead to flammable leaks, so turning off the gas main could prevent a fire.

During the storm:

• Stay safe. Avoid power lines and anything that is a conductor—including your propane tank.
• Keep informed. Follow any instructions you receive from emergency personnel and community leaders. This will keep you up to date on information such as areas to avoid and evacuation notices.

After the storm:

• Observe. Once the storm is over and it’s safe to go outside, look for anything that could pose a problem for your property (e.g., fallen trees and downed power lines).
• Inspect. Check your propane tank and appliances for damage. Note any visible issues and report them to your service provider. You should also run each appliance to make sure it’s not malfunctioning.
• No candles! Even if you’ve lost power in your home, be careful not to burn candles near anything powered by propane. You could start a fire!

Do You Have a Propane Gas Leak?

By itself, propane wouldn’t smell like anything, but propane producers add an odorant to propane that smells like rotten eggs. If you smell that odor, take the precautionary steps below.

You also don’t have to rely on your nose—and shouldn’t—to detect a leak. Corrosion in your propane tank can make the odorant in propane harder to detect. So can a stuffy nose thanks to a summer cold or allergies. Using propane detectors in your home is the best way to make sure you and your family are alerted in the rare event of a leak.

If you suspect a propane leak, take these precautionary steps:

1. Immediately extinguish any open flames.
2. Don’t operate any appliances or accessories that can create a spark. That includes lights, telephones, and cell phones.
3. Shut the valve on your propane gas tank to cut supply off at the source.
4. Leave your home immediately. Make sure all pets are brought out of the house as well.
5. As you leave the building, be careful not to touch any electrical outlets or light switches.
6. Call 911 once you’ve reached a safe distance.
7. Once the authorities clear you to return to your home, have your appliances professionally inspected by a professional before you attempt to use them again.

Make Brideau Energy Your Propane Provider

Brideau Energy is a reliable source of propane delivering to homes across Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

Contact Brideau Energy today to learn more about propane safety and our propane delivery and propane tank monitoring services.