Can I Always Smell a Propane Gas Leak?

Posted: August 17, 2018

If you use propane to power appliances in your North Carolina home, you know that a propane leak smells like rotten eggs (hopefully, you also know what to do if you detect one).

But what if that smell isn’t obvious?

Sometimes, conditions can make it harder to pick up propane’s telltale odor. Odor loss can result from:

• Excessive air, water, or rust in your propane tank
• An underground propane leak (propane’s odor diffuses in soil)
• Odor “sticking” to the inside of the propane distribution pipes

Even something as simple as having a cold can prevent you from smelling a propane leak.

With all this in mind, it is important to follow these two propane safety precautions when it comes to detecting leaks:

• Install a propane gas detector (or detectors, depending on the size and layout of your home). Propane gas detectors are inexpensive and easy to install. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for placement and maintenance.
• Err on the side of caution – React immediately to even the faintest propane odor, following all propane leak safety procedures to get your family to safety.

Your safety is always our priority at Parker Gas! If you have any other questions about propane safety or propane delivery within our service area, be sure to let us know.