Propane has a strong safety record due to government regulations and high industry-born standards. But knowing about propane safety is also incredibly important. One of the most vital things you should know—if you smell gas inside your home—is what to do.
Propane has no smell on its own but is typically added with a distinct odorant like that of rotten eggs. If you smell that rotten-egg odor, you need to get out right away. Put out anything burning like candles or cigarettes and don’t use any appliances, phones, light switches on the way out.
Once you are out of the house, turn off the supply valve on the propane tank. Get away from the house and use your cell phone or a neighbor’s phone to call 911 and Superior Propane.
Wait until the cause of the leak is fixed and all pilots are re-lit before returning to your home. First responders or the service technician will let you know when that is.
Propane leaks are not always detectable by smell.
You may have a cold or allergies, or another medical condition that can affect your sense of smell. Older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell. Medications, alcohol, smoking tobacco, or using drugs can reduce your sense of smell as well.
In very rare cases, the odor can be lost on propane because there is water or rust inside the tank itself.
Those circumstances are why we strongly urge our customers to install propane detectors in their home.
Propane gas detectors use sensors to measure the concentration of propane gas in an area. If the gas level reaches an unsafe level or is below a safe threshold, an alarm will sound.
Propane gas detectors are inexpensive and available at home improvement stores or online. They should be installed outside sleeping areas and near all propane appliances. A propane detector should be placed no higher than the pillows on your bed and preferably lower. That’s because propane gas is heavier than air and will build up lower to the ground.
Most carbon monoxide detectors DO NOT detect propane gas in homes—which is why a propane detector is absolutely essential.
If you have any questions about propane safety, please get in touch with us. We’ll be sure to help in any way we can!
