How To Tell If You Have A Gas Leak And What To Do

Propane gas is a safe, effective and efficient fuel for your home heating and home comfort systems. As with any energy source, however, you need to be educated about how to operate your propane equipment if you want to keep your family safe.

The two most important things to know if you’re the owner of a propane-powered home are 1) how to detect a leak and 2) what to do if you have one.

Here the basics:

1. How can I tell if I have a propane gas leak?

For your safety, propane manufacturers add a strong odorant (usually ethyl mercaptan) to propane that smells like rotten eggs, which helps you to detect a leak under most conditions.

As a precaution, however, we recommend that you install a propane gas detector in your home as well in the event you are suffering from a cold or allergies and can’t smell the odor (carbon monoxide detectors are also highly recommended).

2. What should I do if I have a propane gas leak?

If you smell a leak,

• Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
• Leave the house immediately and call 911 from a friend’s house at a safe distance from your own.
• As you leave the house, do not touch any electrical outlets or light switches.
• Make sure you have any propane equipment checked and serviced before you use it again!

Get always-safe propane deliveries for your Western New York home or business from the pros at Irish Propane! Contact us today to learn more or become an Irish Propane customer in our Buffalo and Rochester service areas.