If you use propane gas to power appliances in your home, you know that a propane leak has a distinct rotten egg odor that’s easy to detect. Except when it isn’t.
Sometimes, conditions can lead to phenomenon called “propane odor loss” – a state that can result from:
- Excessive air, water, or rust in your propane tank
- An underground propane leak (since propane’s odor diffuses in soil)
- Odor “sticking” to the inside of the propane distribution pipes
- Even something as simple as a common cold can prevent you from smelling a propane leak.
With all this in mind, it is important to take sensible precautions if you use propane heating equipment in your home. When it comes to propane safety, always err on the side of caution: react immediately if you detect a propane odor, following all propane leak safety procedures to get your family to safety.
It’s definitely worth installing a propane gas detector (or detectors, depending on the size and layout of your home), ol warn you of a propane leak whether or not an odor is present. Inexpensive and easy to install, these unobtrusive units will protect your family in the unlikely event of a propane gas leak in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for placement and maintenance, including battery replacement.