Many properties rely on propane for everyday use, from heating and cooking to operating appliances. As a colourless and naturally odourless gas, pure propane has no smell, making it difficult to detect. That’s why propane gas has a scent added so you know when a leak occurs. The smell of propane is like rotten eggs, irritating enough that you’ll notice it’s there.
A propane smell typically occurs when the propane tank is low or leaks. Propane chemicals condense and collect liquid at the bottom. When a propane tank is low, pressure is reduced. That causes the odour to evaporate and retain smell. The smell is often more intense when the tank is near an open flame. The evaporated propane could ignite, resulting in a fire.
Here is how to get rid of propane smells in your house.
Unplug anything that sparks.
Anything that can cause an electric charge should be unplugged. If you notice a propane odour, a spark may ignite the room. Turn off all appliances and electronics. Check to ensure that all the wires are securely connected. If you notice frayed wires, replace them promptly. Avoid lighters. Likewise, do not touch light switches, doorbells, or thermostats. They may produce a spark you cannot see.
Turn off the gas valve.
If you know where the gas valve is, turn it off. Look for the main gas supply valve. This will slow down the gas spread. To close the valve, turn it clockwise. Please note that this will not resolve the propane leak if there is one. It is still strongly recommended to follow the rest of these steps and leave the residence to ensure you aren’t in danger.
Open the doors, windows, and leave.
The best advice we can give when there’s a propane smell in the house is to open the windows to allow the propane out. Doing this will enable the propane to leave the space. Being surrounded by propane is a critical safety issue. By departing, you are out of the hazard zone and can allow a professional to take control of what’s going on.
Do not re-enter the home until the cause of the propane smell is taken care of. Afterwards, the odours will linger for at least two or three hours. If you’ve opened the doors and windows, it is more likely to dissipate faster. Ultimately, it will take time to air out a space, especially if the propane smell has been present for an extended period.
Address the underlying cause.
The best thing to do with a propane smell is to find and address the cause. Either fix the leak or get a propane tank refill. The smell is not just a nuisance. Propane is awful for your health, causing cause nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness. Higher concentrations can cause a rapid heart rate, breathing troubles, emotional upset, and fatigue.
If you have found a leak or suspect one, contact your propane or propane tank supplier to resolve the issue. They can investigate, confirm the problem, and advise you on possible solutions. Any skilled propane supplier knows how urgent a gas leak is and will provide immediate assistance.
However, do not try to fix the issue without experience. A gas leak can be made more severe if there’s tampering with the propane equipment or appliances. Likewise, you don’t want to modify the valves or mishandle the propane tank and distribution system. You may inadvertently cause an accident. Regardless, the only sure way to permanently resolve a propane leak is to leave it in professional hands.
Neutralize the smell.
After the cause of your propane leak is permanently resolved, you can fix a propane smell by searching for a mercaptan neutralizer. Mercaptan is put in with propane to give it an ugly scent. A product like plant-derived Deomer is a deodorant liquid that treats clothing, tools, concrete, metal, and soil. It reacts to mercaptan and neutralizes the odour.
Once the propane smell disappears, do not use propane appliances until a professional can check them and verify their safety. Take your service technician’s advice if they recommend waiting. A propane retailer or service technician should inspect your entire system to confirm it’s leak-free.
