Propane Safety Tips

Be Safe Around Propane

To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like. Propane retailers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff spot so that your entire family can recognize the smell. Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are available. Please contact us to see how you can obtain one.

IF YOU SMELL GAS

If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your local propane supplier or the fire department from a phone outside the building. DO NOT remain in the building, DO NOT use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself. SHUT OFF THE GAS SUPPLY, using the shut-off valve at the tank or cylinder. TURN THE VALVE HANDLE CLOCKWISE TO SHUT OFF.

  1. No Flames Or Sparks! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion.
  2. Leave The Area Immediately! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
  3. Shut Off The Gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
  4. Report The Leak. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call LinGas at 800-768-6612 right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
  5. Do Not Return To The Building Or Area until LinGas determines that it is safe to do so.
  6. Get Your System Checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, LinGas must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

Be aware of where gas service lines are located, especially when working in your yard.

Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.

Lighting Pilot Lights

This quick sliedeshow provides basic information about pilot lights and your propane system. Following these instructions will help ensure the safety of you and your family. VIEW THE SLIDE SHOW

Heating Appliances

All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Contact your local propane supplier for information on proper cleaning, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Water Heaters

Drain your tank periodically (until water runs clean – usually 2 to 3 gallons) to get rid of sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank.

Ranges

Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need adjustment. Contact your propane supplier’s service department immediately. Do not cover the oven bottom with foil – it can restrict air circulation. Never use gas ranges for home heating.

Propane 101

Designed by propane dealers so that current and potential users of propane gas may better understanding what propane is and what it does. Through our experience and knowledge, we aspire to improve the relationship between LP Gas marketers and consumers by expanding awareness of not only propane as a fuel but also the activities of gas marketers in the propane gas industry. LEARN MORE

Want to learn More about Propane? Visit our Propane Resources section.

To get in touch with us directly call our toll free number 1-800-850-4380 or contact one of our many Lin-Gas locations today.