Our #1 Priority: Safety
The safety of our customers, employees, and community is our highest priority.
We invest heavily in ongoing safety training and resources, and hold ourselves to a higher standard of safety protocol.
Can You Smell Gas?
Propane has a strong, unpleasant odor, like rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray, to help you detect leaks. Some people may not smell it easily due to age, illness, or medications.
Odor Loss
On rare occasions, propane can lose its smell due to air, water, or rust in the tank, or when leaking through soil. Always treat even a faint odor of gas as a warning.
You can request a Propane Scratch’n Sniff Card HERE
How to Identify a Propane Leak
Propane leaks are flammable and, for this reason, need to be addressed in a speedy fashion. But don’t worry – there are several signs that can help you spot something that’s not quite right!
A strange smell like rotten eggs or skunk spray is a common indicator of a propane leak. Likewise, if you notice that you’re going through your propane way faster than normal but haven’t changed your usage behavior, there might be an issue too.
Keep an eye on the performance of your fuel. Is your fire-pit flame weaker than usual? Are your appliances not working at their best? Well, you may have a propane leak.
If you experience any of these signs, make sure to get in touch with us straight away. Your safety is our priority, and we’ll be on our way to sort you out in no time!
Propane Is Safe
✔ Non-toxic to soil and water
✔ Production, storage, transportation, and use follow strict standards and regulations
✔ Stored and used in sealed containers and fuel systems
✔ Only transferred between containers by trained personnel
✔ Propane tanks are 20-times more puncture-proof than gasoline tanks (PERC)
If You Smell Gas
No Flames or Sparks
Don’t use lights, phones, or appliances. Sparks can cause fire or explosion.
Report The Leak
From a safe location, call your propane provider. If you cannot reach them, call 911 or your local fire department.
Leave Immediately
Get everyone out of the building and surrounding area immediately.
Do Not Return
Stay out until a qualified technician or emergency responder says it’s safe.
Shut Off The Gas
If safe, turn the main tank valve clockwise to close.
Get Your System Checked
Have your propane retailer or a qualified service technician check your entire system before you attempt to use any appliances again.
Running Out of Gas
Don’t let your tank run empty, it’s a safety hazard.
- Open valves or lines can leak when refilled.
- Appliance pilot lights may go out.
- A leak check by a qualified service technician is required by law before gas service can resume.
Importance of Maintaining Your Tank
Maintenance is crucial to ensure your tank is ticking as it should 365 days a year.
Yes, propane is a safe fuel that will keep your home toasty without much hassle, but getting your tank checked from time to time can spare you from unwanted surprises.
At UPG, we take care of the maintenance and repair of the propane tanks we lease to our customers—absolutely free! Our qualified technicians will periodically perform a thorough inspection of your system, checking things like proper line size, appliance shut-offs, sediment traps, regulators, and any potential gas leaks.
Call Before You Dig
To avoid personal injury and damage to those underground lines call your state or local Call Before You Dig service to locate any other underground services and utilities that may be present.
How To Prevent Issues With Your Propane System
Looking after your propane is the first important step to benefit from safe, reliable fuel all year round. So, what can you do?
Keep Your Tank Full
Check on your propane levels regularly and give us a shout if your tank is running empty. Empty tanks might allow air or moisture to seep in, which can lead to issues such as corrosion.
Store Your Propane In a Ventilated Area
Give your propane some much-deserved breathing space. Store your tank outdoors, place it in a well-ventilated area, and keep it away (at least 3m!) from electrical sources at all times.
FAQs
In an emergency, can I shut off my propane supply?
Yes, 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) until tight.
Can I turn my gas supply back on again?
The simple answer to this is no. Don’t take a chance!
Turning your propane supply back on can be very dangerous and put you and your loved ones at risk of injuries.
After a suspected leak or a situation of emergency, it is essential to allow one of our qualified technicians to inspect your tank, address the leak source, and take the appropriate steps to keep everyone safe.
Can I relight a pilot light if it’s giving me trouble?
If a pilot light repeatedly goes out or is very difficult to light, there may be a safety issue. DO NOT try to fix the problem yourself. It is strongly recommended that only a Qualified Service Technician light any pilot light that has gone out.