Written on: April 24, 2023
What’s that smell? If you think you detect the odor of rotten eggs, skunk, or dead animal, you may have a gas leak. Propane is naturally odorless, so to make it easy to detect leaking gas, propane and natural gas distributors use an additive called mercaptan to give it a distinctive smell.
Mercaptan is a natural gas that is produced by decaying plants, animals, and humans (fun fact—it’s one of the compounds responsible for bad breath!).
One reason it’s used in propane and natural gas is that the human nose can detect it in extremely small quantities.
Make sure everyone in your home can recognize the odor. If you smell gas:
Here are some common safety tips you should recognize if you use propane in your household:
While it’s a highly flammable gas under certain conditions, leaks are rare and propane is a safe and clean-burning way to heat your home and water and run many of your appliances. As with any fuel, there are certain steps to take to ensure you and your home are safe and comfortable. Knowing what to do if you smell gas can help ensure the situation is resolved safely and quickly.
If you have any questions about this information or any other propane safety issues, contact us. We’re always here to help.