MFA OIL

What you should know about propane safety
By Dick Tuinstra

Cold weather is fast approaching, and greater demand will be placed on your propane system. Knowing proper maintenance and how to detect a leak in your propane system is essential to keeping your home safe.

How the system works
Propane is a liquid gas that boils into a pressurized vapor at 44 degrees below zero, a process that takes place in the storage tank, which typically holds 24 to 1,000 gallons and is installed near the home. A first-stage regulator or a two-stage regulator is installed at the tank outlet to decrease pressurized vapor from the tank and into the piping going to your home. Buried copper or plastic tubing connects the first-stage regulator to a second-stage regulator or to a connecting pipe on the exterior of the home. The second-stage regulator, which further decreases gas pressure, feeds propane into the piping in your house and, in turn, to your appliances. From there, the appliance piping, pilot light and burner system provide warm food, hot water and a warm, cozy home.

Supplier and homeowner responsibilities
Although some consumers own their entire propane systems, the storage tank and regulators most often are owned and installed by the propane supplier. The supplier of a company-owned tank is responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the tank. The supplier is usually responsible for the first-stage regulator.

System pressure tests generally are performed only under certain conditions, such as new installation or an interruption in service. Because it is impractical for propane suppliers to perform a pressure test with every delivery, the customer is responsible for reporting the smell of gas odor or any leaks.

The propane customer is responsible for the condition of all fuel supply tubing (from the tank to the home) all piping inside the home and all appliance tubing. The piping that goes underground from the tank to the home, which can be the most difficult part of the system to monitor, also can be the most vulnerable. After underground piping is installed, it is easily forgotten and often neglected. Another potential weak spot in a propane system is exposed gas piping such as lines in a crawl space. Oxygen in the atmosphere interacts with the metal tubing and promotes oxidation and corrosion. That makes it very important for the consumer to know the warning signs of a leak.

If any changes are made to the propane system, it is also the customer’s responsibility to contact his propane supplier and arrange for a pressure test and system inspection, which should include the inspection and replacement of regulators. To ensure that appliances are getting the proper delivery pressure, regulators should be replaced every 15 to 20 years. Gas burning appliances also should be inspected periodically by a trained and certified repairman.

Detecting a propane leak
Since propane is a colorless, odorless gas, an odorant called ethyl mercaptan is added to propane before it is delivered to the home. The propane supplier can provide a scratch-and-sniff safety guide so the customer can become familiar with this smell. Common causes of propane leaks and other potential problems include: items such as clothing hung from gas pipes can put stress on the piping; uncapped gas lines resulting from changes in occupancy or removal of a gas appliance; improperly installed regulators; lack of maintenance; construction work or digging, which can sever underground gas lines.

Here are a few important things to remember:

Always be sensitive to even the slightest scent of propane gas. You may get a slight whiff of odorant when stovetop burners are ignited, but if the scent lasts for more than an instant you may need to have your system inspected to make sure there is not a leak.

Look for the source of all foul odors. What you may think is the trash could be a serious gas leak, or vice-versa.

If you hear a hissing noise near any portion of your propane gas system or a gas appliance, assume it is a leak. Immediately evacuate the house. Do not flip any electrical switches or use your telephone. Instead, contact your propane supplier from a safe distance, such as a neighbor’s house.

Purchase of an electronic gas leak detector can provide an added measure of safety. Although they are not 100 percent reliable, they do provide a higher degree of protection. Remember—always contact your propane supplier immediately if you suspect a problem with your propane gas system. Keep your home and system safe this winter.

Dick Tuinstra is propane safety manager at MFA Oil.