Can you have a propane leak and not smell it?

Author: Adrianna Walsh  |  Last update: Friday, December 12, 2025

Yes. Although it's rare, there may be times when you have a propane leak in your home but can't smell the rotten-egg odor. Reasons behind this include: excessive air, water, or rust inside your propane tank.

Does a propane leak always smell?

Yes and no. Propane itself has no smell but manufacturers add an artificial odour for safety, as often smell is the only way to know if there's a leak.

Can there be a gas leak with no smell?

No. A properly running unit should not have a gas smell. As an example, if you operate a natural gas stove inside, you smell gas before the burned lights, but while the stove is operating, you do not smell gas.

How to detect gas leak if you can't smell?

There are physical indicators, like feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Plus, some appliances might also serve as hints if there's a gas leak in your home. The flame from your stove should normally be blue and strong. If the flame is weak-looking, yellow or orange, it is best to check it out.

How can you tell if you have a propane leak?

Propane smell

The easiest way to detect a propane leak is with your nose. Propane is naturally odorless, but gas companies add something called ethanethiol for safety purposes. It has a distinct smell like rotten cabbage, which can alert you to an RV propane leak.

Do I Need To Worry About Smells Coming From My Propane Tank?

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect propane?

You should have CO detectors on every level of your home, and outside all sleeping areas. But most carbon monoxide detectors do not detect propane in your home. So, you need propane detectors as well. Contact us to learn more about propane detectors.

How long can you have a gas leak and not know it?

Gas leaks are subtle in smell but very obvious in bills. They can even go on for months undetected.

Can a small gas leak go unnoticed?

Small natural gas leaks may not smell, go unnoticed and can even affect your health and the health of those in your home. Inhaling too much natural gas can lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, and headaches. You may have a gas leak if you experience other symptoms, including: Irritation in the eyes and throat.

Does a gas leak smell come and go?

Natural gas leaks are particularly likely to cause smells in small, enclosed areas where gas can build up. If the leak is outside, the smell may seem to come and go as the breeze blows it away. The other big sign to look out for is a strange noise.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

No, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms cannot detect natural gas leaks. They are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas formed during incomplete combustion of fuels like oil, gas, propane, and wood.

Can you have gas that doesn't smell?

Most gasses produced – like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen and methane – don't smell at all. That is why you can fart sometimes and nobody really notices. But there is one gas found in some farts that is really really smelly.

Can propane fumes harm you?

Even though propane is not a toxic industrial material, it is an asphyxiant. This means that very high concentrations of the gas can cause suffocation.

What smell can be mistaken for gas?

Hydrogen Sulfide

The gas has a strong scent of rotten eggs, which makes it distinct from other, similar gases. If you detect this rotten egg scent and you are using hydrogen sulfide at your facility, this could be evidence of a leak.

Does a propane leak smell like a dead mouse?

Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray, or a dead animal.

What are the 3 ways to detect a propane leak?

Hissing sound: A leaking gas line or appliance often emits a hissing sound as the gas escapes. Dead vegetation: Outdoor leaks can kill grass or plants near the source of the leak. Physical symptoms: Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting.

How do you detect LPG leakage other than smelling?

Scorching or soot in an unusual location on the gas appliance is another visual method of gas leak detection.

Would you smell a propane leak?

To determine if a propane tank is leaking, you can: Smell: Detect the distinct odor of rotten eggs or sulfur. Listen: A hissing or whistling sound near the tank or gas line can indicate a leak. Soapy Water Test: Apply soapy water to the connections and valves of the tank.

Can I stay in my house with a gas leak?

We want to ensure that any potential gas leak is handled safely and swiftly. Here's what you should DO if you smell gas: DO leave the home, building, or area of the suspected leak. Get to a safe area as quickly as possible.

Can a minor gas leak make you sick?

Symptoms from a natural gas leak may include: headaches, sometimes severe. dizziness. fatigue.

Is there a detector for propane leak?

A propane or carbon monoxide detector will help keep your home and family safe. The detector monitors the particulates around your propane tank. The alarm sounds when it senses a higher particulate concentration or a dangerous level.

How do you know if a propane heater is exposing you to carbon monoxide?

The ultimate safety tip when it involves propane heaters is to place at least one carbon monoxide detector in the room where a heater operates. You want a carbon monoxide detector that emits a loud sound when it detects more carbon monoxide than is safely allowed within a space.

Does propane sink or rise?

One cubic foot of propane gas weighs . 1162 pounds, whereas one cubic foot of air weighs . 07655 pounds. This means propane in its vapor state is heavier than air and will settle to the lowest level possible.

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