Residential Consumer Safety

Propane Leak Detection

Propane is naturally odorless. In order to increase safety precautions and to abide by law requirements, producers of propane include an odorant that will give propane the smell of rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray. Here are a few safety precautions that should be taken should you smell propane’s odorant in your home or around your propane tank:

1. Remove any open flames from the area: 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 or a fire.
2. Leave the area: It is recommended that anyone in the vicinity of the suspected leak leave immediately.
3. Shut off the gas: Turn off your main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. Turn the supply off by turning your valve to the right, clockwise.
4. Report the leak to DLE: From a phone that is a safe distance away, likely your neighbor’s home or a close-by business, call Delta Liquid Energy to report the leak in your system. Use your local fire department as an additional resource if you cannot reach a DLE representative.
Do not return to the area or building until an emergency responder or a certified technician gives you the okay to do so.
5. Re-check your system: Before using your appliances again, have your entire system checked out and diagnosed by a Delta Liquid Energy trained service technician. We will thoroughly investigate and ensure your system is leak free. Then, we will turn your propane supply back on. It is important to remember to NOT turn your system back on yourself – leave this to a trained professional.

For the rare occasion that propane loses its odor or if anyone in your home is unable to use their sense of smell, we recommend every home and business be equipped with a propane gas detector. This device can be purchased at any home improvement store.

If you own your propane tank, you are responsible for the upkeep and protection of that tank. These two links will help provide more information for above-ground propane tank ownership and below-ground propane tank ownership.

Just as with any propane provider, Delta Liquid Energy charges a minimal annual service agreement fee to customers that choose to use one of our company owned tanks. If your propane tank is the property of Delta Liquid Energy, we hold the responsibility of maintaining the propane tank. We will ensure it is properly certified and ready for use. Our article, Why Shouldn’t I Own My Propane Tank gives a few reasons why it is best to use a Delta Liquid Energy owned propane tank instead of purchasing your own. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a clear and present (and odorless) danger. CO poisoning kills 30 to 40 people each year, and CO leaks can cause injury and illness.

For your family’s safety, be sure to install a detector device for your home and be aware of signs and symptoms of CO poisoning.

Cause for Alarm

According to California law, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and alarms must be installed in existing single-family homes that have a fossil-fuel burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. Homeowners who do not comply to CO detector laws are subject to a $200 fine.

Know Your CO

Although it is invisible and odorless, high levels of CO (produced when propane, kerosene, wood or other fuels are burned) can kill a person in minutes. Some symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, confusion and faintness.

Generate with Care

Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and linger for hours, even after the generator has been shut off.

Clean Up to Keep CO Down

Gas burning appliances, when well-maintained, should not emit hazardous levels of CO. Be sure to keep appliances clean and in working order. Get in touch with your local Delta Liquid Energy office for questions about propane-powered appliances, and propane tanks and systems.

Getting outdoors and grilling with family and friends is a pastime enjoyed by many. When using a propane powered grill, there are certain safety precautions that should be taken. Our article, Grill Like a Pro with These Important Safety Tips, will help you learn some safety tips of the grilling trade.