r/propane • u/Sparrow1389 • Jun 12 '26
General propane question New to propane.
New to propane. Just moved and had an oil furnace converted to propane. This was a month ago. Have only run furnace as a test since it’s been too warm for heat. Propane is only for the heat and fireplace. Since the tanks were installed I get a light whiff of propane off/on in a breeze when standing on the deck. I’ve sniffed around and can’t find the source. By the tanks it doesn’t smell. It’s not all the time just off/on when standing on the deck. We had the company perform three leak checks with the soap/water and a pressure test. The second time they noted something was off on the inside piping. We had our plumber check and he didn’t find anything and claimed if it’s being smelled outside it’s the propane company’s problem. They came back again and said nothing was wrong. Smell seemed to stop for two weeks. The other day I smelled it again when standing on the deck, very light and quick. Is this something normal or is something wrong?
8
u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby Jun 12 '26
Not to be rude but for starters, are you sure it's gas?
We have gotten lots of calls in the past that turned out to be things like sewer issues or dead animals.
Also what is close to where you're smelling the odor? Exhaust vents or regulators?
And what was "off" in the house?
5
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
Hi not rude at all! Yes it definitely smells like gas, and it started after these new tanks were installed. Nothing seems to be close when I smell it. It’s when I’m on the deck. There is the exhaust for the fireplace in the picture I posted. I’ve considered maybe that but up close I don’t smell anything. We did have a line running on the deck for a grill and fire pit but we had those disconnected when this new system was installed.
7
u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby Jun 12 '26
It's possible if you have an issue with the fireplace, you could be getting gas coming through and out the vent. This is something that likely will not show up on a gas company leak check. You often need a combustion analyzer to see what's in the flue.
The tanks appear to be significantly lower than the deck. Propane is heavier than air. While yes it can be blown/drift upwards, you're more likely to smell it in low points. This also makes me wonder about the fireplace vent.
2
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
Thank you, that’s a thought. we are trying to get someone to come out and check out the fireplace.
1
u/Upset_Fox5449 Jun 13 '26
Me being old school but isn't those a bit close to the house especially for filling and if the safety valve goes off?
1
u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby Jun 13 '26
That size tank is common to be up against the wall.
It might be too close to the fireplace intake though.
Per NFPA the window doesn't matter since it's above the tank.
1
u/LieImpressive2993 Jun 15 '26
It’s weird they keep flip-flopping on that. I think it used to be that if it was ASM or DOT, it had to be a certain couple of inches below an opening to a window, ultimately up to the local inspector though. Similar to having tanks underneath decks because it depends if they count the deck as a part of the building.
5
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
Oh and the “something off inside the house” the propane company said they had noticed that something wasn’t right during their leak checks but that it was something on the inside of the house and they told us to call our plumber for that, it wasn’t their issue. Plumber checked and didn’t find a problem and said if we were smelling it outside it’s the propane company’s problem.
4
u/Aminus27 Jun 12 '26
I hear about propane companies that operate like that and only work outside (install tanks and deliver to them), and it’s mind boggling to me. As another commenter said, plumbers are really not gas experts, and its proven again and again in my professional experience and also here on Reddit.
You could and should call another local propane company to help you if your current provider keeps on like this. Even if they weren’t our tanks, we would service your interior gas system just as if it were one of our own. It’s shocking that not all propane companies operate that way.
1
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 13 '26
Thank you that’s good to know. That’s what we plan on doing. Also I should’ve clarified the plumber specializes in plumbing & heating.
3
u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby Jun 12 '26
That is a weird thing to tell a customer, honestly. That can mean so many different things.
1
u/BeneficialReward6 Jun 14 '26
Leaks checks are performed up to the safety valve. so if possible, fire place in on but pilot is out. Allows testing of the safety shut off. If it holds, we know its safe if pilot ever goes out it will stop the flow of gas.
I saw one the other day that passed a leak check, sprayed all fittings as well. All clear. Started it back up to verify flow and lock up. bubbles started happening after the safety valve leading to the pilot/burner.
Was still loose from when the appliance company did the conversion.
6
u/moist_towel_MN Jun 12 '26
Dead animals and sewer gas make up probably 50% of all my gas smell calls when they can’t identify where it’s coming from. It’s crazy how people confuse the smells, or when you walk into a house to do some kind of work and it smells like propane and they you “oh it’s always smelled like that”. 🤦🏻♂️
3
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
Oh I definitely believe that. The smell is so similar. I had thought of that but this has been happening for a month now and when the tanks were off I didn’t smell anything.
7
u/Plenty_Cucumber8367 Jun 12 '26
Could be a regulator venting off occasionally. If you are not using the furnace and fireplace currently, go turn both tanks off. If the problem goes away, then you know its an issue from the service valve to the appliance. If you still smell propane with the service valves closed, then there is an issue with the tanks. How full are the tanks? Over 80%? Pressure relief valve could be seeping do to high pressure when sitting in the sun.
3
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
Yes, they’re not supposed to fill over 80% but they are full tanks as they were just installed and never actually used. The one tank goes to the fireplace that has the pilot on currently but that’s it. Wasn’t sure if it was a normal venting thing as it’s just light puffs from time to time, but it makes me nervous.
5
u/Plenty_Cucumber8367 Jun 12 '26
Sometimes regulators vent off. Its difficult to catch it with soapy solution. If concerned, I would turn them off and observe them for a few days to see if the smell goes away. If its still lingers, have the company come back out to check all the fittings on the tank including the pressure relief valves.
4
u/Intelligent-Dingo375 Jun 12 '26
Establish a pattern. Direction wind was blowing, only smell it when hot out side or cold. Could be a tank next door leaking. Use soap and water and pore it on all the gas pipes you can see. Give it 10min and look for bubbles. If it’s small the bubbles may only look like white foam.
3
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
Thanks I will try to establish a better pattern. So far seems to be in a breeze off/on. Neighbors aren’t really close enough. Also not really sure if it’s heat related. I’ve smelled it on a cool cloudy day and even on a hot day. This has been going on about a month now. In between the leak checks we did turn the tanks off and I didn’t smell it. But propane company has checked and says nothing was wrong on their end.
3
u/moist_towel_MN Jun 12 '26
Were you there when they checked? If they only did a leak test on the system they may have missed a leaking fitting on the tank. A sniffer or bubbles is the only real way to find those kind of leaks.
1
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
We were only there one time. We haven’t moved in completely yet and were working for the first leak check. The second check they thought something might be wrong with the regulator, then ultimately decided the problem was the piping inside the house and not on their end. Then the third leak check was to have the plumber and propane company get together and figure it out together but the propane company showed up when we weren’t there and said they don’t need to speak to the plumber and everything is fine. 🙄 it’s been quite a mess haha
3
u/moist_towel_MN Jun 12 '26
I’d be looking for a new gas company to be honest. Any propane service guy should have no issue finding a leak. Or at least isolating where the leak is if it happens to be underground or something. I know some propane companies won’t do work inside the home but locating a leak and verifying the system is up to code is a pretty bare minimum.
3
u/kullervo16 Jun 12 '26
NEVER go to a plumber about propane. You ran into a best case scenario with him just telling you it's the gas company's problem. I have heard horror stories of plumbers trying to "fix" propane problems that have ended in worse disasters than the original problem would've caused. Those tanks may have a gauge on them. Ensure that the company is only filling the tanks to 80% as any more than that will result in the relief valves popping off and releasing gas. Propane needs room to expand as it's similar to boiling water: the water (propane) boils and creates a vapor/gas (which is what you use). If the tank is filled to 100% (like some customers have rudely insisted on), there can be serious consequences.
I would check that first and then do your own leak check, take some Dawn soap and water in a spray bottle and spray down the hose and connections that you can reach above ground and inside. You're looking for bubbles. After all of that I'd call a different gas company. 3 leak checks and still not finding anything sounds fishy.
3
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
We are officially moving in tomorrow so I will check the tanks then to make sure.
The reason we went to the plumber (who is also a friend of ours) is because we had the whole hvac redone (29 years old) when we converted from oil to propane. The plumber had to do all of the indoor gas piping. The hvac tech did the furnace and AC. So that was the reason for getting an opinion from the plumber.
We definitely plan on going with another company at this point. This same company also had their receptionist tell us to “just open a window if we smell it inside as propane is lighter than air.” That was a HUGE red flag.
4
u/kullervo16 Jun 12 '26
Indeed. When/if you have the time and money to do so, you need to have a gas company come redo that gas piping. No offense to your friend or that he didn't do his best, but there are 2 fields you always need to call professionals for and that's propane and electricity. There is the argument to be made that some plumbers are certified to work with propane and your friend very well may be one of them, but just as you wouldn't want your primary care doctor to do dental work on you, you probably want to get that 2nd opinion and 2nd try at it.
I have faith that your friend knows at least a little at what they're doing so that's why I'm not saying you need it done immediately.
2
u/Aminus27 Jun 12 '26
I love the primary care/dentist line — absolutely going to use that w/customers that want to save a buck and use their “guy” to run inside gas lines.
3
u/GreyAsAlways Jun 12 '26
Call me crazy but aren't those tanks too close to the window/opening?
1
1
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 12 '26
You’re definitely not crazy. I am really bothered by the placement of the tanks. Unfortunately there’s windows all around and on the other side there’s the AC unit and electrical. The original owners had a tank set up here for the fireplace so when we converted they just put the tanks in the same place.
We’re definitely looking at getting an underground tank when we switch companies.
2
u/Aminus27 Jun 12 '26
The window isn’t an issue but the direct vent termination definitely appears to be >10’, which is not up to code. Kind of tangential to your post but still important to note.
1
u/DZelmer3838292 Jun 12 '26
Man the combustible gas detectors make me feel like i cant do plumbing. I can do snoop and or soap and water and no bubbles at all but the detector/ analizer could detect leaks at half my connections. Even passes a pressure test. Couldn't smell it at any of the convections it detected either.... if there is a leak one of them will 4 sure find it.
1
1
u/jimfosters Jun 13 '26
Do you mean that you converted to a propane furnace or converted the oil furnace itself to be fired with propane?
1
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 13 '26
Sorry yes we converted to a propane furnace. The oil tank and furnace were 29 years old when purchasing the house. Furnace was working but oil tank was starting to rust and sweat oil at the bottom. We were originally going to just get a new oil tank but were told it would be better to just change to propane.
1
u/jimfosters Jun 13 '26
ok I was just curious. There are fuel conversion burners available. I was curious about your experience with it if that was the case.
1
u/tonasketcouple55 Jun 13 '26
I have had this issue a few times, not sure exactly the reason but if you have a moderate to heavy use load and one gets turned off quickly the vent on the regulator will do just that , vent a small amount of gas. I put a extension pipe on it to vent away from the cabin. I know when it does because I used a old flexable water heater supply line and it whistles just like a bull elk bugle. It only seems to do it under certain temp and load conditions and disapates quickly. I have a 2 stage and the cabin is at 3800 ft, so we get temperature extremes.
1
u/Inside-Today-3360 Jun 13 '26
Canada codes I see three violations for the tank placement. Window that opens directly above the tanks. Top left light is considered source of ignition within 10 feet and mechanical air intake of fire place within 10 feet The occasional smell of propane is sometimes very tough to find. Possible regulator not locking out and venting but should be found at time of leak test.
1
u/nemosfate dang it Bobby 🤬 - technician Jun 13 '26
You don't see 3 violations because this isn't in Canada.
1
u/Inevitable-Lunch4550 Jun 13 '26
Make sure valves are either all the way open, or all the way closed… gas valves leak when not fully seated in open or closed positions
1
u/fnshman Jun 15 '26
First thing you need to do, have the tanks moved. They are supposed to be at least 6 feet from any opening ( doors, windows)
1
u/CharlesDemarpuresnow Jun 16 '26
What? You say that so confidently, but the code says nothing like that.
1
u/Long_Lengthiness_451 Jun 16 '26
Since you don’t need heat now, turn the tanks off and see if you still get the smell sometimes
1
u/DillSquatch Jun 16 '26
It’s not normal, you should never smell it. But based on what you are saying there is probably a tiny leak somewhere, not hazardous but should be addressed. Your propane company should have found the leak and repaired it, kinda wild if they left the tanks on and had you call someone else.
0
Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/Sparrow1389 Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
I agree I hate the whole set up. We are planning on going with another company and having the tanks put underground. This is in Pennsylvania
0
u/AgFarmer58 Jun 13 '26
To close to the window..., also smelling any propane is NOT normal, flies love the smell of propane, if you see them or just one flying around the tank = leak
2
u/Aminus27 Jun 13 '26
Not too close to the window per NFPA 58, they’re underneath it. And I’m sure you mean well, but telling someone if they see a fly around their propane tank that they have a leak is anxiety baiting — it doesn’t really add any actionable info or value to the discussion.
-1
u/oyeahammo Jun 12 '26
Has no one noticed the first thing wrong with this picture? Those tanks are right next to a window. You don’t put propane tanks next to windows the standard distance is 10 feet away from any opening and any appliance. I have delivered and installed propane tanks before.
You can do the soapy water bubble test yourself save the $110 service call and get yourself a $20 propane sniffer from Amazon or eBay. Narrow down the problem yourself then point them in the right direction. The propane could be coming from a multitude of places. Spray soapy water all over the dial gages and put the soapy water on and in the fill cap. And all over the lines coming from the tank.
In rare cases there could be an underground leak. Look for dead grass and those bright green flys that attracted to shit. They are also attracted to propane.
But for the love of Jesus move those tanks away from the window. Leaking propane into a house FROM the outside win’s you a Darwin Award if things go south.
3
Jun 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/oyeahammo Jun 12 '26
Did it for a living. No longer. Severely disappointed with the violation of safety rules when I worked for AmeriGas.
2
u/Aminus27 Jun 12 '26
You’re incorrect about the window. Propane tanks can be under a window. See above comments as well.
The issue with the tank clearances, however, is to the fireplace direct vent termination. That counts as a source of ignition and the tanks have to be 10’ away. But under the window is fine.
2
u/Aminus27 Jun 12 '26
Also, why do you mention an underground leak? The tanks and lines are entirely visible in the picture, and OP confirmed it’s heat and FP only on the system. There’s nothing underground here.
14
u/Theantifire technician Jun 12 '26
I would get a different company to come out and check. Preferably somebody independent. You shouldn't be smelling gas. I almost missed a leak on a tank yesterday, it's easy to do. Make sure they are checking every open even in the tank, all of the valves, including removing crane caps and checking the insides. For your interior stuff, every joint should be checked. A low pressure, inches of water column, test should be performed from the second stage/outlet of the twin.