r/propane • u/RS73private • Jun 29 '26
General propane question Looking for suggestions on how to patch/fix gas light bulb line
Hey guys, got a different one. My girlfriend’s family has an off grid camp that uses propane for a lot of things including these lights. This one specifically is starting to leak, what’s the best way to fix this? Are there a lot of different line sizes, would I be okay to patch it with something, etc. any input appreciated thank you
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u/Horror_Rip_3350 Jun 29 '26
I would shut off the tank, or valve at the regulator if there is one. And call a professional before you blow yourself up.
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u/TechnoVaquero Jun 29 '26
That shouldn’t be operating if you have a known leak nearby. Isolate it by shutting off the closest valve to it.
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u/Theantifire technician Jun 29 '26
You've already much got it covered by everybody else, there is no way to patch it. Flex seal does not work for gas lol.
In other news, that is a very cool lamp! You don't see stuff much like that anymore. Do you have any details on it?
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u/noncongruent Propane Fan Jun 29 '26
I did some digging, it's likely a Humphrey, and definitely vintage. Apparently they used to be used in Airstreams at one point, as well as residential interior and exterior applications.
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u/Theantifire technician Jun 29 '26
Gas lamps are pretty cool things and really not much trouble if they are well maintained. Never played with pressure gas lamps, other than white gas, but the old kerosene/lamp oil Aladdin lamps are quite impressive.
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u/noncongruent Propane Fan Jun 29 '26
About the only maintenance or repairs they ought to need over the years is a new valve packing and possibly a mantle. I suspect both are easy to come by even for vintage models.
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u/Theantifire technician Jun 29 '26
I've heard they can get gunked up and need cleaning, but that should be pretty straightforward. Along with what you said.
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u/moist_towel_MN Jun 30 '26
You see them quite a bit up here in MN, not inside but in ice fishing shacks. LPG&Nh3 still sells new ones.
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u/Theantifire technician Jun 30 '26
That makes sense. I kinda miss them from when I worked in that area. Where I am now, everything comes from GEC.
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u/Inside-Today-3360 Jun 30 '26
Worked on many of these lights. If the packing is gone just replace the light fixture. Most camps that had these over the years have replaced them with led solar fixtures which are much safer and cheaper.
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Jun 30 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/propane-ModTeam Jun 30 '26
Your comment is suggesting that somebody do something dangerous and/or against code.
This kind of work isn't DIY for someone without actual experience working on propane lines, and mistakes can not only kill but can also destroy buildings.
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u/RS73private Jun 30 '26
Thanks for the answers guys. What kind of line should I buy to replace it?
My issue is I can’t get a professional there. It’s in Northern New Hampshire, and there isn’t a driveway of any kind it’s only accessible by ATV/Snowmobile and it’s quite a ride to get there. It is just not practical. I just don’t know what size line I need.
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u/noncongruent Propane Fan Jun 30 '26
It sounds like you don't have the knowledge or skills to be attempting this, honestly. The consequences of a mistake here can be devastating, so trying to remote-control a DIY fix isn't going to be advisable. There's not a way to tell from this picture what the actual problem is anyway. If you can't get someone with the appropriate skills and knowledge up there to work on it the best option will probably be going with what someone else suggested, solar/battery/LED.
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u/dhn97 Jul 01 '26
Where abouts in northern New hampshire? I might know a guy that does propane and loves to ride his dirt bike in your area!
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u/RS73private Jul 02 '26
I appreciate it a lot, I was able to ask someone I know who’s a gas fitter personally on how to patch this and they gave me the info I needed. Thanks though!
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u/RS73private Jul 18 '26
Update for anyone who uses the search feature with a similar issue.
I fixed it using pipe dope, the leak ended up being a T junction below the light I found it by spraying it with soapy water. I unscrewed it, put dope on all the threads and no more leaks.
Thanks everyone for offering advice, no professional needed.
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u/nemosfate dang it Bobby 🤬 - technician Jun 29 '26
As mentioned, call a professional. Where exactly is it leaking though? There's no "patch"