Gas leak (smelled propane)

Leave the building, shut off the tank valve if safe, call dealer + fire department from outside. Do not operate switches, phones, or any ignition source. Do not re-enter until cleared. See what to do if you smell gas.

Fire involving the propane system

If fire is small and away from the tank: shut off the tank service valve if safe to reach, leave, call 911. If fire is large or directly involves the tank: do not approach; evacuate immediately to safe distance (300+ ft), call 911, prevent others from approaching. NFPA 58 tanks have pressure relief valves designed to vent before catastrophic failure, but you should not rely on them being adequate in all scenarios.

Complete runout

When your tank reaches zero, air enters the gas lines. Service cannot resume until a licensed technician performs a pressure test (NFPA 58 requirement). Procedure: leave appliances off, call your dealer to schedule a refill plus leak test. Typical fee $50–$150 — often waived for active auto-fill accounts. See running out of propane.

Suspected carbon monoxide exposure

CO symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness. Multiple household members or pets experiencing similar symptoms simultaneously is a strong CO signal. If suspected:

  1. Leave the building immediately
  2. Call 911 — CO poisoning can require hospitalization even after exposure ends
  3. Don't re-enter until the fire department ventilates and verifies CO levels
  4. Call your dealer to diagnose the source — typically a blocked appliance vent or malfunctioning burner

See carbon monoxide and propane.

Tank or valve damage

Vehicle impact, falling tree limb, fire damage, or visible tank corrosion — all reasons to keep distance and call the dealer immediately. Do not attempt to operate, fill, or move a damaged tank. Until a licensed technician inspects, the tank is potentially unsafe.

When to call 911 vs the dealer

  • 911: strong gas smell, fire, suspected CO exposure, visible tank damage, anyone experiencing symptoms
  • Dealer (and 911 if uncertain): faint or intermittent gas smell, runout, gauge anomalies, scheduled service interruption

FAQ

Should I evacuate for a faint propane smell?

Yes. Faint and strong gas smells are treated the same way — leave the building, then assess. A faint smell can mean a leak that's increasing, or a leak in a location you haven't noticed yet. Better to over-respond than under-respond to propane.

Will my insurance cover propane incidents?

Standard US homeowner's insurance generally covers propane-related incidents if the system was installed and maintained legally (permits, licensed installer, code compliance). Unpermitted installations or DIY work voids coverage. Confirm your specific policy.

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