Propane Smell

[Kevin A]

New 30 lb. tanks, new hoses, existing dual tank regulator. No smell when using 20 lb. tanks. Smell is evident when I turn on the new tanks. What should I check? I tightened the fittings on everything. Haven't done a soap bubble test, but many online folks say that's not dependable with propane. Should I assume the regulator has gone bad? It seems to be making a very slight ticking noise, too.

[Donna D.]

Kevin, the soap bubble test is really easy and CHEAP. Try that first. Spray all around the regulator. How old is it anyway?

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Kevin, the soap bubble test is really easy and CHEAP. Try that first. Spray all around the regulator. How old is it anyway?

Disconnect all electrical. Battery and shore power. Bubble Test in open area FAR from any possible spark or ignition source. Maintain good ventilation - do NOT let the gas accumulate while you are testing.

In fact, forget all that and go to see a professional (thats my liability safe advice!).

[Darwin Maring]

It is most important that you do a complete bubble test.
It is also most important that you have a propane gas, carbon monoxide gas and a fire detector in your camper.

Failure to do so could result in your death. Yes, It is that important.

[stevebaz]

When you open the tank to release propane do you open the valve all the way up until the knob stops. Some tank valves have a stem that seals when the valve is fully opened. I would soap test everything. You just may have to study the bubbles a while if it's a very slow leak.

[Kevin A]

Thanks for the help. This morning, I found a loose T connection for the dual tanks that I hadn't tightened yesterday. I took everything apart and retightened all connections. No more gas smell!

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by stevebaz

When you open the tank to release propane do you open the valve all the way up until the knob stops. Some tank valves have a stem that seals when the valve is fully opened. I would soap test everything. You just may have to study the bubbles a while if it's a very slow leak.

Funny enough I had a propane guy explain the above to me just the other day. He suggested that if you only turn the tanks on part way that something he called an excess flow valve does not always works and can in some cases allow gas to leak around connection threads.

There suggestion was to always fully open the tanks then back them off a 1/4 turn in order to make sure the excess flow valve is activated.

Have no idea if the above is correct or not..... but the guy is in the propane businesses so suspect there may be some validity to the above.

Like the others though I would take the whole thing to someone who knows what they are doing as it not something I personally would be comfortable messing around with trying to fix if its not something as simple as the above.

[Jack L]

The best thing I have found to check for any gas leak is available at just about any store that sells toys. I usually get it at Wal Mart.The stuff they sell as kids bubbles works great. It's inexpensive and just a drop will show lots of small bubbles if there is even a small leak.