While sleeping in my truck camper last night, I smelled what I'm pretty sure was propane odor. No propane alarm sounded and my detector is only a couple of years old. So I got up at 3 a.m. (yawn) and turned off the tank. This morning no propane smell in same spot. Turned tank back on. No smell 5 hours later.Is there some way I could do a pressure check on the propane lines, or is that an RV service tech type of job?The smell was very localized. When I moved to the other side of my bed, it didn't occur there. When I smelled it, I was on the passenger side with my head near where the propane tank and fridge compartments are.Thanks,

If you get a spray bottle and put some soapy water in it then give a little squirt on the connections of the the propane line. If you get bubbles forming you found your leak.

Windex works GREAT for detecting PP leaks. It bubbles like crazy.

Maybe the propane leak was biological not mechanical ;)

If the propane pressure gets low you sometimes get a smell. If it is a large leak it should shut the gas off automatically. However checking for leaks is a good idea, at least once in awhile, I test for leaks about once a year just to make sure.

My propane detector is extremely sensitive. I cannot imagine a leak without the detector alarm blasting.

Testing for propane leak? | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

rhagfo
Explorer III
Jun 10, 2017
I prefer the yellow Teflon tape, neater and cleaner. When working on pipe fittings you need two wrenchs one to support the fitting that the one you are tightening is attached to.
Itinerant1
Explorer
Jun 10, 2017
This works well for gas connections and can be bought at Lowes, Home Depot or stores like that.
Ramblin__Ralph
Explorer
Jun 10, 2017
Thanks for the tip, but the leak is not at the tank end of the hose. It's at the other end that has a 1/4" brass/bronze fitting.
JimK-NY
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2017
DO NOT GET A LONGER WRENCH!!

The leak is due to a poor seal in the tank. This is a common problem especially for old tanks. I had a couple of exchange tanks do the same thing. I found exchange tanks are often very old and I have yet to find one with a recertification stamp. This past winter I went through a half dozen tanks from Lowes and Home Depot and two leaked. I was careful and got new tanks from the exchange cage. Now I go elsewhere and have them refilled.
Ramblin__Ralph
Explorer
Jun 09, 2017
Thanks for the tips. I used soapy water and got a bubbling where the hose from the tank connects to the internal piping system, within the propane tank compartment. Tried to tighten the fitting, but it didn't appear to move. Still get the bubble. Going to get a longer wrench and try again. If that doesn't work, I'll get a new hose.

I've been leaving the tank compartment door open at my campsites and haven't smelled any propane inside since then.

Conclusion: Not a biological problem. :)
joshuajim
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2017
I've found the best leak detector fluid is childrens bubble maker. Bubbles is what it is designed to do.
Fulltimer50
Explorer
Jun 08, 2017
NMDriver wrote:
Maybe the propane leak was biological not mechanical ;)

I also had the same thought.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2017
Check the knobs on your stove that they are completely in the off position.
Cobra21
Explorer
Jun 08, 2017
I use thick dishsoap water solution and a small paint brush. Slap it on every fitting and watch for bubbles.
Brian
JimK-NY
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2017
My propane detector is extremely sensitive. I cannot imagine a leak without the detector alarm blasting.