Forum Discussion

al7601's avatar
al7601
Explorer
Jun 05, 2017

Propane possible leak

Filled up my 2 30LB tanks on May 4th and both were empty on May 28th. 13 days of camping and usage which include hot water heater only put on for dishes and showers, furnace only used for heat a half a dozen times and only at night, and full time running 24/7 of the refrigerator.

Last year it would last a few months under those same conditions with a little less usage of the heat during summer months.

around my 2 tanks when flip the propane tank cover, I could smell some propane. it seems as if its coming from the dual regulator with the auto switch over. Is this normal?
  • mike-s's avatar
    mike-s
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    Before replacing the regulator, turn off the valves, then remove the couplings, and make sure the rubber seals aren't dirty or damaged. They're inside the tank fitting. Also, make sure the coupling is put on tight.
  • mobeewan's avatar
    mobeewan
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    Make sure it is not the hose assemblies. I have had a lot of trouble with the crimped fittings leaking between the hose and the barb. I had a local commercial / industrial hose supplier and manufacturer make hoses for me like I wanted them and haven't had any more problems.
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Jun 05, 2017
    I can pretty much trace my gas lines from the tanks, under the TT, to behind the removable panels, right up to the appliance.

    I would be looking and smelling for leaks. the soapy water work fine.

    Also we only turn on one tank at a time.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jun 05, 2017
    Use teflon tape or pipe dope specifically labeled for gas applications.
  • al7601's avatar
    al7601
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    both tanks are full and didn't notice any holes in the pipes. think I could get away with just changing the regulator? any recommendations on which regulator to get? the Camco one has mixed reviews and I'm leaning towards the MARSH EXCEL MEGR253
  • schlep1967's avatar
    schlep1967
    Nomad
    Jun 05, 2017
    Take a close look at the hoses coming off the tanks. I've had a rodent chew through mine. The tanks have a safety in them that stops large amounts of gas from escaping at once but it will still leak out.
  • al7601's avatar
    al7601
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    downtheroad wrote:
    Absolutely not normal...and absolutely dangerous.
    You can also squirt some soapy water on the hoses, connections, and regulator to further isolate the problem.
    Just from the nature of your question....I'd seek help from an RV service department or a mobile RV tech.

    Unless you are handy and can replace the regulator yourself and while you are at it, the two hoses. It's really not a hard job..but either way, do it sooner than later.


    thank you for the feedback. I'm pretty handy with that kind of stuff but have never done it before. I'm going to order the replacement like you said. do those regulators last a long time? and should I use Teflon tape on the threads?
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    I've seen/ smelled regulators that can vent where you can smell gas but only when the tanks are near completely empty
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2017
    Absolutely not normal...and absolutely dangerous.
    You can also squirt some soapy water on the hoses, connections, and regulator to further isolate the problem.
    Just from the nature of your question....I'd seek help from an RV service department or a mobile RV tech.

    Unless you are handy and can replace the regulator yourself and while you are at it, the two hoses. It's really not a hard job..but either way, do it sooner than later.

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