What Are the Signs of a Propane Gas Leak?

What You’ll Learn

How can I tell if my propane tank is leaking?

Propane leaks announce themselves in several ways: a rotten egg smell (added to help you detect it), unusually high bills, dead plants near your tank, condensation or frost on hoses, a hissing noise, or a pilot light that won’t stay lit.

If you notice any of these, shut off the tank immediately, evacuate, and call for help.

In this blog:

This blog was updated March 2026.

The number stops you cold: 630,000 gas leaks every year.

You’ve always known propane is safe when handled properly. But that statistic lingers in the back of your mind every time you walk past your tank. Would you even know if something was wrong?

The truth is, propane leaks send clear signals—you just have to know what to look for. And more importantly, what to do when you find them.

You Smell Rotton Eggs or Sulfur

The most obvious sign of a propane gas leak is the smell.

Propane doesn’t have an odor. So, propane companies use a compound called mercaptan so consumers can detect propane leaks. It’s pretty hard to ignore a stinky rotten egg smell, and that is the point.

If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur near your propane tank or stove, immediately evacuate your house and call 911 from outside. Do not re-enter the building until it has been inspected and deemed safe by professionals.

Even so, don’t rely on these fumes for detection. If you suspect you have a gas leak but don’t smell anything, there are a few other signs to watch out for.

Your Bill Is Higher Than Usual

It’s not uncommon for propane bills to be higher during the winter months. But if you’re seeing unusually high propane usage and prices, think twice before blaming someone for leaving the propane heater on too long.

It could be a sign that propane is leaking from your tank, and you lose it every month. If this is the case, contact propane services for an inspection as soon as possible to identify and repair the leak.

Your propane company should be able to tell you whether what you’re experiencing is normal or not. If they determine you have a propane leak, they will advise you on handling the situation. This may include propane replacement or propane leak repair services.

You Notice Dead Plants Near Your Propane Tank

Dead plants near your propane tank can signal propane gas leaking.

Plants require oxygen and sunlight to live, but propane gas supersedes this need by reducing oxygen levels and blocking the sun.

If you notice dead, dying, or wilting plants near your home propane tank, go outside and see if gas leaks from the propane tank.

This could signify propane escaping from valves, regulators, or other propane components.

There’s Condensation, Bubbles, or Frost Near the Tank

While propane is non-toxic and odorless, propane vapor contains carbon dioxide and water vapor. This means propane leaks can also create condensation, bubbles, and frost near propane tanks.

A good way to test this is to mix dish detergent and water.

Spray it around your tank and hoses.

If you notice water bubbling around the area where your propane tank is located, you’ve likely got a propane gas leak.

Keep an eye out for frost or ice forming on any hoses connected to your tank—this could indicate a high concentration of propane in the air around your tank.

A Loud Hissing Noise

Listen carefully when you turn on your stove or other propane gas appliances. An abnormally loud hissing noise could be an indication that there’s a gas leak somewhere in your home or business.

In this case, shut off all appliances and exit the premises as soon as possible before calling for help from outside the building.

Check Your Gas Stove’s Pilot Light

If your propane-powered appliance has a pilot light, check it every few weeks. If you notice the propane tank no longer provides fuel to your appliance’s pilot light, this could be a symptom of underlying propane leak signs.

What To Do in Case of a Propane Gas Leak

If you suspect a propane tank leak, here’s what you need to do to protect yourself and those around you.

Turn It Off

If you see any signs of a propane leak, immediately shut off the propane tank valve by turning it to the right. Then, call your propane company so they can inspect and replace your propane tank as soon as possible.

Absolutely No Flames Or Electricity

Do not use open flames or electricity while waiting for propane replacement. This could spark a propane explosion, which can cause serious injury or death. Don’t even flip an electrical switch!

Get Everybody Out

Evacuate your home or business until propane specialists have taken a look. Do not re-enter the property until a propane specialist has given you the all-clear.

Know When to Call in Professionals

Never attempt to seal propane leaks with household materials like tape or glue. Not only is this dangerous, but it could also be illegal in some states and areas.

If you detect propane gas leaking from your propane tank, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Propane companies have the expertise and tools to inspect, repair, or replace propane tanks safely.

Stay Safe With Propane Gas

Knowing the signs is the first step. Having a trusted partner you can call is the second.

Become a Kauffman Gas customer today for professional leak detection, tank inspections, and replacement services.

We serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Chester County, Lancaster County, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware.

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