Propane Basics

What Is Propane?

Propane, also known as LP-Gas or liquefied petroleum gas, is stored under pressure as a liquid and normally changes to vapor before it travels through the gas system to appliances. Propane is an efficient fuel, but it must be handled with care because propane vapor can ignite when it mixes with air and reaches an ignition source.

Liquid propane can also cause freeze-burn injuries if it contacts skin. Customers should not attempt to repair, modify, or service propane equipment themselves.

Propane Odor, Odor Fade, and Smell Limitations

Know the Smell of Propane

Propane is odorized so that leaks may be easier to detect. Many people describe the warning odor as similar to rotten eggs, a skunk-like smell, sewage, garbage, or a dead animal. Any unusual gas-like odor should be treated seriously.

Some people may not smell propane reliably.

A person may have difficulty detecting propane odor because of age, illness, colds, sinus problems, medication, alcohol, tobacco use, fatigue, or strong competing odors such as cooking, smoke, musty air, or chemical smells. A propane odor may also be harder to notice in basements, garages, attics, or unused areas.

Odor fade can occur.

In some conditions, the odor added to propane can become less noticeable. Air, water, rust, soil, masonry, building materials, fabrics, or other environmental conditions may reduce the odor level. Because odor may not always be dependable, respond immediately to even a faint gas smell.

Customer action: If you are unsure whether you smell propane, do not wait. Leave the area and call from a safe location.

Propane Gas Detectors

Use Propane Gas Detectors as an Added Warning Tool

A propane gas detector may provide an additional warning if propane is present, especially for people who may not smell propane consistently or in areas of a building that are not used often. Detectors do not replace the need to respond to propane odor.

Recommended customer guidance:

• Use only propane gas detectors that are listed by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL.
• Install, test, maintain, and replace detectors according to the manufacturer instructions.
• Treat a detector alarm as an emergency even if no one smells propane.
• Never ignore a propane odor just because a detector has not alarmed

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly

Carbon monoxide, often called CO, is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. CO can be produced when fuel-burning appliances do not operate or vent properly, or when chimneys, flues, or air intakes are blocked.

Possible symptoms of CO exposure

• • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Confusion or flu-like symptoms

If carbon monoxide is suspected

1. Get everyone outside to fresh air immediately.
2. Call 911 or the local fire department.
3. Do not go back inside until emergency responders say it is safe.
4. Have appliances, vents, chimneys, and the propane system checked by qualified personnel before using them again.

Reduce CO risk

• • Install and maintain UL-listed carbon monoxide detectors according to the manufacturer instructions.
  • Have propane appliances and venting checked by qualified personnel on a regular schedule, preferably before heating season.
  • Keep chimneys, flues, exhaust vents, and air intakes clear of snow, ice, leaves, nests, and other debris.
  • Never use a gas oven, range, grill, generator, or outdoor appliance to heat an indoor space.
  • Watch for warning signs such as soot, unfamiliar burning odors, yellow flames where blue flames are expected, or unusual moisture on windows.

Pilot Lights, Appliances, and System Maintenance

Leave Propane Service Work to Qualified Professionals

Only qualified personnel should install, connect, disconnect, inspect, service, maintain, or repair propane tanks, regulators, valves, connectors, controls, piping, tubing, or appliances. Attempting propane work without proper qualification can create a gas leak, fire, explosion, injury, or property damage risk.

Pilot Lights

If a pilot light repeatedly goes out, is difficult to light, or you suspect an appliance problem, do not keep trying to relight it. Contact [Company Name] or a qualified professional. Relighting a pilot in unsafe conditions can create a fire or explosion hazard.

Appliance Care

• • Keep appliance air openings and exhaust vents clear so combustion air and exhaust gases can move properly.
  • Keep the area around propane appliances free of clutter and combustible materials.
  • Store gasoline, paint thinner, solvents, and other flammable liquids away from appliances and ignition sources.
  • Have older appliance connectors inspected by qualified personnel before moving appliances or disturbing connections.
  • If an appliance is disconnected or a gas line is open, contact a qualified professional to cap, plug, or close the line before use.

Running Out of Gas / Interruption of Service

Do Not Restart a Propane System Yourself

Running out of propane can create serious safety hazards because appliance pilots may go out and the system may need to be checked before it is placed back into service. If your tank is empty, nearly empty, or propane service has been interrupted, contact Milton Propane.

Before propane service is restored, a qualified person may need to inspect the system, perform required leak or pressure checks, confirm appliance conditions, and relight pilots where appropriate. Do not turn the tank valve back on yourself after a runout or suspected interruption unless directed by qualified personnel as part of a safe response.

Customer action: Call before you run out. During cold weather or high-usage periods, check your tank gauge regularly and request delivery before the tank is critically low.

Equipment Awareness, Tanks, Regulators, Digging, and CSST

Know Your Propane System

• Know where the main propane shutoff valve is located. Tank and cylinder valves close by turning clockwise.
• Do not store propane cylinders inside homes, garages, basements, sheds, vehicles, or other enclosed areas.
• Keep regulators protected from snow, ice, rain, mud, debris, and physical damage. Regulator vents should remain clear and properly oriented.
• Do not create building openings or place ignition sources too close to propane tanks, regulators, meters, or other propane equipment.
• Before digging, trenching, landscaping, installing posts, or doing construction, know where underground propane lines and tanks are located and call 811 before you dig.
• If your home or business uses corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST), have proper bonding and grounding reviewed by qualified professionals and licensed electricians as applicable.

Wisconsin Winter and Weather-Related Propane Safety

Heavy Snow and Ice On Propane Equipment

Snow and ice can damage regulators, piping, tubing, valves, and appliance vents. Snow falling from roofs or drifting around propane equipment can create unsafe conditions. Keep vents and equipment clear, and contact Milton Propane if you see damage or suspect a problem.

• • Keep regulator vents, appliance vents, chimneys, and flues clear of snow and ice.
  • Use care when clearing snow near propane tanks, lines, regulators, meters, and valves.
  • Use a broom when possible instead of a shovel around propane equipment.
  • Do not push or shovel snow from a roof onto propane equipment.
  • Maintain a clear path to the tank for deliveries and service work.
  • Contact your local building or fire official when protective covers, structures, or other local requirements may apply.

Flooding or Submerged Equipment

If flooding is expected or propane equipment has been submerged, shut off the gas supply at the tank or cylinder only if safe to do so. Do not turn the gas back on until the system and appliances have been inspected by qualified personnel.

Safe Access for Deliveries and Service

Help Us Reach Your Tank Safely

Safe access helps protect customers, employees, vehicles, and property. Please keep the area around your tank and propane equipment clear of snow, ice, debris, locked gates, aggressive animals, and other obstructions. Access routes should be structurally sound and safe for service personnel and delivery equipment.

• • Keep driveways and access paths plowed and treated for ice when winter conditions exist.
  • Mark underground or hard-to-see tank locations where needed.
  • Do not block tanks with vehicles, trailers, materials, or stored items.
  • Tell [Company Name] about locked gates, access codes, dogs, construction, or road conditions that may affect safe delivery.

Customer System Work / Interruption of Service

Notify Us Before Propane System Work

Before anyone other than Milton Propane replaces, modifies, repairs, services, disconnects, reconnects, or interrupts operation of your propane system, contact us. Changes to appliances, regulators, piping, tubing, tanks, cylinders, or gas lines may require inspection, testing, or documentation before the system is used again.
If propane service has been interrupted, a leak or pressure check may be required before gas service is restored. Do not restart appliances or turn the system back on yourself after a suspected leak, runout, repair, appliance replacement, or other interruption unless a qualified professional confirms it is safe.

Emergency warning for forms:

If you smell gas, do not use this form. Leave immediately and call 911 or [Company 24/7 Emergency Number] from a safe location.

Official Resources

Official Propane Safety Resources

The following resources are provided for customer education. In an emergency, follow the emergency instructions at the top of this page and call from a safe location.

• • Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) – What To Do If You Smell Gas: https://propane.com/safety/safety-articles/what-to-do-if-you-smell-gas/
  • PERC – Important Propane Safety Information: https://propane.com/safety/important-propane-safety-information/
  • Wisconsin DSPS – Gas Systems: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/Gas/Default.aspx
  • Wisconsin DSPS – Act 203 Memo: https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Programs/Gas/Act203Memo.pdf
  • Wisconsin Propane Gas Association – Safety and Training: https://wipga.org/safety-and-training/
  • National Propane Gas Association – Consumer Safety Materials: https://www.npga.org/news-resources/percs-new-consumer-safety-materials/