If a pilot light repeatedly goes out or is very difficult to light, there may be a safety issue. DO NOT try to fix the problem yourself. It is strongly recommended that only a Qualified Service Technician light any pilot light that has gone out.
Our #1 Priority: Safety
The safety of our customers, employees, and community is our highest priority. We invest heavily in ongoing safety training and resources, and hold ourselves to a higher standard of safety protocol.
The safety of our customers, employees, and community is our highest priority.
Can You Smell Gas?
Propane has a strong, unpleasant odor, like rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray, to help you detect leaks. Some people may not smell it easily due to age, illness, or medications.
Odor Loss
On rare occasions, propane can lose its smell due to air, water, or rust in the tank, or when leaking through soil. Always treat even a faint odor of gas as a warning.
You can request a Propane Scratch’n Sniff Card HERE
How to Identify a Propane Leak
Propane leaks are flammable and, for this reason, need to be addressed in a speedy fashion. But don’t worry – there are several signs that can help you spot something that’s not quite right!
A strange smell like rotten eggs or skunk spray is a common indicator of a propane leak. Likewise, if you notice that you’re going through your propane way faster than normal but haven’t changed your usage behaviour, there might be an issue too.
Keep an eye on the performance of your fuel. Is your fire-pit flame weaker than usual? Are your appliances not working at their best? Well, you may have a propane leak.
If you experience any of these signs, make sure to get in touch with us straight away. Your safety is our priority, and we’ll be on our way to sort you out in no time!
If you smell propane or suspect a gas leak, act immediately:
- Avoid flames and sparks. Do not smoke, light a match, operate appliances, turn electrical switches on or off, or use a phone inside the affected area.
- Leave the area immediately. Get everyone safely away from the building or suspected leak.
- Turn off the propane supply only if it is safe. Close the main valve on the tank by turning it clockwise. Do not approach the tank if you suspect the leak is nearby.
- Report the leak from a safe location. Call Pacer Propane immediately. If you cannot reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
- Do not return until a propane professional or emergency responder confirms the area is safe.
- Have the system inspected. A qualified professional must check your propane system before the gas is restored or any appliances are used again.
Never attempt to locate a propane leak with an open flame or repair propane equipment yourself.
Regular propane tank maintenance helps protect your family, property, and propane system. Keep the area around your tank clear of weeds, debris, snow, and other obstructions so your delivery driver and service technicians can access it safely.
Periodically check for visible rust, corrosion, damage, or leaning, and contact Pacer Propane if you notice anything unusual. Never attempt to repair, move, paint, or modify your propane tank or equipment yourself—propane system maintenance should always be handled by a qualified professional.
Underground propane lines can be damaged by even a small digging project. Before installing a fence, planting a tree, building a deck, or beginning any project that disturbs the ground, call 811 to have underground utility lines located and marked.
You should also contact Pacer Propane before digging anywhere near your propane tank or gas lines. Never rely on your memory or assume you know where underground lines are located. A simple call before you dig can help prevent service interruptions, property damage, serious injury, and a potential gas leak.
A few simple precautions can help keep your propane system operating safely and reliably:
- Have propane appliances and equipment installed, inspected, and serviced by qualified professionals.
- Never attempt to repair, modify, or disconnect propane equipment yourself.
- Keep your tank, regulator, vents, and appliance exhaust areas clear of snow, ice, leaves, and debris.
- Check your tank gauge regularly and schedule deliveries before your supply gets too low.
- Contact Pacer Propane before adding appliances, remodeling, or making changes that could affect your propane system.
- Call 811 before beginning any project that involves digging.
- Report unusual odors, equipment damage, weak appliance performance, or other concerns immediately.
Proper care and professional service can help prevent interruptions, protect your equipment, and keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
Yes. If you smell gas or suspect a propane leak, turn off the main gas supply valve only if it is safe to approach the tank and you do not believe the leak is coming from the tank itself.
Open the tank lid and turn the main valve clockwise—to the right—until it is completely closed. Then leave the area and call Pacer Propane, 911, or your local fire department from a safe location.
Do not attempt to turn the propane back on yourself. A qualified propane professional must inspect the system and confirm it is safe before service is restored or appliances are used again.
No. If your propane supply has been shut off or your tank has run out of gas, do not turn it back on yourself.
Contact Pacer Propane to have a qualified service technician restore your service. Before turning the propane back on, the technician must inspect the system and perform a leak check. They will also make sure pilot lights are safely relit and your propane appliances are operating properly.
Turning the gas on without the required safety inspection could allow propane to accumulate and create a risk of fire, explosion, serious injury, or property damage.
If a pilot light is difficult to light or repeatedly goes out, do not continue trying to relight or troubleshoot it yourself. This may indicate a problem with the appliance, ventilation, or propane system.
Turn the appliance off and contact Pacer Propane or a qualified service technician for assistance. Never attempt to light a pilot if you smell gas or suspect a leak—leave the area immediately and report the issue from a safe location.
Improperly lighting or troubleshooting a pilot light can create a risk of fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide exposure.
Propane Is Safe
- Non-toxic to soil and water
- Production, storage, transportation, and use follow strict standards and regulations
- Stored and used in sealed containers and fuel systems
- Only transferred between containers by trained personnel
- Propane tanks are 20-times more puncture-proof than gasoline tanks (PERC)
If You Smell Gas
No Flames or Sparks
Don’t use lights, phones, or appliances. Sparks can cause fire or explosion.
Leave Immediately
Get everyone out of the building and surrounding area immediately.
Shut Off The Gas
If safe, turn the main tank valve clockwise to close.
Report The Leak
From a safe location, call your propane provider. If you cannot reach them, call 911 or your local fire department.
Do Not Return
Stay out until a qualified technician or emergency responder says it’s safe.
Get Your System Checked
Have your propane retailer or a qualified service technician check your entire system before you attempt to use any appliances again.
Running Out of Gas
Don’t let your tank run empty, it’s a safety hazard.
Open valves or lines can leak when refilled.
Appliance pilot lights may go out.
A leak check by a qualified service technician is required by law before gas service can resume.
Importance of Maintaining Your Tank
Maintenance is crucial to ensure your tank is ticking as it should 365 days a year.
Yes, propane is a safe fuel that will keep your home toasty without much hassle, but getting your tank checked from time to time can spare you from unwanted surprises.
At Pacer Propane, we take care of the maintenance and repair of the propane tanks we lease to our customers—absolutely free! Our qualified technicians will periodically perform a thorough inspection of your system, checking things like proper line size, appliance shut-offs, sediment traps, regulators, and any potential gas leaks.
Call before you dig
To avoid personal injury and damage to those underground lines call your state or local Call Before You Dig service to locate any other underground services and utilities that may be present.
How To Prevent Issues With Your Propane System
Looking after your propane is the first important step to benefit from safe, reliable fuel all year round. So, what can you do?
Keep Your Tank Full
Check on your propane levels regularly and give us a shout if your tank is running empty. Empty tanks might allow air or moisture to seep in, which can lead to issues such as corrosion.
Store Your Propane In a Ventilated Area
Give your propane some much-deserved breathing space. Store your tank outdoors, place it in a well-ventilated area, and keep it away (at least 3m!) from electrical sources at all times.
FAQs
Yes, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise) until tight.
No. A qualified service technician must perform a leak check of your propane system before turning the gas supply back on.
