Detecting Propane Gas Leaks · Home Inspection Tools & Tips

Due to the fact that a network for the distribution of natural gas still doesn't exist in Cancun and the Riviera Maya the use of propane, known as LP – liquid propane, is pretty common. Propane is a flammable gas that turns liquid when stored under pressure, thus the need for steel tanks to contain it. When used in domestic appliances like water heaters and stoves it passes through a pressure regulator before entering the piping and then vaporizes due to the pressure difference between tank and pipes. The pressure regulator is usually installed on the propane cylinder - portable or stationary.

Typical portable propane tank:

Typical stationary propane tank with pressure regulator:

Propane gas is heavier than natural gas and tends to accumulate in low areas should there be a leak in your system. Good ventilation is recommended when dealing with Liquid Propane systems.

Natural gas and propane are naturally odorless this is why a chemical called ethylmercaptan is always added to release a strong characteristic foul odor when gas leaks (similar to rotten eggs). On rare occasions propane leaks that are odorless can occur: e.g. when the inside of the propane tank is heavily oxidized (rust) it causes the odor to fade.

On our home inspections we use an Electronic Gas Detector to check gas installations and make sure they are leak proof.

This is the UEI CD100A combustible gas detector, a reliable instrument in our inventory:

DIY Tip: Should you suspect a gas leak (and you don't have a gas detector) the most common method of tracing it is using dishwasher soap and a regular brush: mix a 50/50 dishwasher soap/water solution, mix it well with the brush until it starts foaming and start applying on all connections in your system – you’ll notice that bubbles start forming when you found the leak (it looks like the foamy solution you applied is boiling).
This method works well most of the times but there are limitations, e.g. pipe sections that are not easily accessible.

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