It is easy to recognize a gas leak at home due to its powerful odour. Using your nose is the first step to detect gas leakage. The first hint is if you smell something strange gasous, a choking
"Ammonia" smell like rotten eggs or cabbage.
LPG contains traces of
Ethyl Mercaptan - an odorant, added for the aid in detection of leaks.
LPG is highly inflammable, another reason why care should be taken during storage.
LPG vapour is heavier than air, so any leakage well sink to the ground and accumulate in low lying areas and may be different to dispenser. Without the addition of an odorant, gas leaks could just spread without being detected. This would create a dangerous condition that could lead to an explosion or fire. Ethyl Mercaptan is a strong smell is often compared to rotten egg. However, unfortunately, Ethyl Mercaptan is not a perfect odorant under some circumstances. It can fade away. Osmosis odorant fade is rare but it can happen.
It is a good idea to remember always to test for leakage everytime you re-connect your gas bottle. Spray the entire regulator, hose assembly and valve with soapy water. Bubbles well form if there is a gas leak. You need to test the entire assembly from the gas bottle valve, all the way to where the gas hose attaches. If you find a leak, turn off the gas bottle immediately. Do not turn back on or attempt to use the gas until the problem is rectified.
