What makes propane different from other fuels?
Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure and becomes a gas when released. The gas is heavier than air, so it can collect in low spots such as basements, pits and low corners of a shop instead of drifting away.
It is normally given an added odor so leaks can be noticed, but some people cannot smell it well, and odor can fade in certain conditions. Do not depend on smell alone. Gas detectors made for propane add a layer of protection.
Propane is also heavier than air when it leaks as a vapor, so it can pool around floor drains and sump pits. Keep this in mind when you place a heater or a gas appliance in a shop, a barn or a basement.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the building immediately with everyone, including animals if you can do so safely. Do not turn lights or appliances on or off, use a phone inside, or light anything. Sparks from switches can ignite gas.
From a safe distance outside, call your propane supplier's emergency number or emergency services. Do not go back inside until a qualified person tells you it is safe. Do not try to find or fix a leak yourself.
Keep a short written checklist near the tank and the main shutoff. It should list the supplier, the emergency number, where the shutoff is and who in the household can operate it. Review it with everyone who lives or works on the place, including older children and hired help.
How do I handle and store cylinders?
Keep cylinders upright, secured and outdoors in a ventilated area, away from ignition sources, and never in a basement, cab or enclosed trailer. Protect them from damage and keep the valves closed when not in use.
Check the date and condition on each cylinder and have it inspected or requalified as required. Use only a trained, licensed supplier to fill cylinders and transport them as instructed, secured and ventilated.
Never move or tamper with a tank connected to a house system. Ask your supplier to relocate or remove it. Never place a tank where snow sliding off a roof can hit it, and keep vehicles and equipment away from it.
Who may install and repair propane equipment?
Tank installation, piping, regulators and appliance connections should be done by a licensed propane professional. Rules for who may work on gas systems and what inspections apply vary by state and county, so ask your local building office or state fire marshal.
Keep access clear to the tank, regulator and shutoff. Tell the supplier about new appliances before use, and schedule periodic inspections of the system.
How do I use propane appliances indoors safely?
Only use appliances designed and approved for indoor use, installed with proper venting and combustion air. Never use outdoor heaters, grills or camp stoves to heat a house, coop, workshop or tent.
Install carbon monoxide alarms and a propane gas alarm, test them on a schedule and replace them according to the maker's directions. If an alarm sounds, get everyone outside into fresh air and call for help.
Brooders, heated waterers and shop heaters are often the first propane appliances on a farm. Read the instructions for clearances, ventilation and the required safety shutoffs. Animals can knock over a portable heater, so use only equipment designed for that setting.
What should I check every season?
Look at hoses, connections and the tank for rust, cracks, damage or loose fittings, and keep snow, brush and debris away from tanks and vents. Ask your supplier before a heavy snow season how to keep the regulator clear.
Keep your supplier's number posted, plan your fuel delivery before you run low, and teach everyone in the household what to do in a gas smell emergency. Ask your local fire department whether they offer a home safety check.
What mistakes cause propane accidents?
Common errors include using an outdoor heater indoors, overfilling or transporting cylinders in a closed vehicle, ignoring a faint gas smell and attempting a repair without training. Each of these has caused serious injuries, and each is avoidable.
Another mistake is letting the tank run empty. When a system runs dry, pilot lights go out, and a technician must check the system before it is relit. Keep a delivery schedule, and never relight pilot lights or restart a system after a leak unless a qualified professional says it is safe.
Key takeaways
- If you smell gas, leave first and call from outside.
- Store cylinders upright, outdoors and ventilated, never in living space or vehicles.
- Have licensed professionals handle installation and repairs.
- Use only indoor-rated appliances and keep working CO and gas alarms.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.