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lakagyeama · 07-29-2019, 07:10 PM

Hi All! I'm hoping that I may be able to get some advice about a propane leak that we have. There is a distinct propane smell outside of our Airstream near the furnace and inside under the kitchen sink (also where the furnace is. We have sprayed all of the connections and no bubbles. I even had a RV repair person come out to check and they said there were no leaks at the connection points. We installed a new LP/CO in November and it is not detecting a leak...but I trust my nose. Is there any advice you might be able to give to finding the source of the leak? Appreciate any help!

Baby Zeppelin · 07-29-2019, 07:22 PM

Your profile does not disclose what kind of Airstream you have. If it is a modern one with two propane tanks and an auto-switchover valve that is normally displaying green flags then shut off all your propane appliances and your propane tank valves. The valve should still show green. Let it sit overnight. Flags still green? Probably no leak, as the pressure has remained in the lines between the tank and all appliances.

lakagyeama · 07-29-2019, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Zeppelin

Your profile does not disclose what kind of Airstream you have. If it is a modern one with two propane tanks and an auto-switchover valve that is normally displaying green flags then shut off all your propane appliances and your propane tank valves. The valve should still show green. Let it sit overnight. Flags still green? Probably no leak, as the pressure has remained in the lines between the tank and all appliances.

Thanks for the response! We have a 1994 Excella. It does have an automatic switch over but I don't see a green/red indication on ours. That being said, it is pretty fragrant outside and inside our Airstream. Mostly outside but certainly when i open the kitchen cabinets (that is where the propane lines run to the furnace and the stove. No leak on the stove connection but I do have a concern that the flames on the gas stovetop have started showing orange/blue instead of just blue.

Baby Zeppelin · 07-30-2019, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakagyeama

Thanks for the response! We have a 1994 Excella. It does have an automatic switch over but I don't see a green/red indication on ours. That being said, it is pretty fragrant outside and inside our Airstream. Mostly outside but certainly when i open the kitchen cabinets (that is where the propane lines run to the furnace and the stove. No leak on the stove connection but I do have a concern that the flames on the gas stovetop have started showing orange/blue instead of just blue.

Wonder if the gas valve on your stove is leaking. Don't know how to test it, other than by splashing sudsy water on it. You might see if you can disconnect and cap of sections of the propane plumbing and see it you can localize the leak. Propane operates at very low pressure beyond the regulator, for what it's worth.

KRPS · 07-30-2019, 10:05 AM

I know in the natural gas industry there are actual meters that sniff for natural gas. If I were you, I would call around for furnace technicians that may have such a device.
In the meantime, if you haven’t already, either shut off your tanks or at least try and isolate the leak. Maybe shut off furnace valve first. Smell will linger for sometime though. Makes it difficult to know if you remedied it by isolating a particular line or appliance. I have seen gas valve blocks have leaks that were very hard to detect.
Personally, you alls safety is first.
They add the smell into gas so you can detect it. At least that’s what I have been told. Trust your sniffer.
Good luck, safe travels,
Kevin

gnijman · 07-30-2019, 11:19 AM

See my recent thread - you may not have a leak after all. Check your propane tank level ...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f287...it-196039.html

**jcanavera** · 07-30-2019, 11:50 AM

The almost empty tank does sometime provide a more pungent odor in propane appliance even though you have no leaks. Also check those propane pigtails that come off the tank into the regulator. I've had those leak twice over the course of 15 years at the small end due to the deterioration of the hose at the small coupling.

Jack

perryg114 · 07-30-2019, 01:36 PM

Propane leaks are so hard to find. I am having some issues and I think I am going to have to pressurize the lines with an air compressor and do some soap testing.

Perry

rmkrum · 07-30-2019, 06:03 PM

Don’t go to more than 4-5 pounds of air pressure on the lines. Gas valves on the appliances don’t like lots of pressure. 11 inches of water is about 0.4 pounds per square inch IIRC. Be careful.

Sitesee · 07-30-2019, 09:22 PM

Hire a certified gas contractor. The contractor has the knowledge and equipment to certify your system. Money well spent as opposed to injury or even death. It is best to shut the tanks down ASAP.

JDG · 07-31-2019, 06:08 AM

Get a gas sniffer. Here is one from Rigid tools on Amazon. Works very well and much better than your nose. Approximately $150.00 which is going to be less than the service call.

RIDGID 36163 Model micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector, Gas Leak Detector

lakagyeama · 08-02-2019, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Don’t go to more than 4-5 pounds of air pressure on the lines. Gas valves on the appliances don’t like lots of pressure. 11 inches of water is about 0.4 pounds per square inch IIRC. Be careful.

Thank you- how can you tell how much pressure is in the lines?

lakagyeama · 08-02-2019, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDG

Get a gas sniffer. Here is one from Rigid tools on Amazon. Works very well and much better than your nose. Approximately $150.00 which is going to be less than the service call.

RIDGID 36163 Model micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector, Gas Leak Detector

Thank you- this is great since I’m not getting any nibbles!

Baby Zeppelin · 08-02-2019, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakagyeama

Thank you- how can you tell how much pressure is in the lines?

The pressure is very low, on the order of about ½ psi. Therefore it's measured using a column of water.

See http://blog.goodsam.com/what-do-you-...-water-column/

perryg114 · 08-02-2019, 08:20 AM

I just bought a cheap gas sniffer off Amazon. We will see if it works or not.

Perry

lakagyeama · 08-05-2019, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perryg114

I just bought a cheap gas sniffer off Amazon. We will see if it works or not.

Perry

Did it work for you?

perryg114 · 08-05-2019, 11:19 AM

This one does work. I have not used it on my trailer yet but it does work.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Perry

lakagyeama · 08-05-2019, 11:34 PM

Thanks for everyone’s help! We finally found the source of our leak. The gas valve on our furnace broke so someone capped it for us until we can get it fixed. Phew- so happy not to have any the propane smell and worry any longer!

jwgreen · 08-14-2019, 10:52 AM

If the ambient air temperature is cold/cool when you filled the tanks and the temperature warms up, the tanks will vent normally. Since it's outside the trailer, this is not hazardous and will dissipate. I would follow the advice about changing the pigtails from the cylinders to the changeover valve and regulator if they have never been replaced.

sarge12212 · 08-14-2019, 01:38 PM

I am a propane service tech. If you have sprayed all your connections with a strong soap and water mix and still think you have a leak, turn off your tank and find a local propane service company in your area to do a leak test. You do not have the tools or training to properly test or repair. DO NOT pressurize with air! You will just overpressure your regulator or appliances. This is not a handyman kind of thing. Let a professional do it, please!