Quick answer: If you can smell gas near your LPG tank, treat it as a potential gas leak. Move away from the area, avoid flames, sparks and electrical equipment, turn off the Emergency Control Valve (ECV) if it is safe to do so, and contact emergency support immediately. Never attempt to investigate or repair the issue yourself.
Although there are some situations where a faint gas smell can occur temporarily, any strong, persistent or unusual odour should always be treated seriously.
LPG systems are designed to be safe and reliable, and your tank, pipework and equipment are subject to regular inspections and maintenance. However, like any fuel system, faults can occasionally occur. For that reason, the safest approach is to assume there may be a leak until the cause has been identified.
If you smell gas, stay calm and move away from the immediate area. Do not smoke, light a naked flame, or use matches, lighters, barbecues or candles. Avoid operating electrical switches, appliances, doorbells and mobile phones near the tank, as even a small spark could ignite the gas. Keep children, pets and other people away from the area, and if it is safe to do so, turn off your gas supply at the Emergency Control Valve (ECV). Contact emergency support immediately and never attempt to investigate or repair the problem yourself.
At Northern Energy, we understand that noticing the smell of gas can be alarming, particularly if you have recently taken delivery of LPG or have never experienced it before. In this blog we’ll explain what LPG smells like, some of the most common causes of gas odours around an LPG tank, and when you should contact emergency services or our team for advice.
What does LPG smell like?
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is naturally colourless and odourless, which means it cannot be detected by smell alone. To make leaks easier to identify, a distinctive substance called ethyl mercaptan is added before the gas is supplied to customers.
This gives LPG its strong, unmistakable odour, allowing even small amounts of gas to be detected and helping to prevent potentially dangerous situations from developing.
People often describe the smell as strong, pungent, and unpleasant, comparing it to sulphur, rotten eggs or overcooked cabbage. Although the smell can vary slightly from person to person, it is usually very distinctive and difficult to miss.
Even if the smell seems faint or disappears after a short time, it should never be ignored. A temporary odour can still indicate a problem, so it is always worth exercising caution and seeking advice if you’re unsure.
Remember, the added odour is there for an important reason. It’s to provide an early warning that helps keep you, your family, your property and your business safe.
Common reasons you can smell gas near an LPG tank
There are several possible reasons why you may notice the smell of gas near your LPG tank. In some cases, the cause may be straightforward to resolve, while in others it could indicate a potential issue that requires immediate attention.
Your LPG system is made up of a number of components that work together to safely store and deliver gas to your home or business. Like any fuel system, these components are designed to be reliable, but occasional faults can occur over time.
A leak from pipework or fittings:
One of the most common causes for a gas smell is a leak somewhere within the LPG pipework.
Your LPG installation includes a network of pipes, joints, valves and connectors that safely transport gas from your tank to your appliances. This could be within a domestic property, farm, hotel, pub, holiday park, industrial site or other commercial premises.
Over time, factors such as normal wear and tear, changing weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, ground movement, corrosion or accidental damage can affect pipework and fittings.
Even a very small leak can release enough gas to create a noticeable smell, which is why it is important never to ignore an unusual odour and to seek advice as soon as possible.
An issue with the regulator:
The regulator is a vital part of your LPG system. It controls the pressure of the gas flowing from the tank, ensuring it is delivered safely and correctly to your appliances.
If the regulator becomes damaged, develops a fault or begins to wear out, it may affect the performance of your LPG system and could result in a gas smell near the tank.
In some cases, you may notice other signs such as problems with your heating, hot water or LPG appliances. If you suspect there may be an issue with your regulator, it should always be checked by a suitably qualified LPG engineer.
A fault with the tank or associated equipment:
Bulk LPG storage tanks are designed and manufactured to meet strict safety standards and undergo regular inspections and maintenance to help ensure they remain safe and reliable.
While faults with the tank itself are uncommon, other components connected to the tank, such as valves, gauges, pipework connections and safety equipment, can occasionally develop issues.
Extreme weather conditions, accidental impact, or general wear and tear over time can sometimes affect these components and may result in a gas smell being detected around the tank.
Gas appliances within your property:
It is also worth remembering that the source of the smell may not always be the LPG tank itself.
Gas appliances connected to your supply, such as your boiler, cooker, fire, or commercial equipment, can also develop faults that may cause a gas odour.
Whether you have a small domestic LPG installation or a larger commercial system, the advice remains the same. If you notice a strong, persistent or unusual smell of gas, do not ignore it. Move away from the area, follow the relevant safety guidance and contact your LPG supplier or emergency support for advice. Your safety should always come first.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it normal to smell gas after an LPG delivery?
Some customers notice a faint smell of gas immediately after a delivery, particularly if they are standing close to the tank during or shortly after the delivery takes place.
This can happen because very small amounts of gas may be released when delivery hoses are connected or disconnected. In most cases, the smell will disperse naturally after a short period.
However, the smell should not be strong or long-lasting. If you continue to notice an odour, or if you have any concerns, contact your supplier straight away.
Should I turn off my LPG supply?
If it is safe to do so, you should turn off the supply at the emergency control valve (ECV).
However, you should never attempt to repair a fault yourself, dismantle equipment or approach an area where there is a strong smell of gas.
What should I do if I smell gas near my LPG tank?
Follow these steps immediately:
- Stay calm, move away from the area, and keep other people and pets away
- Do not smoke or use naked flames
- Do not operate electrical switches, doorbells, or mobile phones near the tank
- Turn off the emergency control valve if it is safe to do so
- Contact emergency support immediately
- Do not attempt to identify or repair the fault yourself
Who should I contact if I smell gas near my LPG tank?
If you smell gas and believe there may be a leak, contact the LPG emergency service number provided by your supplier immediately.
Need help with your LPG tank or LPG supply?
Staying informed about your LPG safety is one of the best ways to protect your property and those around you. For more advice on safely managing your LPG installation, read our guides:
- All you need to know about your LPG tank
- LPG Tank Safety Tips: The Do's and Don'ts for Safe LPG Storage
- Our Do's and Don'ts for LPG Tank Maintenance
- Staying gas safe at home
At Northern Energy, we provide reliable LPG deliveries and support for homes, farms and businesses from Scotland down to the South West of England. Operating from a network of nine strategically located depots, including our new state-of-the-art LPG depot in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, we help ensure customers benefit from reliable supply, responsive customer service and expert support.
If you have concerns about your LPG tank, LPG supply or LPG safety, or are thinking about switching LPG supplier, contact our friendly, experienced team for expert advice on 01423 773 789.
LPG is a very safe and reliable fuel for homes and businesses, and whilst issues are rare, safety will always come first.