When you become a Lakes Gas customer, we’ll provide you with a Gas System Safety Inspection (GSSI) at the time we initially set your tank.
Your GSSI will take one to two hours. It includes a visual inspection of all your propane appliances, as well as a leak test and pressure test on your entire system.
Your technician will demonstrate how the valves and gauges on your tank work to ensure safe, efficient propane system operation. They’ll also provide safety information, including teaching you about the odor of propane and letting you know what actions to take in the event of a system leak or malfunction.
Propane Safety Tips
There’s nothing more important to us than your safety. And we know that even with on-time inspections and ongoing maintenance, issues or concerns can come up. With that in mind, below are a few helpful tips to ensure that you are always playing it safe when it comes to your home.
In its natural state, propane is odorless. The rotten-egg smell you are probably thinking of right now actually comes from an odorant that is added to propane so it’s easy to detect. If you smell propane, it’s important that you follow these five steps immediately:
The smell might go away, but until a technician or first responder gives you the go-ahead, do not return to try turn safety valve back on.
Sometimes propane safety issues are not related to the odor, but instead reveal themselves through a service interruption.
If service is interrupted in your home: Close your tank’s service valve and turn off the valves on your appliances. This can happen when you have a new or modified system or have recently replaced your gas meter or regulator. It could also be a sign of a gas leak or run-out. One of our expert technicians will need access to your home to reinstate service. They’ll need to complete a code-required leak test and start up all of your propane appliances. If they cannot get inside, the container valve will not be turned on, and you’ll be charged for an additional service call.
If you have propane in a second home: Be sure to install a low-temperature warning device and have a trusted caretaker or neighbor check on your property while it is unattended. Please be sure to provide Lakes Gas with emergency contact information to check on your property if left unattended for any period of time.
If your second home loses heat, turn your water supply off before you restore heat. This will help prevent water damage from potentially broken pipes.
Our staff is certified by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), in cooperation with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
The videos below were created by the PERC. They include valuable information about handling propane appliances for cooking, home heating and more, in the safest way possible.
Do you have more questions about propane safety? Contact us today and someone from our dependable team will be happy to help!
