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Propane Leak Detector Went Off In Our RV. What Do We Do?

by Maureen
(Canada)

What to do When Your RV Propane Detector Goes Off

What to do When Your RV Propane Detector Goes Off

Our LP gas leak Detector went off while camping. How hard is it to find a gas leak? Who is qualified to do it? We didn't smell gas...

ANSWER: Hi Maureen, first and foremost, you should get the propane system on your RV checked for leaks by a Certified RV Technician at least once a year. If you cannot remember the last time you had the propane system on your RV inspected, then it is well overdue for inspection.

A proper propane system inspection requires specialized equipment such as a manometer, so you need a Certified RV Technician to perform the job.

That being said, the fact that your detector went off once does not necessarily mean that you actually have a Propane Leak. Normally a Propane Leak Detector like the one pictured at the top of this page will continue its alarm as long as it senses the presence of Propane.

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If your detector went off for a minute or two, it might indicate that it may have detected another substance such as aerosol products (like hairspray), cleaning solvents, new RV odors, etc. and believe it or not, even an animal or human passing gas (farting) can set them off. These detectors are very sensitive, and the substances mentioned above can trigger them.

If your Propane Detector puts out a beep-beep-beep sound it means that is not receiving sufficient voltage (12 volt DC) to operate properly. You should check your RV's battery system to make sure that the batteries are receiving and holding a charge.

Another fact that you need to be aware of is that Propane Detectors do wear out and that is why some Propane Detectors have a experation or replacement date printed on ther faceplatet. Other detectors will have colored lights on the front that will light up when they need to be replaced. If your Propane Detector is over seven years old, you need to replace it immediately. An out of date Propane Detector is also more prone to giving false alarms.

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As I said earlier, the Propane Leak Detector will continue to go off as long as it senses the presence of propane. You may not smell the propane leak as Propane is heavier than air, and the fumes will stick close to the floor of the RV; plus, the Propane Leak Detector is far more sensitive than your nose.

In the event of an actual propane leak, the steps you need to take are very simple get everyone, including pets, out of the RV immediately and shut off the main valve on your RV's propane containers. Depending on the year and type of RV you have, the Propane Detector may have a solenoid in the propane system that automatically shuts off the propane to your RV. But to be sure, shut off the main propane valve immediately.

I hope this helps.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

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Happy RVing

RVing Al

Comments for Propane Leak Detector Went Off In Our RV. What Do We Do?

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help
by: Help

My camper is 2019 sometimes the gas sector goes off and will keep going off for a period of time then shut off has done this about 6 times now it went off again then would stop after a couple seconds then go off again then stop then go off again then with just 4 beeps on and off till we took it off the wall is this a gas leak or bad detcor?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Co and LP safety alarm
by: SLEEPLESS IN VERMONT

Ok, So we joined the club of sleepless nights when our alarm kepted going off for several days between 1 and 5:00 A.M. in the morning. It was our scented garbage bags under the sink and an automatic air freshener.
Sleeping now in Vermont.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Propane leak
by: Anonymous

I'm a new camper just bought a used 2013 Oasis Shasta and the second day camping the propane gas alarm went off at 3:30 am opened the door and after a while it went off again. I turned off the tank and it was fine. Next day during the day all went normal I cooked inside and everything but again at the same time the alarm went off. I thought the first time might have been a human gas but having it happen the second night same time made me think. Can there be something else that can cause the alarm to go off or make any gas smell come out, such as movement when we are asleep or something? I'm desperate I haven't slept since 3:30 am.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bull Terriers Do it too
by: Anonymous

passing gas (farting) can set them off - don't put the cat litter box or the bull terrier near the detector. I've had false alarms due to both.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Propane Detectors
by: Anonymous

Be aware that the Propane/CO alarm can be caused by the water heater's exhaust. I camp in the Outer Banks of NC often and more often than not there is a strong breeze blowing. If the wind is blowing into your water heater the exhaust gases will blow into your camper causing the alarm. This is still an unsafe condition but something to consider as the source of your alarm.

Tom

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