Propane leak?

[2pirate]

Recently started to smell propane in the RV after turning on water heater. Carbon monoxide detector would go off as well. But, we do not smell any propane when the heater is not on, nor is the detector going off. No luck finding any leaks, as of yet. It has also been really windy here lately, but I'm not sure if this could be the cause.

Any input would help...
Thank-you,
Scott

[TXiceman]

Mix a bit if dishwashing soap in some water to get a nice soapy mixture. Use a small brush and paint this on each joint an look for bubbles forming. Take your time and check every joint more than once. If you find a leak, disassemble to the leak, clean the threads and use only the yellow teflon tape or a pipe joint compound for natural gas or propane. Only put the tape or compound on the pipe thread joints and not on other fittings.

As for the CO detector, you can get it to go off if the water heater is not burning clean and there is a window open near the heater that will let it in the trailer. CO is an odorless gas. Propane has an odorant added so that you can smell it, but is odorless in it's natural state.

I would not stay in the trailer and use the water heater until you find the CO problem or the propane leak.

ken

[2pirate]

I appreciate your input, thank-you.

Already worked the soapy water with little luck finding the problem. Little luck getting to all the fittings as well. The thing that bothers me is that it doesn't smell like propane as it does when it comes out of your tank. Smells different...not sure how to explain it.

Thanks again!

[jww]

Propane leaks can be tricky. I chased one for extremely too long before finding it. Soap and water method works on easy to get to, easy to see connections. I bought a leak detector that is about the size of a fountain pen. Most plumbing supply houses have them. It worked like a charm, pinpointing a leak that i could not detect with soap and water. (Just could not see the bubbles).
Good luck !