What are signs of a damaged propane hose or connection?

• A. Gas hissing, frost around fittings, or bubbles at joints when tested with soapy solution.
• B. Popping sound from hose.
• C. Smell of rotten eggs.
• D. A light click at fittings.

Answer: (D)

Recognizing a propane leak at a hose or connection comes from listening for the gas, watching for cooling or bubbles, and smelling for the odorant. A hissing sound is a direct cue that gas is escaping from a leak in the hose or fitting. Frost forming around fittings happens when gas escapes and rapidly cools the metal, causing moisture to freeze; that visible frost is a strong sign of a leak. If you test the joints with soapy water and see bubbles, that indicates a leak at that connection. The rotten-egg smell is the odor added to propane to help you detect leaks, so any hint of that odor near a hose or connection signals a problem. A light click at fittings isn’t a reliable sign of a leak and isn’t what you should rely on to diagnose damage.

If you detect any of these signs, shut off the gas, move away, ventilate the area, and contact the propane supplier or emergency services.