How to Tell If Your Stove is Leaking Gas

How to Tell If Your Stove is Leaking Gas: Portable Stove Safety Tips to Remember

529 Comments / Backpacking Stove Advice / By
Spread the love

It is not uncommon to hear stories about gas explosions during camping trips. These burns and explosions are usually caused by improper use and handling of portable gas appliances. Most of the time, an undetected gas leak is the main culprit. That being said, learning how to tell if your stove is leaking gas is of the utmost importance.

Nowadays, opting to use a portable stove instead of the usual campfire is very common during hiking and camping trips. Aside from prohibitions on building a fire, portable stoves are more popular mainly because they’re readily available and more convenient to use rather than building a fire. You can also see these types of gas appliances being used during cooking demos, in buffet restaurants, and more.

Although these portable stoves are very useful, they can also be very dangerous because of the fact that they contain flammable gas. Risks such as fire, burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other injuries can be prevented with proper use and maintenance of gas appliances.

This article aims to share with you simple and easy ways you can do to know if your stove is leaking gas. In that way, you can ensure your safety as well as the safety of those around you.

How to Tell If Your Stove is Leaking Gas

If you own a kitchen stove or a portable gas stove, knowing how to detect potential gas leaks is a must in order to prevent unwanted accidents from happening to you and to your loved ones. Below are several ways to check for gas leaks:

  • By Smell

By itself, natural gas liquids such as propane and butane, which are commonly used in portable stoves, are colorless and odorless. Due to the risk of gas leaks, a chemical called mercaptan is usually added to help consumers detect gas leaks thru smell.

Mercaptan smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. If your gas appliance gives off a strong smell similar to the ones mentioned above, then there is an increased possibility that your stove is leaking gas.

  • By Sight

Another way to check for gas leaks is by looking for potential areas where a leak may occur. To do this, fill a spray bottle with soapy water (one part dishwashing liquid to three parts water) and spray the soapy mixture in the areas you want to check for leaks. Afterward, turn on the gas container, and check for bubbles on both ends of the hose attachment and along the hose.

Do this as quickly as you can and don’t leave the gas on for more than 10 seconds. If bubbles appear, then there is a leak in that area. Turn the regulator knob off and tighten the connections. Repeat this test until no bubbles appear.

Common areas to check for leaks are the connections between the gas source and the appliance itself. This includes the fittings connecting the stove and cylinder or gas bottle and hose attachments. Any connection in the gas line that is threaded should be checked for leaks.

  • By Sound

Another tip on how to tell if your stove is leaking gas is by listening to it. When you turn on the regulator knob, and you hear a hissing or blowing sound, then there is a leak.

Safety Guidelines When Using Portable Stoves

Using a portable stove is similar to burning a campfire since they have one thing in common—fire. By following these simple stove safety guidelines, you will ensure not just your own safety but also the safety of the people around you.

  • Read the manual

Instruction manuals are included for a reason. So, before operating your portable stove, read its manual first. It is highly advised that you follow the directions in the manual during set up to avoid improper handling or, worse, permanently damaging the portable stove. Hang on to the manual for reference. This is important if the stove will also be used by other people.

  • Learn how to transport a propane cylinder

When transporting a propane cylinder, it should be placed in an upright position and stored in a well-ventilated area during travel. It should not be left in an enclosed space or at an area with high temperature as it can lead to the accumulation of flammable gas propane or unsafe pressure building inside the cylinder.

  • Take care of your gas canister

Using the bubble test, you can also check the canister for escaping gas. Check for any light bubbles appearing around the areas you sprayed with soapy water. Make sure that you store your canister in a cool, dry location away from flame and additional heat. Do not shake or drop your gas canister as this could cause an explosion.

  • Cook outside your tent

Some camping gears may be flame-retardant but not really fireproof. Additionally, there may be things that you keep inside your tent that could easily ignite once they come in contact with a burner. Accidents such as your stove tipping over are fairly common since space is limited.

  • Ignition safety

If your portable stove is not equipped with electric ignition, then you would need to light the burner manually to produce flames. Before doing this, make sure that you place your stove on a stable and level surface. It should be away from flammable objects and a clear space above it with no overhangs or brush.

Use a long-stem lighter to light your stove. If you don’t have one, use a small stick or twig to light the stove. Avoid sticking your hand near the burner. Also, when using a stick or a twig, make sure that you put out the flame first before disposing of it properly.

  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a serious risk to watch out for when using portable stoves. Since carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, it can build up pretty quickly without being detected.

When inhaled, CO is deadly to people. For this reason, portable stoves should be used outdoors. Although some models are approved to be used indoors, make sure that your area is well-ventilated before using one.

  • Periodic checks and maintenance

Keep your portable stove in tip-top condition by cleaning it after every use. The burner is also an important part of your stove, so check for breaks or any rust as this can affect the performance of your stove. Before heading out, always check your cooking gear and stove in advance.

Final Words

The risk of fire and accidents caused by gas leaks can be prevented when you know how to handle gas products and gas appliances properly. With regular maintenance, you will be able to see if your gear is still working properly or not. As a precaution, always bring with you some type of maintenance kit, just in case. With proper care, you can also increase the lifespan of your backpacking stove.

529 thoughts on “How to Tell If Your Stove is Leaking Gas: Portable Stove Safety Tips to Remember”

  1. Anatomia

    Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

    Reply
  3. Webmaster.m106.com

    After read few of the posts on your blog these few days, and I truly like your style of blogging. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my site too and let me know what you think. Have you considered promoting your blog? add it to SEO Directory right now 🙂 http://www.links.m106.com

    Reply
  5. flos taccia sale

    Hello There. I found your blog the usage of msn. That is
    a very neatly written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your useful info.
    Thank you for the post. I’ll certainly return.

    Reply
  6. linear outdoor wall lights

    Hi would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing?

    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
    Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at
    a honest price? Cheers, I appreciate it!

    Reply
  7. sites.google.com

    Heya outstanding blog! Does running a blog such as this require a lot of work?
    I’ve absolutely no expertise in coding however I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyway, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share.

    I understand this is off subject however I just had to ask.
    Appreciate it!

    Reply
  10. flos aim suspension light replica

    Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do
    with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know.
    The design and style look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers

    Reply
  13. meduse Lamp Kopen

    Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking the time
    and actual effort to create a top notch article… but
    what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

    Reply
  14. zortilo nrel

    Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I to find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give one thing back and help others like you aided me.

    Reply
  15. &tradition flowerpot table

    May I simply say what a relief to discover a person that really knows
    what they’re discussing on the web. You certainly know how to bring a problem
    to light and make it important. More and more people have to look at this and understand
    this side of the story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular because you definitely possess
    the gift.

    Reply
  18. Silke

    I don’t even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used
    to be great. I don’t realize who you are but certainly
    you are going to a well-known blogger when you aren’t already.
    Cheers!

    Reply
  21. Darrell

    Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be at the web the easiest thing to keep in mind of.
    I say to you, I certainly get irked while other folks think about issues that they plainly don’t recognise about.

    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the
    entire thing with no need side-effects , people
    could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

    Reply
  24. design of lehenga blouse

    Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter
    and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She
    put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.

    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

    Reply
  27. zortilonrel

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. A great read. I’ll certainly be back.

    Reply
  28. 토토사이트

    I’ve been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did,
    the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

    Reply
  29. http://cyberlec.net/

    Just wish to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clearness for your post is simply cool and that i could think you’re a professional on this subject.
    Fine together with your permission allow me to grab your feed to stay updated with imminent post.
    Thank you a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

    Reply
  33. 먹튀타파

    Pretty component of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital
    to say that I acquire actually loved account your weblog posts.

    Any way I will be subscribing on your feeds and even I fulfillment you get
    admission to constantly fast.

    Reply
  35. ideapocket新人

    you’re truly a good webmaster. The site loading speed is amazing.
    It kind of feels tnat yoou are doing any unique trick.

    In addition, The contents are masterwork.
    you have done a wonderful task on this topic!

    Reply
  36. webpage

    You could definitely see your skills in thee article you write.
    The world hopes ffor even more passionate writers such as you who are
    not afraid to meention how they believe. At all times follow yoir heart.

    webpage

    Reply
  37. คาสิโนออนไลน์

    ปัญหาที่เกิดขึ้นทางการเงินของทุกท่านจะหมดไป เมื่อมาลงทุนกับเว็บพนันออนไลน์เว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์เกมซึ่งสามารถหารายได้ให้ท่านได้จริงๆไม่มีตัวกลางอยากลองคลิกมาได้เลยที่ g2g1xbet.com เว็บตรงไม่มีเรื่องราวโกงเงินสามารถไว้ใจได้หนึ่งร้อยเปอร์เซ็น ไม่ควรคลาดโอกาสดีๆแบบนี้ เกมออนไลน์ที่สามารถหารายได้ได้จริง มีเกมให้เลือกเล่นมากมายก่ายกองค่าย ไม่ว่าจะเป็นพีจีสล็อต,XOสล็อต,SLOTJOKER,LIVE22,SUPERSLOTAUTO,
    SLOT JILI,PRAGMATIC PLAY,AMBBET SLOTแล้วก็คนทุนน้อย
    เราก็มีโปรโมชั่นสล็อตออนไลน์ต่างๆมากมายตลอดทั้งปี สนใจสามารถสมัครสมาชิกใหม่ วันนี้ รับโบนัสทันที 100% พร้อมลุ้นรับ แจกเครดิตฟรี สูงถึง 10,000 บาท สนุกสนานไปกับการปั่นสล็อตออนไลน์สุดปัง รูปแบบเกมงดงาม ตัวเกมถูกวางแบบมาได้อย่างยอดเยี่ยมมีสีสัน ซึ่งมีให้เล่นมากว่า100 เกม จุใจไม่น่าเบื่อแน่นอน ซึ่งเรามีระบบฝากถอน AUTOรวดเร็วทันที่สุดในประเทศไทย
    ถ้าท่านกำลังมองหาเว็บเกมสล็อต เราคือเว็บไซต์ที่เหมาะสมที่สุดในไทย คาสิโนออนไลน์

    Reply
  39. website

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I’ll make sure to bookmark it and retyurn to read morte of your useful information. Thanks for thhe post.
    I will definitely comeback.
    website

    Reply
  41. web site

    Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or
    did you download it from somewhere? A theme liike yours with a few simple tweeks would
    really make my blog stand out. Please let mee know where you got your design. With thanks
    web site

    Reply
  42. add

    I do not even understand how I finished up right here, however
    I thought this submit used to be good. I don’t understand who you’re however certainly
    you’re going to a well-known blogger in the event you are not already.
    Cheers!

    Reply
  45. homepage

    Aftdr going over a few of the blog posts on your web page, I honestly like your way of wrriting a blog.
    I saved it to my bookmaark webpage ist and will bbe checking
    back in the near future. Pleawse check out my websit ttoo and let me know your
    opinion.
    homepage

    Reply
  46. sex how it works

    Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?

    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?

    Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  47. simply click the next web page

    I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative
    and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
    The issue is something which too few men and women are
    speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I found this
    in my search for something concerning this.

    Reply
  58. zortilonrel

    Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.

    Reply
  65. covid-19пишет

    My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about
    a year and am anxious about switching to another platform.

    I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

    Reply
  100. bityard sample bitcoin

    Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too magnificent.
    I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say
    it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it
    sensible. I can not wait to read much more from you.
    This is really a wonderful website.

    Reply
  103. 12 MONTHS IPTV

    It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
    it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions.

    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to
    this article. I wish to read more things about it!

    Reply
  104. lil durk

    Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic but I was
    wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
    I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options
    for another platform. I would be great if you could
    point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Reply
  111. slot tergacor

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled
    upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire
    in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you
    access consistently rapidly.

    Reply
  167. share market course

    I will immediately clutch your rss feed as I can not in finding your email
    subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any?
    Kindly allow me understand in order that I may just subscribe.
    Thanks.

    Reply
  191. gralion torile

    Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, terrific blog!

    Reply
  207. graliontorile

    I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

    Reply
  220. beni virtuali

    Howdy would you mind letting me know which hosting
    company you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog
    loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a fair price?
    Thanks, I appreciate it!

    Reply
  226. slot88

    With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright
    infringement? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is
    popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any methods to help prevent content from being ripped off?
    I’d truly appreciate it.

    Reply
  227. gralion torile

    Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply
  240. Carly Wanberg

    I discovered your blog site on google and check a number of of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. Looking for ahead to reading more from you later on!…

    Reply
  256. lolita

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you so much, However I am having
    troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I cannot join it.
    Is there anybody else getting similar RSS problems?
    Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

    Reply
  265. zomenoferidov

    Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such excellent information being shared freely out there.

    Reply
  270. zomenoferidov

    I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?

    Reply
  291. tinyurl.com

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to
    be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest
    you some interesting things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.

    I want to read even more things about it!

    Reply
  301. tinyurl.com

    I was more than happy to discover this site. I want to to thank you
    for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!!
    I definitely loved every part of it and i also have you book marked to see new
    things on your blog.

    Reply
  304. http://tinyurl.com/y9z3dw5u

    Someone necessarily help to make seriously articles I might state.
    This is the very first time I frequented your website
    page and so far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular
    post incredible. Wonderful activity!

    Reply
  310. http://tinyurl.com/y8pdvmlm

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your
    point. You obviously know what youre talking
    about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you
    could be giving us something informative to read?

    Reply
  333. lolita

    An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague
    who was doing a little research on this. And he actually
    bought me breakfast simply because I discovered it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss
    this subject here on your internet site.

    Reply
  338. wonder woman

    That is really fascinating, You’re a very professional blogger.

    I have joined your rss feed and stay up for searching
    for more of your excellent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your site in my social networks

    Reply
  339. search cheap flights

    You’re so awesome! I do not believe I’ve truly read through anything like
    this before. So great to find somebody with unique thoughts on this subject.
    Really.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is required on the
    internet, someone with a bit of originality!

    Reply
  340. cheapest flight tickets

    Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m
    impressed! Very helpful information specifically the last part 🙂
    I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this
    particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

    Reply
  342. ae888

    A person essentially help to make critically posts I might state.
    That is the very first time I frequented your website page and to this point?

    I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular post amazing.
    Great task!

    Reply
  343. air tickets cheap flights

    I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this website.
    I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you later
    on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal website now
    😉

    Reply
  344. cheap tickets

    What’s up everyone, it’s my first visit at this web page, and piece of writing is truly
    fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these types of articles or reviews.

    Reply
  357. find cheap flights

    Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave
    it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She
    put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched
    her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to
    tell someone!

    Reply
  364. gamefly

    That is really fascinating, You’re a very professional blogger.
    I have joined your rss feed and sit up for looking for extra
    of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks

    Reply
  365. travel

    I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your blog.

    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues? A number of
    my blog readers have complained about my site not
    operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
    Do you have any solutions to help fix this problem?

    Reply
  368. gamefly

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized
    it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking
    and checking back often!

    Reply
  369. khophimhay.us

    Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
    Extremely helpful information particularly the final phase 🙂 I
    maintain such information much. I used to be seeking this certain information for
    a long time. Thanks and best of luck.

    Reply