Home emergency playbook
Propane tank or line leak
Conservative first steps for homeowners before cleanup, repair, or contractor dispatch. When safety is uncertain, leave and call first.
Immediate steps
- Evacuate everyone from the affected area and call 911 from a safe location before cleanup or repair.
- Move uphill or upwind away from the tank, regulator, copper line, or appliance connection.
- Call the propane supplier from outside the hazard area and report tank size, location, odor, and hissing.
- Keep flames, vehicles, generators, and electrical switches away until responders clear the scene.
Do not do this
- Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders or the utility says it is safe.
- Do not drag, roll, or upright a leaking cylinder that may be venting.
- Do not spray water on valves or regulators to test for bubbles during an active leak.
Who to call
- Call 911 first for immediate danger, injury, fire, smoke, shock, collapse risk, or trapped people.
- Call the utility emergency line before private repair when gas, electric service, public water, sewer main, or buried lines may be involved.
- Call a licensed gas, plumbing, or HVAC pro only after the utility or responders clear the property.
Damage mitigation
- After clearance, photograph regulator position, tank supports, line routing, and any recent excavation or impact.
- Keep supplier service notes and red tags with appliance shutdown instructions.
- Schedule pressure testing before relighting furnaces, water heaters, ranges, or fireplaces.
Prevention
- Keep tanks upright, protected from vehicle impact, and clear of snow that can bury regulators.
- Have copper or CSST propane lines inspected after excavation, deck work, or appliance relocation.
- Replace aging regulators and pigtails on the supplier's recommended schedule.
Typical cost band
Emergency control is handled first; customer-side piping, appliance, or building repairs can be moderate to high.
Insurance note
Propane leaks tied to impact, storm damage, or faulty installation need supplier findings and repair invoices; fuel loss alone may not be covered.
Related ProFix resources
Gas Technician emergency guideTrade-specific dispatch, utility-first, and after-hours cost guidance.Troubleshooting encyclopediaSymptoms, maintenance intervals, contracts, and warranty norms.National FAQHiring, licensing, scams, permits, and DIY boundaries.Cost calculatorPlan the permanent repair after the emergency is controlled.