Service call for smelling gas

[Jenn]

$82. Wonder how many propane explosions occur to folks who don't/can't afford that fee?

BTW unlike my bill which explains 'you will never smell gas because your tank is empty or was just refilled', the tech told me that was why I smelled it. And found no other source, and I still smell it now and then. Well if we get blown up DH can sue their panties off.

[blooba]

Well if it was a leak it wouldn't take long to rackup that much in propane costs.

[Nevada]

Originally Posted by Jenn

Well if we get blown up DH can sue their panties off.

If you're blown-up you can't sue, but you might be able to come back and haunt them for eternity.

[Jenn]

Nevada- DH is out of town so he can ask for- what's that term- loss of services or soemthing? Guess alienation of affections is a divorce court term.

Blooba thanks- if it's found later I'll ask them to give me free propane since they missed it (if I'm alive to complain about the bill)

But since they said nothing I thought 'well this must be a free visit- emergency and all- and them begging folks to go ahead and get them out there and don't ever take chances'

[Beeman]

In all seriousness you need to be able to do the testing yourself. I've been down this road with the gas comapny. Get a spray bottle and fill with water and dishwashing detergent. Spray it at all places there could possibly be a leak. I have found and fixed a few, last one was after the gas co. repaired my hot water heater under warranty. After they left I smelled gas and soaped it down and found and fixed the leak.
I would leak check the whole system starting at the tank. Leaking gas outside might pose no danger but it costs the same whether it's leaking to the atmosphere or burning in your furnace.

[Windy in Kansas]

In some areas with larger fire departments they are wiling to bring an air tester to see if flammable gas is present.

[mellba]

A few years ago it was warm on the day after Thanksgiving and I was walking around the house and smelled propane near a vent under the utility room. Called the propane company and they came out immediately. The men said they checked the area where I smelled gas and there was no leak. No charge. I kept smelling gas, but DH believed the gas guys. After a couple of months I convinced DH to crawl under the house and do the soap test. Sure enough there was a leak under there. DH fixed it and I haven't smelled gas since. Sure am glad they didn't charge me $82.00.

[watcher]

Originally Posted by Windy in Kansas

In some areas with larger fire departments they are wiling to bring an air tester to see if flammable gas is present.

If you local small FD has one they'd probably jump at the chance to play with their toy. I know my home town FD looked for any chance to use any of their toys.

[tamsam]

If you can turn off all the things that use propane including and pilot lights and turn off the propane at the tank, leave it off all night or several hours and try to light a burner on the stove. Should be enough pressure to burn it a couple minutes or so. Good luck with it. Sam

[mistletoad]

I would contest the charge - obviously you called them based on the incorrect information they provided ie. the note 'you will never smell gas because your tank is empty or was just refilled.' If they argue that the note is correct, then demand your money back based on the technician's incompetence.

[texican]

Originally Posted by Beeman

In all seriousness you need to be able to do the testing yourself. I've been down this road with the gas comapny. Get a spray bottle and fill with water and dishwashing detergent. Spray it at all places there could possibly be a leak. I have found and fixed a few, last one was after the gas co. repaired my hot water heater under warranty. After they left I smelled gas and soaped it down and found and fixed the leak.
I would leak check the whole system starting at the tank. Leaking gas outside might pose no danger but it costs the same whether it's leaking to the atmosphere or burning in your furnace.

There you go.

[Allen W]

If your tank is done to just vapor it can get pretty nasty smelling, I've never noticed it smelling after it has been filled. I would be checking the competition and see if they offered better service.