We have a propane leak somewhere. Hubby thinks the on/off valve is not completely shutting off on the tank. The odor of propane is very strong. When it is turned off at the tank there is still gas in the stove. Our problem is we can't find anyone to check it or replace the valve. Our gas company doesn't deal with RVs, our RV tech says he doesn't due to liability. Any suggestions?
2002 Winnebago Sightseer
- Thread starter Apriljh5
- Start date
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Ray-IN
Well-known member
Call different LP retailers and ask around. The LP system in an RV is virtually identical to a stix N brix house LP system. The only difference i know of is, residential installations require a "drip leg" near point of use, RV's do not have that requirement.
Be advised a retailer will not pump out your LP tank due to the contamination possibility of their main storage tank.
You'll need to either use up the remaining contents or vent it to the air before they can work on the system.
Be advised a retailer will not pump out your LP tank due to the contamination possibility of their main storage tank.
You'll need to either use up the remaining contents or vent it to the air before they can work on the system.
Kirk
Well-known member
Do you have a working propane detector? If so, is it alarming? The odorant that is added to propane to make it smell can collect in the bottom of the bottles and if there propane is nearling the bottom that smell gets far stronger from using it but the odorant alone will not set of a propane alarm. If you have propane leaking it should trigger the alarm.
John Canfield
Site Team
Welcome! Your hubs can do a little troubleshooting. Add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid to a cup of water and use a small brush (or whatever) to apply the soap solution to all of the joints. If you have the typical propane RV stove/cooktop, the top will lift up so you can access the plumbing there.
Or buy a propane leak detector and have at it. Those detectors aren't that expensive but it's not exactly a tool that would live in a carry aboard toolbox. If no leaks are detected, replace the regulator.
The above assumes your hubs is a DIY guy.
Or buy a propane leak detector and have at it. Those detectors aren't that expensive but it's not exactly a tool that would live in a carry aboard toolbox. If no leaks are detected, replace the regulator.
The above assumes your hubs is a DIY guy.
Kirk
Well-known member
It must not be too serious since the person posting has not been back to see what we have suggested.
We've called all LP dealers and no one will fix an RV tank.
Yes we have a detector. It goes off around the stove even though the tank is completely shut off.
Ray-IN
Well-known member
Gas valves are made with a positive seal for open or closed, in between leakage is possible.
The gas valve may be replaced without purging the tank afterwards. Emptying the tank is as I described earlier.
New valve are available for purchase, but first it must be proven the valve is faulty with use of a manometer and turning on/off the valve.
LP gas pressure is very close to 0.4 PSI, so hand detection is nigh impossible.
The gas valve may be replaced without purging the tank afterwards. Emptying the tank is as I described earlier.
New valve are available for purchase, but first it must be proven the valve is faulty with use of a manometer and turning on/off the valve.
LP gas pressure is very close to 0.4 PSI, so hand detection is nigh impossible.
John Canfield
Site Team
I wonder if Winnebago documents LP plumbing. In the WInnebago and Chassis Resources thread at the top of this board will have links to various diagrams - plumbing, wiring, etc. Take a look at your LP plumbing diagram - maybe that help diagnose where the leak is.
So where was the first leak?
The gas line into the heater.
