If you smell gas right now, start here
Don't go hunting for the leak with the burners on. The owner's guide for Weber's Genesis gas grill puts its "If you smell gas" steps right at the top:
- Shut off the gas to the appliance (on a propane grill, close the tank valve).
- Put out any open flame.
- Open the lid.
- If the smell continues, keep away from the grill and call your gas supplier or the fire department right away.
Napoleon's owner's manual for its Rogue XT grills gives the same four steps. Once the gas is off and the smell has cleared, don't use the grill until the leak is found and fixed. That's where the soapy water test below comes in.
When to check your BBQ for a gas leak
Not just when something smells off. Napoleon's manual says a leak test must be performed annually and each time a cylinder is hooked up, or when a part of the gas system is replaced. Weber's guide says to check every time you disconnect and reconnect a gas fitting, and to check a grill for leaks and burner obstructions after it's been in storage or sitting unused.
In practice, that means a test:
- Before you use a new grill for the first time. Weber says to perform these leak checks even if your barbecue was dealer or store assembled.
- At the start of grilling season. Ontario's fuel safety regulator, the TSSA, says to clean your barbecue, check it, and test it at the beginning of the season.
- Every time you swap or refill the tank. Ottawa Fire Services says to check for leaks after you have connected the cylinder.
- After any repair or new part, such as a new hose, regulator or valve.
- Any time you smell gas near the grill.
If your tank is coming up on its 10-year date, now's a good time to check that too. Our guide on how to read a propane tank's expiry date shows you where to look.
What you need
Very little. In its BBQ safety tips, the TSSA recommends a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap applied to the cylinder connections and hoses. Mix it in a small cup or bowl, and grab a brush or a rag to apply it. An old paintbrush works well.
Ottawa Fire Services also mentions a commercial leak detector as an option. Whichever you use, there's one tool you never use: a flame. Ottawa Fire Services, the City of Toronto, Weber and Napoleon all agree: never use a match, lighter or any other flame to check for leaks.
The soapy water test, step by step
These steps follow the leak-check instructions in the Weber and Napoleon owner's manuals. Your own grill's manual is the final word for your model, so give it a look if you still have it (Weber and Napoleon both post theirs online).
- Do it outside, away from sparks or flames. Weber says to make sure there are no sparks or open flames in the area while you check, and Napoleon adds do not smoke while performing this test and remove all sources of ignition.
- Turn every burner knob to off, including any side burner.
- Open the tank valve by turning the handwheel counter-clockwise.
- Brush the soapy water onto every connection: where the regulator meets the tank, both ends of the hose, the hose itself, and the valve and manifold connections.
- Watch for bubbles. Weber's guide says that if bubbles form or if a bubble grows, there is a leak. Watch each joint closely: slow-growing bubbles count.
- Don't light the burners while you're testing.
- When you're done, turn the tank valve off and rinse the soapy water off the connections with plain water, as Weber's guide suggests.
No bubbles anywhere? You're good to grill. Open the lid before lighting: the TSSA says to open the hood and keep it open until the BBQ is lit.
Found bubbles? Here's what to do
First, close the tank valve. Then figure out where the bubbles came from.
At the tank connection: the TSSA's advice is to tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest before using your BBQ. Tighten the tank fitting by hand only: Weber says do not use a wrench to tighten the connection, and Napoleon says to hand tighten with no tools. Barrie Fire and Emergency Service adds that if your connection has an O-ring, you should check it every time you connect the cylinder, and replace it if it's missing, cracked or damaged.
On the hose: the City of Toronto says to make sure the hose is in good condition, and is free of cracks, and warns that gas leaking from a cracked hose can send out a stream that, if ignited, can produce huge flames. Barrie Fire says that if you find cracks or damage, replace the hose before using the barbecue.
If it keeps bubbling, or you'd rather not fix it yourself: stop there. Barrie Fire's advice for any leak is to close the cylinder valve and contact a certified gasfitter, then repeat the leak test after the repair until there are no leaks. Napoleon's manual says that if a leak can't be stopped, shut off and disconnect the gas supply, have the grill inspected by a certified gas installer or dealer, and don't use it until the leak has been corrected.
Other signs of a gas problem
A few other signs that your BBQ's gas system needs attention:
- A mostly yellow flame. Barrie Fire says that if the flame is mostly yellow, do not use the barbecue and contact a qualified gasfitter.
- A grill that won't get hot. In our experience, a gas leak is often the reason a grill won't get hot.
- A burner that won't light. The City of Toronto says that if the burner doesn't ignite, keep the lid open, turn off the gas and wait five minutes before trying again.
While you're at it, look at the burner ports. The TSSA suggests using a pipe cleaner or wire to make sure they're free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris. Putting the grill away for winter? Our BBQ winterizing checklist covers the tank, hoses and spring start-up.
When to call in a pro
No shame in handing this one off. The City of Toronto says to call a certified fuel appliance repair person if you don't feel comfortable doing the safety checks yourself, and Barrie Fire's advice for a leak is to contact a certified gasfitter.
If your BBQ runs on your home's natural gas line rather than a tank, note that the TSSA says direct-connected natural gas barbecues must be installed by a TSSA-registered fuels contractor.
Getting your BBQ checked over
Gas leaks are part of our BBQ repair service. We check the fittings, hose, valves and orifices, replace the damaged part, and after any repair we run safety checks, including a leak test, proper airflow and a test-fire of every burner. You approve every part and price before we install it. We also look for problems such as a possible gas leak during a BBQ deep clean, and if something's worn or unsafe, we'll tell you.
If you ever smell gas, turn off the gas at the tank or supply valve and don't use the grill. If the smell continues, keep away from it and call your gas supplier or the fire department. Once it's safe, call us and we'll find and fix the leak. For everything else, text us a photo of your grill, plus the brand and model if you have it, and we'll send you a quote. We come to you across Vaughan, York Region and the GTA.