If you can smell gas inside or around your van, act now. Read this fast, then act.

The 4 Things to Do Immediately — In This Order

1. NO IGNITION SOURCES. Don't light a match. Don't strike a lighter. Don't flick a light switch on or off. Don't start the van's gas hot water or stove. Don't run the inverter. Don't plug or unplug anything electrical. Static or a small spark can ignite leaked gas.
2. TURN THE GAS BOTTLES OFF. Open the gas locker from outside. Turn both bottle valves fully clockwise. If the smell is strong inside the locker, approach from upwind and turn off quickly.
3. VENTILATE. Open every door, window, hatch and roof vent. LPG is heavier than air — it pools at the floor. Open low vents too. Air the van out completely.
4. EVERYONE OUTSIDE. Get all people and pets out of the van and well away from it. Stay outside until the smell is completely gone.

Then — Find the Source

Only once the van is ventilated and the gas bottles are off, you can investigate. Common leak sources:

Inside the Van

• Cooktop knobs — has someone (or something — kids, pets) brushed a knob to a partially open position without lighting?
• Hot water system — pilot or burner area.
• Heater — if gas-fired.
• Gas fridge — if you have a 3-way fridge.

In the Gas Locker

• Pigtail-to-bottle connection
• Pigtail-to-regulator connection
• Regulator itself
• Damaged or perished pigtail hose

Soap-Water Leak Test (Only After Ventilating)

Once the van is aired out and the bottles are still OFF:

1. Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle (1 tsp soap to a cup of water).
2. Open one bottle valve slowly — just enough to pressurise the line.
3. Spray soapy water on every gas connection in the locker.
4. Watch for bubbles forming. Bubbles = leak.
5. If you find a leak: turn the bottle off, do not use the system, contact a licensed gas fitter.

What If You Can't Find the Leak?

If you've ventilated, the smell came back, and you can't find a source — don't keep using the gas system. Get a licensed gas fitter to test it. A gas system pressure test will identify even small leaks that soapy water might miss in awkward locations.

Until tested:

• Keep both bottles turned OFF.
• Don't run the cooktop, hot water, heater or gas fridge.
• Use the 240V or 12V alternatives if you have them.

If Gas Has Been Leaking For a While Before You Noticed

Heavy gas accumulation in a confined space is a fire and explosion hazard. If you walk into the van and the gas smell is strong:

• Step back outside immediately.
• Do not touch any switches inside.
• Open the door/window from outside if possible to ventilate without entering.
• Keep all people and ignition sources well away.
• If you can safely access the bottles from outside without entering the van, turn them off.
• If the smell is overwhelming or the situation feels unsafe, call 000.

About the Smell

LPG is naturally odourless. The smell you notice is an additive (ethanethiol) deliberately added so leaks are detectable. If you smell it, gas is there. Trust the smell.

CO Alarms (Different Issue)

Some Mars vans have carbon monoxide alarms. CO is colourless and odourless — completely different from the gas smell. A CO alarm sounding means combustion gas (incomplete burn) is accumulating, usually from an appliance flue problem.

• Ventilate the van immediately.
• Turn off the combustion appliance (hot water, heater).
• Get the appliance inspected before using it again.

Common Causes — In Order of How Often We See Them

1. Cooktop knob accidentally brushed to partially-open position
2. Loose pigtail fitting after a bottle swap
3. Perished pigtail hose due for replacement (5-year service interval)
4. Hot water pilot blown out, gas valve still open
5. Damaged or contaminated POL seal washer

Prevention

• Turn gas bottles OFF whenever you're not using gas — including overnight and when leaving the van.
• Always do the soapy water test after swapping a bottle.
• Replace pigtails every 5 years (your gas fitter will flag this at certification).
• Get the system certified on schedule.
• Don't leave pets unsupervised in the van where they can bump cooktop knobs.

If You're Unsure About Anything

Lodge a ticket with photos and a description of where you can smell gas. Don't use the gas system until you've spoken to us or a licensed gas fitter.

Stay safe. Gas leaks are recoverable; explosions aren't.

Related: Gas System 101 · How to Safely Swap a Gas Bottle · Annual Gas Certification