A Leaky Canister Stove Is Extremely Dangerous — Here's What to Do
If you suspect your canister stove is leaking, stop using it immediately. A gas leak poses a serious risk of fire. That being said, a small amount of fuel pressure escaping when attaching and detaching is normal though and to be expected.
Step 1: Check the Connection
Ensure the canister is fully and securely threaded onto the stove. Double-check that you're turning the flame adjuster in the correct direction, following the ‘+’ and ‘–’ symbols on the control knob.
Even a small piece of dirt or sand can prevent a good seal at the connection point and can cause leaking. Try using a very fine bristle brush - an old toothbrush works great - to dust off the interior connection point on the stove and exterior of the canister valve.
Ensure that when screwing the canister on and off that a perfectly vertical connection is maintained between the two. If either is screwed on at an angle, this could cause cross threading (or stripping) of the threads. This can cause a fuel leak.
Similar to the propane tank at your home grill the connection between the tank and the grill is not completely leak proof. Always store your cylinder detached from the stove. Even when camping overnight or between breakfast, lunch and dinner the stove can leak very slowly, not enough to cause harm but, enough that you may run low on fuel if you leave the two mated overnight.
Step 2: Move to a Safe Location
If the leak persists, move away from any open flames and head outdoors. Once you're in a safe, well-ventilated area, carefully unscrew the stove from the canister.
- If the gas stops leaking after disconnection, the issue is likely a damaged gasket at the base of the stove. In this case, discontinue use immediately and contact our repair department for assistance.
- If gas continues to leak from the canister itself after disconnection, the self-sealing gasket at the top of the canister may be compromised. If this is the case, place the canister in an open area until it stops releasing fuel, and discontinue use of the canister.
If the issue is related to excess fuel leaking when screwing on and off, this is likely due to pressure in the canister itself. As long as it stops leaking when fully connected - that's the important part.
Like with all things related to fire safety, never introduce flame around a point where there has been leaking fuel.