How to care for a propane tank

Propane has been used in homes, farms, and other industries for more than a century. There are many benefits to using it, standing out as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat your home and appliances, but it is important to understand how it works and how to care for your propane tank.

Before you start searching for the term “propane companies near me”, or at least before it is delivered, here is what you need to know.

Make sure it’s stored properly

Your tank should always be stored in an upright position, which allows the pressure relief valve on top to work as it should. As liquid propane turns into vapor or gas inside the tank, if the pressure is allowed to build too much, the vapors escape. If the tank is not stored properly, it will eventually compromise its structural integrity, becoming a safety risk.

Install leak detectors

While propane tanks tend to be more puncture resistant compared to tanks used for gas, methanol, or ethanol, it is important to take proper safety measures. That means installing electronic leak detectors so you can spot a leak early.

Inspect regularly for leaks

While the installation of leak detectors is really a must, it is also a good idea to check the tank regularly before and after use, as propane is highly combustible. Do this in an open area where there are no other sources of heat around. If you are leaving your home for an extended period of time, be sure to close the valves on the tank and when you return, ask your propane supply company to check for leaks.

Your tank should also be professionally inspected after ten years, and then every five years after that. It will not be safe to store if it has not been rated safe at the designated times.

Get a carbon monoxide detector

Since propane appliances can leak carbon monoxide, the result of incomplete gas combustion due to improperly adjusted appliances, be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Also, be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as dizziness, headaches, and watery eyes.

Don’t let cold weather cause the tank to freeze

If you live in an area subject to very cold weather, you will need to counteract its effects. Propane is temperature dependent, and the volume increases and decreases as it fluctuates. When it is very cold, propane becomes very dense, and the colder it is, the lower the pressure in the tank. The best thing to do is get a propane barrel blanket heater. Also, you’ll want to keep the tank full, and when / if it snows, don’t let it pile up on you.

Never overfill your tank

An overfilled propane tank is dangerous. It is even more of a safety hazard when stored. You can tell if your propane level is too high by checking the pressure relief valve or by weighing the tank and subtracting the tare weight (the weight of the tank when empty) from the gross weight. From the solution, convert pounds to gallons and you will know how much propane is in the tank. When inspecting, wear protective gloves and goggles, and avoid wearing anything that can cause static, such as nylon.