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Did you know that propane is a safe, efficient, odorless gas for heating your home and cooking your food?

It’s also eco-conscious. It’s even the same fuel used to power hot-air balloons! 

Fun and adventure aside, the most common use for propane is cooking, heating your home and water, and generating electricity. Most Americans who live in rural areas use propane instead of natural gas. 

Are you using propane for your home or RV? It’s good to know how to handle it in the safest manner possible. 

Keep reading for a complete guide to propane safety. 

Types of Propane Tanks

If you’ve ever owned a gas grill for barbecuing, then you’ve seen a propane tank. It’s the little tank that sits under the grill and powers the flame. When the tank runs dry, you turn off the tank and gas line and switch your empty tank for a full one at the gas station. 

When it comes to powering your whole house, the propane tanks are a lot bigger! They can even be as big as 500 to 1,000 gallons. 

Be Aware of the Odor

Natural propane is an odorless gas. It’s stored and transported in liquid form under high pressure in tanks designed especially for propane.

As propane changes from gas to vapor, it expands to 270 times the volume it was in the tank. 

Propane gets its smell from a chemical odorant called Ethyl Mercaptan that’s added to the propane. It smells a lot like a skunk’s spray or rotten eggs. 

If you get a whiff of this terrible odor, that’s a sign of a propane leak. If you suspect a leak, extinguish any candles or open flames and evacuate everyone from the home. 

Don’t use any light switches or appliances and do not use a phone until you’re safely away from the house. A mobile phone can create a spark and act as an ignition source if there’s a propane leak. 

Once you’re out of the house, if it’s safe, turn off the main valve on the propane tank. Always call 911 if you suspect any type of gas or propane leak. 

Only a qualified professional can turn the propane valve back on. This is because there are propane safety codes that require system testing before turning the propane back on after a suspected leak. 

Avoiding Running Low on Propane

Many propane companies offer propane delivery and that’s good for propane safety as well as convenience. Why? Because running out of propane while using an appliance can cause a leak when the tank is refilled if you forget to close the gas line. 

Running out of propane can also cause the pilot light to go out on your appliances. This can create a dangerous situation if you don’t handle it the right way. 

For safety, avoid leaving a propane tank empty. Air and moisture entering an empty tank cause rust buildup. Rust makes it harder to smell the odorant in propane so you’re less likely to detect a leak in the off chance there is one. 

Underground Propane Tanks

Is your house bigger than 1,500 square feet? Do you have two or more bathrooms? If so, you might have an underground propane tank.

Propane tanks bigger than 500 gallons are usually installed underground. You can lease or buy a propane tank. Many homeowners choose to lease their propane tanks from propane suppliers.

If you have a leased 500-gallon propane tank, expect the supplier to service it every few years. The propane tech ensures that the anode bag is intact and in good shape. 

An anode bag absorbs the earth’s electrical currents protecting the propane tank in the process. By looking at the anode bag, the tech can tell the condition of the tank. 

If you own your tank, make sure you have it serviced every few years. With regular maintenance, an underground propane tank can last many years. 

Important Propane Safety Tips

Never store a propane tank of any size inside the home, including the basement or attic. Propane tanks need to be outside. Never use a propane grill inside or on an enclosed porch. 

Don’t leave small portable propane tanks in your car or another closed vehicle. The tank has a small relief valve because the contents are under pressure. If the car gets hot, the pressure relief valve vents propane. 

If the tank is in a hot car, it’ll release dangerous gas into the car or trunk. This could cause an explosion. The propane gas coming from the valve can also cause frost burns on your skin. 

When taking a full tank home, make sure the tank is upright and never carry more than four tanks at a time in your car. 

As with any type of gas, never use an appliance (such as a stove) for heating the house. Make sure a qualified tech connects any propane appliances and performs leak tests. 

If you ever have any type of flooding in the home, shut off all appliances. Get any wet propane appliances serviced by an experienced propane technician. 

Propane Gas Detectors

Do you have a poor sense of smell? Consider installing a propane gas detector. 

Propane gas detectors are like natural gas detectors. A detector emits an alarm if it detects any propane. 

Remember that propane detectors are an aid not a substitute for proper procedures. If you do have a detector and you smell propane, leave the house and call 911 even if the detector doesn’t sound the alarm. 

Propane Safety for Home Propane Users

Like natural gas, propane is safe and efficient for powering your home and keeping it warm. Propane is also a good choice for the eco-conscious. As with any fuel, propane safety is a must. 

Always remember to monitor your propane use and refill your tank before it runs out of propane. This avoids potential leaks and hazards when refilling your tank. One way to avoid running out of propane is to schedule regular propane delivery. 

Do you need a reliable propane supplier in Pennsylvania? Are you looking to switch propane companies?

Contact us today with any questions or concerns you have about propane.