Propane Safety Tips

Warm weather and summer holidays are the perfect time to be using your grill or outdoor fire pit. Whether you have one propane cylinder that you refill as needed, or you always have a backup ready to go, we want to share our tips for safely transporting, storing, and using propane. Follow along with Steve in the video and continue reading the article below.

The Validity of Your Propane Tank

All tanks are stamped with a date code, typically found on the collar at the top of the tank. Depending on your location, your tank may have a ten-year lifespan, which can usually be recertified for a further ten years. Be sure to check the date on your tank to make sure that it is still valid and able to be refilled.

Next is to check the condition of your tank. If there is a lot of rust, particularly around the base, you should probably consider getting a replacement. If there are any issues, such as any severe dents or damage to the valve area, you will definitely want to replace your cylinder.

Refilling Your Cylinder

In order to refill your empty cylinder, you’ll have to transport it to a local filling station. When transporting your cylinder, you need to ensure that it stays in an upright position, that the valve is securely closed, and that the outlet of the tank has its protective cap in place. Next, you’ll need to make sure that your tank is stable. If you’re unable to strap it in place, we suggest putting it in a container that won’t allow it to tip over. One of the most common storage containers is a plastic milk crate – the tanks fit in there nice and snug which keeps it stable and upright.

Propane should never be transported in an enclosed vehicle. Therefore, you should not put it in your car’s trunk unless you can keep the hatch open. If you have an open back in a pickup truck, it’s perfectly fine so long as you can keep the cylinder stable and upright. If you do need to transport it in your car, simply put it in a suitable container and sit it on the passenger floor. Make sure that the windows are open, and you’ll be good to go. It should go without saying, but you should never smoke near a propane tank.

Storing Your Propane Cylinder

Your propane cylinder should always be stored outside and off the ground, on a non-flammable base. We find that a cement-type patio stone works best for this. Always make sure that the valve is tightly closed whether it is a full or empty tank, and that you keep the valve protected. This means that you can’t stack your cylinders, as this could damage the valves. You may think that it’s fine to store your cylinders in your shed or garage over the winter, but they need to be kept outdoors.

Using Your Propane Cylinder

When using your propane cylinder, whether with your grill, fire table, or gas fire pit, you want to make sure that it is stable and securely mounted. Most barbeques will have a device to secure the tank to the base, which prevents it from tipping over. If you’re using it with a fire pit, you may want to pull out the milk crate again to keep the tank stable.

When connecting the cylinder to your equipment, you will typically attach the regulator directly to the valve on your tank. You need to make sure it’s line up properly and that you tighten the fitting securely. You can check for any leaks using a soapy water solution. If gas is leaking, the soap will bubble at the location. If you detect any leaks, you can recheck your connection and tighten them if necessary. If you still have a leak, then either your tank or your regulator assembly will need to be replaced.

We hope these tips make you feel more secure about handling your propane cylinder. With proper usage and storage, you can get many years of use out of your tank. If you need any replacement parts to keep your appliances running properly, you can find them by entering your model number. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so that you don’t miss any repair tips and tricks.