If you have a propane tank on your property that you get filled by a service, and use to help fuel your home, you need to know how to properly treat it. From small to large, all propane tanks need to be treated carefully. After all, they are full of flammable gas. Read on to learn more about residential propane tank refills.
1. Don't Work on Your Propane System
You may be used to the little tanks of propane you can pick up at the store. However, when you have a big tank on your property, you need to treat it with caution. You should never perform do-it-yourself tasks on the propane system. It is full of gas, and any error could lead to a dangerous gas leak. Instead, work with your propane gas supplier and have them take care of any reconnection or installation needs. You want someone who is qualified and trained to take care of these needs.
2. Be Aware of the Signs of a Leak
Next, you need to be aware of the signs that a propane leak is occurring. Propane gas smells like a rotten egg, which is actually a smell added to the gas to make it easier to detect if there is a leak. If you ever smell a leak, you will want to put out any open flames immediately and open up the space to allow for proper ventilation. You are also going to turn the gas line off and get a professional there to inspect the tank and find the source of the leak.
To be safe, you should get a propane gas detector, which is specifically designed to identify a propane gas leak. The detector is designed to read the levels of propane in the air, so if the concentration levels are above what is normal, it will go off.
3. Never Let the Tank Get Empty
Your propane tank is not a vehicle; don't push it to see how long you can make it go when it is empty. Allowing the tank to get empty or close to empty can allow moisture to get into the tank. Over time, that moisture can lead to internal corrosion and rust, allowing for gas to escape. Running out of gas will also disengage your pilot light.
You either need to monitor your propane tank levels on your own and refill your tank once it is half or less full. Or you need to sign up for a service with a residential propane refilling company that will remotely monitor the gas levels and automatically send someone out to refill your tank long before it is empty. Either way, you just need to make sure that you keep your gas tank from getting empty.
With a big propane tank that feeds your home, you shouldn't work on the system on your own, and you should never let the tank go empty. Work with a professional residential propane refill service to fill and service your tank. Be aware of the signs of a leak, and install a propane detector in your home.