Caring for Your Residential Propane Tank

If you own an older home in Pennsylvania it’s highly likely that you have a propane tank somewhere on your property. It will either be in your basement, in your yard above the ground, or buried underground somewhere on the property. This tank is your lifeline to heat in the winter months, which can be quite unbearable in the Northeast. Here are some important tips to help you properly care for your residential propane tank from propane suppliers in PA.

Learn About the Tank

The first thing you should do if having a new tank installed, or moving into a home with a propane tank for the first time is to learn about the tank. You need to find out the possible threats the tank can suffer if it cannot run properly. You should also find out the common signs of a damaged tank so you aren’t spending more on propane than you should and so that everyone in the home remains safe.

Test for Leaks

You can test for leaks in your residential propane tank on your own. Use soapy water and apply it to the connector between the cylinder valve of the tank and the regulator outlet. Slowly open the cylinder valve and watch the soapy water for any bubbles that might appear. Close the valve immediately if you find bubbles. Bubbles mean that there is a leak. Tighten the connection between the two entities and perform the test again. If bubbles appear again, there is still a leak that needs to be repaired.

Seek Help from a Professional

If you do find a leak after a second bubble test you should seek help from a professional. Close the valve on the tank and call a professional immediately. You will want someone knowledgeable to come out and repair the leak in different propane tank sizes.

Residential Propane Safety Tips

Owning a home comes with quite a bit of responsibility. There are plenty of items you need to take care of in order to keep your family and property safe. These include installing an alarm, having working smoke detectors, installing a carbon monoxide alarm and much more. Along the same lines, you need to know the following propane safety tips if your home’s heat or appliances run using propane.

Never Run Out of Propane

If your home uses propane, make sure you never run out of it. There is a gauge on the tank that shows how much propane is in it, so be sure to monitor the gauge often. Once you discover a pattern in propane usage you might be able to schedule routine delivery from propane companies in PA. Running out of propane can lead to serious issues, such as explosions or fires.

Install Propane Detector

Aside from your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you should install a propane detector. For the most part, you can smell propane when there is a leak. But, sometimes the propane can lose its odor. When this happens you will not be able to smell it during a leak. Should you light a match during a leak it could lead to a horrific tragedy.

How to Use Propane Appliances

If you have a grill with propane, never use it inside your home. This includes in a garage or shed too. The same can be said for generators that operate using propane. Make sure they are outside the home when operating. Simply run an extension cord to the inside of the home to power the property. You should never use a propane stove as a space heater.

Call 911

Call 911 the minute you smell propane in the home. Turn off the appliances and evacuate the house. Do not re-enter the home until the fire department says it is safe to do so.

As you research residential propane prices, be sure to keep these safety tips in mind for the home.