On the 6th of October, 2020, I penned this article.
Don’t be concerned. A hissing noise could indicate a leak, but it could also be created by other parts of your propane tank that are completely innocuous.
Check the Bleeder Valve
Have you gotten a propane delivery recently? If this is the case, it’s possible that an open bleeder valve or a fixed liquid level gauge is to blame. During the propane refilling procedure, delivery technicians open these valves, and in some circumstances, they are not entirely closed when the refill is completed. Turn the bleeder valve clockwise until it is totally closed and cannot be turned any further. Continue reading if the hissing sounds persists.
Check the Relief Valve Cap
Is it a hot and humid day? Check to see if the relief valve’s cap is open. If that’s the case, the valve is performing its job on hot days: steadily releasing pressure built up by propane, which expands when exposed to heat. Due to the pressure, the cap may have blown off. This safety element is in place to prevent gas expansion from causing ruptures or explosions. Do not peek into the relief valve or tap it with anything if the cap is open. This can cause the valve to fully open, releasing more pressure than is required. By spraying water from your garden hose onto the tank’s surface, you can keep it cool. The relief valve should close as a result of this. You may have a propane gas leak if the hissing noise continues.
What causes a propane tank’s pressure to drop?
The propane regulator is one of the most crucial components of any propane system. The propane regulator regulates the flow of propane gas from the tank and reduces the pressure of propane as it travels from the tank to the appliance.
On a propane tank, where is the release valve?
Your “shut-off valve” is a propane tank servicing valve. It’s plumbed to the top of the tank and looks like a metal spigot or dial. During an emergency or a leak, you should use this valve to turn off the gas at the tank. A consumer should only deal with this safety feature. The other two safety features listed here should be handled by a professional service technician. To completely shut off your propane supply, turn this valve all the way to the right (clockwise).
Is there a pressure release valve on propane tanks?
If you use propane in your home in Southern Maryland, you should learn about your propane tank and how it operates.
The propane tank’s safety relief valve is one thing to keep an eye on. Pressure relief mechanisms are required by law on all propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your BBQ grill, to allow for the discharge of excess pressure in the tank.
A safety relief valve prevents your propane tank from bursting if there is too much pressure inside it.
Pop-off valves, relief valves, and pressure venting valves are all terms used to describe these safety relief valves.
As long as the pressure inside the tank is safe, a spring maintains the safety relief valve closed. The safety relief valve is opened when the pressure in the tank equals the pressure in the spring. You’ll hear a hissing sound emanating from the tank if this happens. The valve will fully open if the pressure in the tank is substantially higher than the spring pressure. If this happens, you’ll hear a pop.
When the pressure drops below the spring’s pressure, the valve closes on its own.
What causes pressure inside a propane tank?
Propane expands when heated, much like any other liquid. It has a 17-fold expansion compared to water.
Your propane tank must have enough space for the gas inside to expand. That’s why your propane tank is at 80% of its maximum capacity. The propane can safely expand due to the 20% of the tank that is empty space.
Because of this expansion, propane tanks are white or beige in color. Heat is reflected by light colors, which reduces expansion. Dark colors absorb heat, causing the propane inside your tank to expand dangerously. So, even if the color of your propane tank clashes with the color of your siding, don’t worry about it.
Taylor Gas is dedicated to providing safe propane delivery and tank installation.
On a propane tank, how does a regulator work?
The regulator on your propane tank regulates the flow of propane from the tank to the device that uses it.
The regulator, in its most basic form, decreases the high gas pressure from the propane cylinder to the much lower gas pressure required by the propane appliance. Some appliances will necessitate a higher propane flow, while others would necessitate a lower flow.
The regulator on a propane tank regulates the gas as it is consumed since propane becomes a lighter-than-air material when consumed. A propane regulator helps to guarantee that propane usage is safe by bottlenecking the propane down to a safe and usable pressure.
Why isn’t my fully charged propane tank working?
Here’s a list of troubleshooting steps to take if your barbecue tank isn’t working:
- Double-check that the hose attachment is securely attached to the propane tank, and that the screw-on valve is securely fastened. Some propane tanks contain safety measures that prevent gas from escaping from the canister unless the hose connection to the gas release mechanism is tightly locked.
- Take a look at the connector you’re using. It won’t be long enough to depress the check valve inside the valve if it’s less than an inch long. You’ll need a new connector that’s over an inch long in this scenario.
- The tank may not release propane if the valve is turned all the way on. This is a precautionary measure. Restart the process by turning the valve only once before lighting the grill.
- Continue adjusting the valve in small increments to increase the flame until it reaches the desired height.
- If none of these steps work, you may have a malfunctioning regulator that prevents propane from flowing. It’s preferable to acquire a new hose with a regulator and try again in this scenario.
If your propane grill tank is still giving you problems despite the fact that the connectors and valves appear to be in good working order, you may need to replace it.
On a propane tank, what is the bleeder valve?
Second, don’t assume your propane tank has a propane leak until you smell the rotten egg odor that is a dead giveaway of a propane gas leak. If this is the case, start following propane safety best practices right away!
Other possible reasons for the hissing from your propane tank
The hissing sound could be caused by something other than a propane gas leak. Other factors could be to blame. Here are two examples:
A bleeder valve that is open.
A liquid level gauge is another name for a bleeder valve. It’s a little equipment that allows your propane delivery worker to check the amount of propane in your tank properly. A hissing sound can be heard if the bleeder valve is not properly closed. If this is the case, the solution is simple. Simply turn the bleeder valve clockwise to stop the flow of gas and sound.
A relief valve that is open. A pressure release valve is what this is. Every propane tank and cylinder must have this feature. Why is it necessary? Due to the fact that propane expands when exposed to heat. Consider a steamy summer day in Tennessee. You might find that the relief valve is open on a day like that. And that’s fantastic! It’s doing its job, which is to gradually relieve the pressure that builds up as the propane expands. By sprinkling the tank surface with cool water from a garden hose, you can assist relieve some of the pressure inside your propane tank. Never try to close, look inside, or tap an open propane tank relief valve!
It could be a propane leak if the hissing noise continues. Please contact Advanced Propane right away so that we can schedule a service call.
Even if the source of your propane tank’s hissing isn’t a propane gas leak, you should know what to do if you ever find yourself in that circumstance. Learn about propane safety and how to safeguard your family and property by using your nose, eyes, and hearing.
Propane Tank Valve Leak Repair:
You’ll most likely require a new valve if your gas tank leaks when connected. Spray soapy water at the valve, connection point, and pipes to find the source of the leak. If bubbles appear around the valve or connection, the gasket has failed and the valve must be replaced.
Clogged Propane Line:
To clean the hose, soak it in warm soapy water for a few minutes. Break down accumulated oil and dirt with grease-cutting dish soap or something like. Allow the hose to dry completely after rinsing it thoroughly under running water.
Unexpected Propane Leaks:
If the leak isn’t coming from the hose or valve, the propane tank shut-off valve is your best bet. The service or shut-off valve is the metallic spigot-like dial located beneath the tank cover and connected to the tank’s top.
In the event of an emergency or a leak, you must use this valve to turn the gas off at the tank. To turn this valve fully off the gas, turn it to the right (clockwise).
Propane Tank Safety Valve Reset:
Follow these instructions to refuel your propane tank:
- Disconnect the propane tank from the stove or barbecue and turn it off.
- Turn the grill/gas stove’s valves to the highest setting possible.
- Turn the grill’s gas valves to the OFF position and turn off everything on the grill.
- Switch the tank valve to the ON position and reconnect the propane tank to the appliance.
This procedure essentially resets the propane tank’s safety valve, therefore it should only be done when absolutely necessary.
When I switch on my gas tank, why does it hiss?
If you use propane in your house in the Seacoast Region, you should get to know your propane tank and how it operates, as well as propane safety advice.
Law requires all propane tanks, even those used for grilling, to include pressure relief systems that allow excess pressure to be released from within the tank.
Safety relief valves are also known as pop-off valves, relief valves, or pressure venting valves.
A strong spring keeps the safety relief valve closed as long as the pressure inside the tank is safe. The safety relief valve is opened when the pressure in the tank equals the pressure in the spring. You’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank at this point. The sound you hear is the pressure in the tank dissipating. When the tank pressure is much higher than the spring pressure, the valve will fully open. You’ll hear a pop if this happens.
Why propane expands inside your propane tank
Propane expands when heated, much like any other liquid. The expansion of propane, on the other hand, is 17 times that of water.
There must be enough area inside your propane tank to accommodate such expansion. As a result, your propane tank is 80 percent full rather than 100 percent full. Because of the 20% of vacant space within the tank, the propane can safely expand.
Propane tanks are also painted light colors like white or beige to allow for expansion. These light hues reflect heat away from your tank, reducing the amount of propane that expands within. On the other hand, dark colors retain heat. The propane inside your tank may expand to unsafe levels as a result of the excessive heat.
Leave a white or beige propane tank alone, even if you don’t want it in your landscaping.
In all of our propane services, P. Gagnon & Son is committed to safety. Become a customer and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.
Is it necessary to fully open the propane tank valve?
While grilling lovers agree on the need of safety, they disagree on how to open the valve. Some claim that turning the valve all the way down is safer, while others argue that opening it halfway is sufficient. For a safer grilling experience, whose school of thinking should you follow?
When utilizing a grill, you should fully open the propane tank valve. The valves are double-sealing, meaning they may seal completely open or fully closed. Turning it increases the risk of gas leaking to some extent. Turn the valve counterclockwise until it stops (in the “Open arrow direction”).
An OPD value, such as this one from Amazon, can assist prevent leaks by preventing overfilled tanks.
The remainder of this post will go over propane tank valve guidelines, tank safety, and whether or not you should switch off the propane tank after grilling.