Do you use cylinder-style propane tanks for your grill? If that’s the case, you’re well aware of the many benefits of grilling with propane, including its ease, convenience, and excellent outcomes.
These propane tanks can be used for a variety of purposes around your home in the Seacoast region. Outdoor fireplaces and firepits, pool and spa heaters, patio and deck warmers, insect traps, and portable generators can all be powered by them.
However, there are a few things you should know about storing them safely. We’ve compiled a simple, user-friendly dos and don’ts list.
Dos and Don’ts of propane tank storage
DO NOT expose propane tanks to temperatures beyond 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It could result in a leak or, even worse, combustion.
DO NOT keep propane tanks in a garage, basement, carport, shed, sunporch, or carport.
DO NOT put propane tanks on their sides, since this might cause liquid and vapour leakage.
DO NOT put propane tanks on wet ground or any other wet surface, since this can cause the tank to rust and pit, rendering it ineffective if not lethal.
When taking propane tanks to be refilled or exchanged, keep them upright and secure.
DO NOT STORE PROPANE TANKS IN CLOSED AUTOMOBILES. That implies you can’t conduct any other errands while getting your propane tank exchanged or refilled.
Make sure you have your gas tank professionally refilled by a licenced propane distributor.
REFILLING OUTDATED TANKS WITH EXPIRED CERTIFICATION IS NOT A GOOD IDEA. It’s against the law to do so. Propane cylinders must be recertified 12 years after their manufacture date, and then every five years thereafter.
What’s the greatest location for storing propane tanks?
Indoor propane storage is easy and safe, but only if you set it up correctly. Never place your gas tank in your living room or any other space that is connected to your home.
For indoor storage, the ideal option is to keep propane tanks in a garage or detached shed. In both warm and cold seasons, these buildings give shade from direct sunshine while still providing a well-ventilated area for the tank.
Keep your tank on the ground, away from electrical equipment and flammable or combustible materials.
Is it possible to keep a propane tank in the garage throughout the winter?
Propane tanks must be kept in a ventilated, open environment. Storing your propane tank inside or in an enclosed space is risky and can result in damage. Storing your propane tank in a basement, automobile, tent, or garage is not a good idea.
Outdoors, in the shade, is the best place to keep your propane tank. If you’re storing your propane tank, ensure sure it’s disconnected from the grill when you’re done with the season.
Because low and freezing temperatures aren’t as dangerous as high temperatures, you can keep your gas tanks outside throughout the winter. You should be warned, however, that the damp patches formed by rain and snow might lead to rusting on the tank itself.
In the garage, where should the propane tank be kept?
Propane tank storage dos and don’ts:
Propane tanks should be kept outside, in well-ventilated places, at all times. It’s not a good idea to store propane tanks in garages or sheds because if a valve isn’t entirely closed, gases can escape and concentrate within. The ideal setting is a flat, level outdoor area that is out of direct sunlight. Keep an eye out for any other flammable objects on your property and keep propane at least 10 feet away from them. Furthermore, propane tanks should never be housed in off-site storage buildings that aren’t built to ventilate chemicals or combustible goods.
Where should propane tanks be stored in the winter?
Propane tanks may stay outside and withstand the elements even in the winter. To provide enough ventilation and protection from snow and ice, overwinter your tank under your grill’s cover. However, make sure the tank is disconnected from your grill and that both the tank and the grill are kept away from regions where there is a lot of precipitation or snow. Similarly, carrying propane is straightforward and safe if you follow a few safety procedures.
In the winter, where should I put my gas tank?
Indoor storage of smaller, portable propane tanks is not recommended. Shut off the main valve and separate it from the gas line on your barbeque to prepare a tank for the winter. Keep it away from open flames and on a flat, sturdy surface where it won’t be disturbed. Also, stay away from damp regions where moisture might accumulate and lead to early rusting.
A relief valve is built into portable propane tanks and operates when internal pressure builds up. This safety element is especially vital during the colder months. Proper propane tank storage should prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the relief valve. This is accomplished by maintaining the tank upright at all times, especially if it is more than half full.
The optimal time to store your tank will be determined by how often you use it. To ensure that they don’t forget, many homeowners choose to set a seasonal reminder for themselves.
Is it possible for propane tanks to explode in the sun?
Yes, they are capable. Temperatures can quickly soar on a hot summer day. The pressure within the propane tank will rise as the tank heats up. Despite the fact that portable propane tanks include safety relief valves to release pressure, the best place to store a tank is out of direct sunlight. Outdoors, in the shade, and in cool temps is the safest place to store a propane tank.
Is it true that propane tanks can explode?
The short answer is yes, a propane tank can explode, despite the fact that this is not a typical occurrence. Approximately 600 propane tank explosions are reported each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, according to a study conducted by the Department of Energy, the chance of dying in a propane explosion is one in 37 million.
However, propane tanks do not spontaneously burst, rupture, or disintegrate. Under normal circumstances, a propane tank is quite safe. It’s actually quite tough to bring a propane tank to the point of “explosion.”
Explosions, accidents, and propane tank ruptures or breaches are all prevented by safety systems and processes. However, just like with any other hazardous material, accidents can occur if proper precautions are not taken.
Is it permissible to leave a propane tank outside during the summer?
While your tank shouldn’t be kept indoors, it also shouldn’t be kept in direct sunlight. On a bright, sunny day, the temperature of an improperly stored tank can easily rise to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressure inside your tank will increase as the temperature rises. A relief valve is built into portable propane tanks and operates when internal pressure builds up. The gas will slowly disperse through the valve into the air and could ignite if the valve is released.
At home, where do you keep little propane tanks?
- Propane cylinders should be stored outside. Never store them inside or in a confined space like a garage, shed, or basement.
- Keep them somewhere cool. Heat should not be applied to the cylinders above 120 degrees. This temperature could result in a fire or a leak.
- Propane cylinders should be kept away from open fires. This includes smoking and the use of spark-producing devices. Any flame has the potential to induce combustion.
Is it possible to put a propane tank in a shed?
Propane tanks should not be stored in a shed, garage, basement, or attic, nor should they be carried indoors for any reason; they should only be kept in a dry, open, well-ventilated place outside. It’s only safe to keep your propane tank inside if it’s been entirely depleted. Keeping a tank indoors might cause the temperature inside to rise, posing a fire risk. It’s never a good idea to leave your propane tank in your car.
Keep dust and debris off your barbeque during the off-season by covering it with a grill cover or a tarp fastened with rope. To protect a freestanding grill from rusting, place it in a dry, cool location of the garage or shed. If you’re looking for a storage shed for a grill, go no farther than LP Outdoor Building Solutions’ extraordinarily durable solutions, which may elevate your storage building or other structure above the rest.
Grilling causes a yearly average of 8,900 home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, with the majority of incidences occuring from May to August. Don’t let a fire stop you from grilling this summer! Additional grilling safety advice can be found here.
Get Outdoor Grill Storage From LP
The shed components from LP Outdoor Building Solutions can be combined in practically unlimited ways to compliment any property. Choose from a variety of sheds, barns, and other structures. We invite you to speak with a local shed dealer near you to get the building that’s ideal for you.
In the summer, where do you keep propane tanks?
Outside, on an even surface with plenty of ventilation, is the best place to keep a propane tank for the summer. It also needs to be at least 10 feet away from any other propane tanks or devices, such as grills. The tank should not become too hot because this could cause the gas valve to open, resulting in a fire. Consider erecting a fence around it to keep animals and people away, especially children.