Are you afraid of propane tank explosions because of what you’ve seen on TV? Don’t be too worried. Explosions are possible but not likely to occur.
However, you have to be diligent about propane tank storage to ensure you aren’t at risk of this rare occurrence.
When you follow the right safety tips, you can ensure peace of mind when it comes to propane tanks. Keep reading to learn tips for the safe storage of propane tanks.
Don’t Store Your Tank Inside the Home
Propane tanks can cause gas leaks that can contaminate the storage area. Although you can store a propane tank indoors, you don’t want to store the tank inside the home.
Detached garages and sheds tend to be the best places for safe storage.
Choose a Well-Ventilated Area
When storing outdoors, choose a dry and well-ventilated area. The area should also be flat so that the tank doesn’t tip over and roll away.
Keep your propane cylinder out of direct sunlight. A mostly shaded area works best.
You can use an outdoor shelving unit to keep the tank upright. Milk crates and storage boxes are other options to ensure the tank stays up during storage.
Consider Winter Storage
During cold months, keep your tank above -40 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature drops, your tank’s pressure will lower. Try to keep it in a sunlit area where it can warm up during the daytime.
Keep the tank full so the pressure doesn’t drop too low. Don’t cover the tank to try to insulate it. This will block the sun and cause the pressure to lower even more.
Don’t use electrical devices or heaters to warm up the tank.
Consider Summer Storage
During warmer months, avoid keeping your tank in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressure in your tank will rise as the temperature rises.
Avoid sunlight in the hotter months and find areas with a lot of shade. Don’t keep your tank uncovered when it rains or it will cause damages like rust.
If the temperature is consistently high, the tank will leak out built-up pressure using the release valve. The pressure will dissipate into the air but this only works if the tank remains upright. Otherwise, you could have a leak on your hands.
Keep ignition sources away from the tank so that the pressure does not light during this process.
Keep Flammable Materials Away
Your tank should be at least 10 feet from any flammable materials. This includes any electrical devices and open flames.
If you have extra tanks after propane tank installation, don’t store them close together or near a grill. If one tank were to ignite, other tanks nearby could ignite as well.
Storing Propane Tanks Correctly
Proper storage of propane tanks can prevent dangerous accidents from taking place. If you have extra propane tanks sitting around waiting to become useful, it’s important to follow this guide.
Don’t store propane inside the home, choose a well-ventilated area, and keep flammable materials away. You might have to change the tank storage location depending on the weather.
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