do propane tanks have a safety valve pricelist

One feature you need to learn more about is the tank’s safety relief valve. All propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your grill, are required by law to have pressure relief devices that allow for the release of excess pressure inside the tank.

The safety relief valve is designed to protect your propane tank from rupturing in case excess pressure builds up in the tank. It is also called a pop-off valve, pressure-venting valve, or a relief valve.

The safety relief valve is kept closed by a very strong spring as long as the pressure inside the tank is at a safe level. If the pressure in the tank reaches the same amount of pressure of the spring, the safety relief valve is opened. If that happens, you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank as pressure is dissipated. In instances where the pressure in the tank is much higher than that of the spring, the valve will fully open. You’ll hear a pop if that occurs.

Once the pressure is down below the pressure of the spring, the valve closes on its own. If the valve pops open, it may need to be replaced. DO NOT attempt to repair or replace this on your own. This job requires a professional. Contact us to help.

That’s why, when we deliver your propane, we fill your tank to 80% full. You may have noticed that and wondered if it was a mistake. It’s intentional. That remaining 20% of space in your tank remains empty so the propane has space to safely expand in warm or hot conditions.

For safe, expert propane tank installation, Boehlke Bottled Gas can’t be beat! Contact us today for your new propane tank. And don’t forget to ask about our reliable propane delivery!

But how much do you know about your home’s propane system, specifically, your propane tank? You should learn about your propane tank, as well as propane safety.

All propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your BBQ grill or firepit, are required by law to have pressure relief devices that allow for the release of excess pressure inside the tank.

A strong spring keeps the safety relief valve closed as long as the pressure inside the tank is at a safe level. If the pressure in the tank reaches the same amount of pressure of the spring, the safety relief valve is opened. If that happens, you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank as pressure is dissipated. In instances where the pressure in the tank is much higher than that of the spring, the valve will fully open. You’ll hear a pop if that occurs.

Once the pressure is down below the pressure of the spring, the valve closes on its own. If the valve pops open, it may be replaced. However, this is a job for a professional. DO NOT try to fix or replace it on your own. Contact us for assistance.

There needs to be room inside your propane tank to accommodate such a large amount of expansion. That is the reason your propane tank is filled to 80% of its capacity and not to 100%. For example, a 500-gallon propane tank is filled to 400 gallons. The 20% of the tank that is empty space allows the propane to safely expand.

Expansion is why propane tanks are painted white or beige. Light colors reflect heat away from your tank, minimizing how much the propane in there will expand. Dark colors, on the other hand, retain heat. That much retained heat can cause the propane inside your tank to expand to dangerous levels.

One thing you should pay attention to is the propane tank’s safety relief valve. All propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your BBQ grill, are required by law to have pressure relief devices to allow for the release of excess pressure in the tank.

A spring keeps the safety relief valve closed as long as the pressure inside the tank is at a safe level. If the pressure in the tank reaches the same amount of pressure of the spring, the safety relief valve is opened. If that happens, you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank. In instances where the pressure in the tank is much higher than that of the spring, the valve will fully open. You’ll hear pop if that occurs.

Your propane tank needs to have room for the propane inside it to expand. That is why your propane tank is filled to 80% of its capacity. The 20% of the tank that is empty space allows the propane to safely expand.

That expansion is why propane tanks are white or beige. Light colors reflect heat to minimize expansion. Dark colors retain heat and can cause the propane inside your tank to expand to dangerous levels. So, even if your propane tank doesn’t go with the color of your siding, leave it alone.

PLEASE NOTE: The information on this page is intended only for households in Anoka County, Minnesota. Businesses, schools and organizations in Anoka County must contact Anoka County Environmental Services at 763-324-4260, for information about propane tanks, other compressed gas cylinders, or fire extinguishers.

Propane gas cylinders, known as propane tanks, are used to fuel gas grills, camping equipment (stoves, lanterns, and heaters), and torches. They come in several sizes and are either single-use or refillable. The most common size is the refillable 20-pound cylinder used for gas barbecue grills.

Propane is flammable and can explode. Even if the contents are used up or the tank will no longer support a flame, a tank still contains vapors that make it an explosion hazard.

The National Fire Protection Association safety code for propane tanks (NFPA 58) required tanks with a capacity of 4 to 40 pounds that were manufactured after September 30, 1998, to have an OPD (Overfilling Protection Device) valve. This includes the 20-pound propane tank used in full size barbecue grills. A tank without an OPD valve cannot be refilled.

The OPD valve is a safety device that prevents overfilling of a propane tank. If a cylinder is overfilled, there is no room for the liquid propane to expand. Therefore, gas may escape, creating a potentially hazardous situation. The OPD valve uses a float that rises during refilling to block the filling process when the tank is filled to the proper level.

An empty tank still contains a small amount of propane gas. A propane tank may explode in a garbage truck or when the garbage is processed. Propane tanks in garbage are a safety hazard to people and can damage equipment.

Each propane tank is marked with the month and year it was made. A tank that is more than 12 years old must be recertified before it can be refilled. A propane marketer, pressurized-gas retailer, or gas service company can provide these services. Look under “Gas-Propane” in the Yellow Pages.

Some convenience stores that sell propane and some retailers that sell propane tanks and barbecue grills will exchange a consumer"s empty tank without an OPD valve for a tank with an OPD valve and filled with propane. The cost may be the same as the cost to fill a propane tank. Propane users should check with the retailer for policies and prices.

For locations that accept propane tanks, search Propane Cylinders/Tanks in our Recycling and Disposal Directory, or look in the Yellow Pages under “Gas-Propane.” Call for services, hours and fees before going to a site.

Tips for using propaneAlways transport and store a propane tank in the upright position so that the valve is at the uppermost part of the tank. Do not lay a tank on its side.

Do you have questions about propane tanks, other compressed gas cylinders, or fire extinguishers? Call Anoka County Recycling and Resource Solutions at 763-324-3400, Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The price of propane is complex and influenced by seasonal demand. You’ve probably observed how gasoline and diesel prices can go up or down at your local gas station, depending on market conditions. Like those fuels, wholesale propane contracts trade on commodity markets, which causes propane prices to fluctuate daily.

Propane is produced as part of natural gas processing and sometimes oil refining, and the price of propane usually falls between those two commodities. Prices tend to go up — and wait times get longer — when temperatures plunge, roads get icy and demand for propane and other heating energy surges. The warmer months typically offer opportunities to purchase propane ahead of time at more favorable pricing levels.

If you have ever checked your propane tank gauge after delivery, you might have noticed the tank is not full. If you’ve wondered why, the answer is safety.

Propane stored in your tank is a liquid. As it leaves the tank, the liquid converts to vapor. Like other liquids, propane expands as its temperature rises. However, propane can expand up to 17 times the volume of water under the same temperature conditions.

The potential for expansion is why MFA Oil employees typically fill to about 80%. The extra space left in the tank allows propane to safely expand when it’s hot. Conversely, propane will contract and become denser when it’s cold. Fluctuations in temperature don’t change the volume of propane in your tank – it only changes the amount of space it takes up within the tank.

Paint protects propane tanks from rust and corrosion. The National Fire Protection Association safety code calls for painting propane tanks with heat reflective colors. Lighter shades such as white, silver and light gray are common choices. Tanks painted with darker colors absorb heat, which causes the gas to expand and pressure to build. Overheated tanks can trigger the safety relief valve to open and release gas to reduce the excess pressure within the tank. MFA Oil prioritizes safety and chooses to paint its tanks white or light gray to maximize heat reflection.

RALEIGH – Attention backyard grillers: home cooked steaks and burgers on your patio grill may become a smoky memory starting this spring if you fail to ensure your grill’s propane tank has a new kind of a safety valve.

A new ruling published by the National Fire Protection Association and adopted by North Carolina states that as of April 1, 2002, all propane tank cylinders without overfill protection devices (OPD) are prohibited from being refilled by anyone. For consumer safety, OPDs have been required on all new propane cylinders with a capacity from 4 pounds to 40 pounds since Sept. 30, 1998. The OPD, which is a part of the filling valve, serves as a safety shut-off device and prevents overfilling of propane cylinders to avert propane release, fire and possible injury. Most cylinders with a triangular valve wheel have an OPD. Cylinders that have an overfill protection device will also have the letters “OPD” on the valve hand wheel and the side of the valve. Cylinders with a round or star-shaped valve wheel usually do not have an OPD.

Consumers who own a propane cylinder not equipped with an OPD may choose either to have the old valve removed and replaced with an OPD or to take the old cylinder to an exchange cabinet, like those at convenience and hardware stores, and pay an upgrade fee for a new cylinder with the OPD device. In some areas, larger cylinder exchanges like Blue Rhino and RapidXchange may take old cylinders and charge a one-time upgrade fee in exchange for new equipment. Cylinders with the new OPD valves can be found at propane companies, hardware stores and discount stores.

Some propane providers can take your old cylinder and refurbish and reuse it. If, for some reason, you are unable to exchange your cylinder, RECYCLE IT! Propane cylinders are made of metal and can be recycled as metal scrap. Be sure to call ahead to your local scrap metal dealer to see whether they accept cylinders and how to handle them before recycling.

If your cylinder is damaged, obsolete or unable be retrofitted, you should not abandon it. Doing so could create serious environmental and safety problems.

If you use propane at your Seacoast Region home, you should familiarize yourself with your propane tank and how it works, as well as propane safety information.

One thing that may have you worried is if you hear a hissing sound coming from your propane tank. The understandable first thought is that your propane tank is leaking and that it’s unsafe. That’s why we recommend getting in touch with us immediately if you hear a hissing sound. If there is a leak, we can safely and properly deal with it. The sound may also be from your propane tank’s safety relief valve doing its job, which may indicate problems that we need to fix.

Propane tanks of all sizes, including those used for grilling, are required by law to include pressure relief mechanisms that allow excess pressure to be released from within the tank.

The safety relief valve is kept shut by a sturdy spring as long as the pressure inside the tank is at a safe level. If the pressure in the tank reaches the same amount of pressure of the spring, the safety relief valve is opened. That’s when you’ll hear a hissing sound coming from the tank. That sound is the pressure in the tank being dissipated. The valve will fully open in cases where the tank pressure is significantly greater than the spring pressure. If that happens, you’ll hear a pop.

Once the pressure is down below the pressure of the spring, the valve should close on its own. But that does not mean that the problem is solved. A pressure relief valve opening is a sign that something may be wrong with your tank. Get in touch with us right away if your safety relief valve opens so we can inspect your tank and fix any problems that are found. DO NOT try to replace the safety relief valve or fix it or your propane tank yourself. Any work on a propane tank is not a DIY project and must be done by a trained service technician.

With that kind of expansion, there needs to be room inside your propane tank to accommodate it. Therefore, your propane tank is filled to 80% rather than 100%. The propane in the tank can safely expand thanks to that 20% of empty space within it.

Expansion is also the reason for why propane tanks are painted light colors such as white or beige. These light colors reflect heat away from your tank, minimizing how much the propane in there will expand. Dark colors, on the other hand, retain heat. That much heat can cause the propane inside your tank to expand to dangerous levels.

If you hear a hissing sound coming from your propane tank, don’t immediately presume you have a propane leak (unless you smell a leak’s telltale rotten egg odor – in which case follow propane safety procedures immediately).

That fact is, that hissing sound may not be a propane leak at all. As our friends at propane101.com explain, several other culprits could be to blame, including:

An open bleeder valve – The bleeder valve – also called a liquid level gauge – is a small device that enables your delivery technician to accurately monitor how much propane is in the tank during a refill. To deliver your propane, your driver must open the bleeder valve; occasionally, it doesn’t close properly. If this is the case, simply turn the bleeder valve clockwise to stop the flow of gas.

An open relief valve – A pressure relief valve is a required feature on all propane tanks and cylinders, because propane expands when it’s heated. On a hot, sunny day, you may find that the relief valve is open (and hissing); that is because it is doing what it is designed to do on hot days – slowly release pressure built up by the propane, which expands when subjected to heat. Never try to close, look into, or tap an open relief valve! Instead, you can relieve some pressure in your tank by spraying cool water from a garden hose on the tank’s surface.

Keep your family safe in your propane-powered home by using your eyes, nose and ears! Learn more about propane safety here – or contact us with questions any time.

The safety relief valve is one of the most important and vital valves on any LP Gas container. All propane tanks and cylinders are required by law to be fitted with pressure relief devices designed to relieve excess pressure. The function of a safety relief valve is to keep a propane tank from rupturing in the unlikely event of excessive pressure buildup. Propane tank relief valves are also known as pop off valves, pressure venting valves or relief valves.

Relief valves are held in the closed position by the force of a powerful spring. As long as the pressure inside the tank is less than that of the spring, the valve will remain closed. If tank pressure rises to that of the spring, the valve will open resulting in a hissing sound outside the tank. If the pressure in the tank rises significantly higher than that of the spring, the valve will fully open. When the valve fully opens, it initially makes a loud pop followed by a blast of released propane gas. Once the pressure is released and the tank pressure falls below that of the spring, the valve closes.

Most propane tanks in residential and commercial service have internal safety relief valves. The reason for an internal valve as opposed to an external pressure relief valve is it presents less of an obstruction when moving the tank. Internal relief valves are generally placed near the end of the propane tank on above ground containers.

Found primarily on older tanks, external relief valves operate in the same manner as an internal relief valve with the spring mechanism being outside the propane tank itself. Relief valves on multvalves are always fitted with external safety relief valves. Older tanks with an external relief valve installed on the container are generally replaced with internal pressure relief valves, provided they are connected to a dedicated tank opening specifically designed for the placement of the relief valve.

Because the safety relief valve performs such a vital role in the protection of the propane tank, it should be maintained and repaired by licensed propane professionals only. Do not ever look into a relief valve or stand over it.

A protective cover should be placed over the relief valve to ensure proper operation. If the valve has debris in the upper mechanism of the relief valve and it opens, the debris may cause the valve to remain open resulting in a potentially dangerous situation and/or excessive loss of propane. A simple protective relief valve cover can be made from a plastic bag fastened around the external portion of the valve with a rubber band.

If a you encounter a relief valve that seems to be "hissing" (opened to relieve pressure) do not tap it or mess with it. If the tank has been recently filled in hot weather and the face gauge reads over 80 or 85%, spray some water from a hose on the tank. This may cool it down and reduce the expansion of the liquid in the tank. Call your propane company immediately and inform them of the situation.

Pictured here is a relief valve that was apparently leaking. Instead of calling the propane company to replace the valve, the customer decided to fix the problem himself. Using a soldering iron, he soldered the leak until it stopped leaking. In the process of "repairing" the leak, the customer completely sealed the relief valve in a closed position placing himself and his family in a very dangerous situation.

In this type of situation, a relief valve that is sealed shut will not allow the tank to vent excess pressure if it is overfilled or the pressure inside the tank exceeds the working pressure of the container. In a case where the tank is unable to vent to the outside, the tank is subject to rupturing causing more harm and damage than money saved by trying to fix it yourself. Let the propane company or LPG professional handle any problems with thesafety relief valve.

While not common,the short answer is, yes, a propane tank can explode. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates roughly 600 propane tank explosions occur each year. Yet, according to a study from the Department of Energy, the risk of a person dying from a propane explosion is about one in 37 million.

But propane tanks do not explode, nor do they rupture or come apart on their own. A propane tank operating under normal circumstances is extremely safe. In fact, bringing a propane tank to the point of “explosion” is a very difficult task.

Safety devices and mechanisms are in place to prevent explosions, accidents and propane tank ruptures or breaches. But just like with any other hazardous material, accidents can happen if you don’t follow appropriate guidelines.

Propane is a combustible material created from natural gas processing and oil refining. The combustibility of propane makes it a very versatile product. A growing number of homes and commercial properties use propane as a primary heating fuel. Propane is also a popular secondary fuel for many households, used to power cooking appliances, fireplaces, generators, grills, swimming pool heaters and more.

Unfortunately, propane’s combustibility is also the reason it can be dangerous and, in rare instances, cause an explosion. There are two main causes of propane explosions. The first has very little to do with the propane tank itself. Instead, the explosion results when the propane leaks because a tank was left open, and the gas supply is ignited from exposure to flames or high temperatures. This is usually the cause of most gas grill tank explosions.

On rare occasions, propane tank explosions occur when the pressure of the propane tank reaches higher than the pressure that the tank can safely vent. When the pressure builds up it causes the tank to burst open. This kind of explosion is a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE).

A propane tank BLEVE will occur when the container is subject to extreme heat, such as in a fire. When the tank gets hot, the liquid propane inside is being heated as well, causing it to expand. The safety relief valve will open allowing pressure to vent to the outside atmosphere. If the pressure level inside the tank level exceeds that at which the safety relief valve can expel it, the propane tank will rupture. If flames or a source of ignition is present, the propane will ignite resulting in an explosion. It’s important to know that a BLEVE will occur only if the conditions are right, such as being subject to continuous flame. Therefore, the possibility of a propane tank explosion (BLEVE) is extremely remote.

Yes, they can, but this is usually the case with the portable 20-lb tanks used for grilling, not the larger tanks. On a warm summer day, temperatures can rise quickly. As the portable propane tank gets hotter, the pressure inside the tank will increase. But tank temperatures would need to reach higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius to cause a rupture. The safest place to store a propane tank is outdoors and in the shade.

Built-in Relief Valves – Most propane tanks come with a relief valve. If the tank’s pressure reaches higher than a specific point, the relief valve will open automatically. This lets the gas vent and reduces the pressure.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines require that a chemical to be mixed with propane (propane has no odor) so that users will smell a scent that resembles a “rotten egg” in the event of a leak.

There are things you can do to increase the safety of your propane tank and propane usage. The U.S. Department of Consumer Protection recommends the following:

Propane is not only one of the safest fuels available, it is also clean, powerful, and reliable. In 2019, Connecticut homes and businesses used more than 132 million gallons of propane. The residential sector accounts for 67 % of the state’s propane usage, with the commercial market following at 24 percent.

Levco is a leader in helping customers understand and adhere to industry standards for the safe LP-Gas storage, handling, transportation, and use of propane. We can provide new 20lb. propane tanks for all your outdoor festivities as well as install new 120-gallon propane tanks for larger uses! Additionally, Levco prides itself on being a competitively priced propane delivery company! Give us a call at 203-324-5500 or contact us today!

The cost to install a propane tank for a house ranges from $700 to $4,500 installed but on average, expect to pay about $1,500 to install a 500-gallon above-ground propane tank and $2,000 for a 500-gallon underground tank. Prices depend on the size of the house, how much of the home is gas-powered, and the climate, if heating is included.

For small grilling and auxiliary propane tanks, expect to spend between $50 and $150. A standard 20 lb. tank costs around $35 while a larger 100 lb. tank costs about $150.

To estimate the cost of a propane tank for your home, you will need to decide how big your tank needs to be. Most tanks can be installed either above or below ground.

A 120- to 325-gallon tank will take care of powering heating, cooking, fireplace, dryer, and standard hot water. [1] However, you might want to spread out the number of times you refill it, in which case a 500-gallon tank would be more practical, only needing a refill every six months. A considerably larger tank would be required for multi-zoned homes and homes with hot tub and jacuzzi use.

The prices to buy a large propane tank averages $1,500 for a 500-gallon tank, and $2,500 for a 1000-gallon tank. A 500-gallon tank is ideal for residential use. Propane tanks larger than 500-gallons will require permanent underground installation in most cases.

Larger tanks are required for people who need to use around 5,000 gallons or more of propane per year—usually large business or farms, who can use it for farming tasks like corn drying. Ranging from 2,000- to 30,000-gallon tanks, costs vary from $11,000 to $80,000. Common tank sizes are 2, 4, 6, 12, and 18,000 gallons. 30,000-gallon tanks can power a small, sub-metered community.

For small grilling and auxiliary propane tanks, expect to spend between $50 and $150 for an empty shell. A standard 20 lb. tank costs around $35 while a larger 100 lb. tank costs about $150. These small cylinder tanks are perfect if you need to power something little like an outdoor grill or backup generator. There are specials for buying an extra tank at the exchanges too.

Propane tank sizes can be confusing, being measured in pounds, gallons, and capacity. There are single use and refillable portable tanks. The smaller tanks or cylinders are as follows:

Renting a propane tank costs $50 to $200 per year on average, depending on the size, location, and supplier. Leasing a propane tank typically includes free installation and repairs but requires a minimum annual propane-usage amount. Plus, refills must come from the same company at higher propane rates.

If you only need to run a few home appliances, a 250-gallon propane tank costs $1,200 to install. To power all systems in your home, a 500-gallon tank will cost $1,500 to $2,000 for installation. You may prefer the extra storage of a 1000-gallon tank for a cost of $3,100 to $4,500 installed.

An underground and buried propane tank costs between $1,125 and $5,150 with most homeowners spending $1,870 for a 500-gallon tank, and $4,400 to install a 1,000-gallon tank in metropolitan areas. Tanks from 250 gallons upward can be installed underground, with 500- to 1,000-gallon tanks being the most common.

Aside from the cost of the actual tank, there is the fee for the licensed installer, the installation package, and the excavating team. Working hours for the excavation team are extra at about $500–$600, starting with $95 for the first 30 min +75/man/hour.

You are in a geographical location with extreme weather, especially deep freezing. When underground, the tank is surrounded by earth, thus helping to keep the temperature steady.

Underground propane tanks are safer when it comes to potential damages like propane leaks since a gas leak would be more contained by the soil. Propane is harmless to your water and the environment, but it is combustible.

You’d rather have it out of sight. An underground tank can have landscaping surrounding the cap where the gauges and other controls are. Sometimes, an underground tank can raise the value of the property.

Above-ground propane tank prices range from $400 for a 100-gallon tank, $1,200 for a 250-gallon tank, $1,500 to install a 500-gallon tank, and approximately $3,100 for a 1,000-gallon tank. It’s better to install an above-ground propane tank if your property is in an area with frequent flooding. There can be a problem with the tank “floating, causing the tank to shift or float if the water rises above the propane level in your tank. [3]

Above-ground propane tank prices revolve mainly around the size of the tank purchased, the amount of gas it holds, and whether it’s new, empty, used, or full. Prices can range from $700–$2,500.

Propane prices range from $2.00 to $2.50 per gallon when looking at the past five years, but the cost often fluctuates due to supply, demand, and production levels.

While no one sells propane by the pound, you can expect to pay $0.70–$0.92 per pound. Our calculation is based on a gallon weighing ~ 4 lb.). The amount of fuel you expect to use can change the size of tank you choose. For example, you might need to use a lot more fuel in the winter.

Used Tanks – have no safety guarantee. Smaller tanks for sale from tank exchange services often come with gas in them. Quotes have read “75% full” and “both 5 Gal tanks half full” and “$15 for the tank, ‘cheaper than a tank deposit!’” All used tanks must be certified before being put to work.

For your local propane companies, we encourage looking at local Better Business Bureau reviews. Online quotes are often unsubstantiated, which is why you must call to get pricing.

Capacity – For those just learning about propane, a useful tidbit is that any tank will only be filled to 80% capacity. Thus a 100-gal tank will be full at only 80 gallons. This safety precaution is to leave room for the expansion of the gas with warmth. New tanks come with an overfill protection device.

Propane tank recertification – “The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the DOT require periodic recertification of stationary propane cylinders by qualified service technicians” [6] and costs approximately $5–$60. Recertification must be done on any cylinder under 100 lb. twelve years from the date of manufacture, and every five years following.

Longer engine life – According to the US Dept. of Energy, “The potential for lower maintenance costs is one reason behind propane"s popularity for use in light- and medium-duty vehicles, such as trucks and taxis, and for heavy-duty vehicles, such as school buses. Propane"s low carbon and low oil contamination characteristics may result in longer engine life.”

Cold start issues – “Propane performs well in cold weather climates because the fuel"s mixture (propane and air) is completely gaseous. This factor allows propane-powered vehicles to avoid many cold-start issues associated with using liquid fuels.”

Blue Rhino is likely to be found at Home Depot while AmeriGas can be located at Lowe’s and Walmart, and both companies offer tanks at the same prices. AmeriGas also has the bulk of the propane delivery business, and their prices vary based on the individual account.

Buying a propane tank for the home gives one the freedom to purchase propane from the supplier of choice. It also leaves one responsible for all maintenance and certifications. Renting relieves one of the risks of breakdowns while being restricted to a single supplier as a captive audience. If you plan on using the tank long term, buying and doing yearly maintenance is a cheaper option because you get to take it with you if you move. Without the maintenance, leaks can cause you to lose $$ on lost propane.

Your home propane storage tank will have a gauge showing the percentage your tank is full. With the smaller, portable tanks used for grilling, RVs, and even smokers, you can weigh the tank, deducting the empty weight of the tank. A simpler method is to take a small bucket of warm water and pour it over the side of the tank. Run your hand from top to bottom, and you will feel where the coldness of the propane starts—that will show you how much is left.

The actual price of propane is tied to crude oil prices and does not fluctuate much. Many U-Haul locations and pay-at-the-pump options price it at $2.39–$3.71 per gallon. A tractor supply company may have the lowest price, with no differentiation for use. Commonly, they will only fill up to 100 gallons.

One consideration for refilling would be the potential savings, but saving up to $2 per gallon may be offset by the inconvenience of finding an open filling station. The advantage of exchanging the tank is getting one which is certified and properly serviced.

Propane tank recertification costs approximately $5­60.Recertification must be done on any cylinder under 100 lb. twelve years from the date of manufacture, and every five years following.

Liquid propane is synonymous with propane. When one sees LPG, it could be propane or not. While propane is a liquified petroleum gas (hydrocarbon gas liquified through pressurization), so are butane, isobutane, and mixtures of them.

But you should still know about the features of your propane tank, so that you can be are aware if something is wrong. It’s also of paramount importance that you know how and where to properly shut it off in case of an emergency.

This piece works independently to protect your tank from having a dangerous pressure buildup inside it. Propane expands in the heat, and if the expansion reaches an unsafe level, whether it is caused extremely hot weather or a fire, the safety relief valve opens on its own to release some of that pressure. It closes on its own once the pressure in the tank returns to a safe level.

This is found under the protective tank cover on top of your propane tank. It is a flat, circular piece of equipment that is connected to the shutoff valve by a tube.

The purpose of the regulator is to control the flow and pressure of the propane being delivered from the tank to the propane appliances inside your home. It protects your appliances if the pressure inside the tank becomes too high.

You need to know how to use the shutoff valve so you can properly turn off the gas at the tank during an emergency or leak. Follow the “lefty loosie; righty tighty” rule and turn the valve clockwise to fully shut off the gas.

If you want more information about the safe use of propane, go to our Propane Safety page, which has learning modules on several propane safety topics from the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).

Contact us with any questions you have about propane tanks and propane safety. And remember: We can visit your property at any time if you have safety concerns. It’s a good idea for you to schedule a service visit at least once a year so we can check all your propane tanks and appliances!