why is my propane tank leaking from safety valve for sale

On hot days when the sun is high overhead and a propane delivery has recently been made, the safety relief valve may open slightly allowing excess pressure to vent. If the relief valve is opened, the protective cap will be removed

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.

If the propane tank on your RV is leaking after a refill, then you have a serious problem on your hands. Of course, leaking propane can be extremely dangerous. So, why is your propane tank leaking after a refill?

The common reasons for a propane tank leaking are due to an open bleeder valve, an open relief valve, or a faulty valve system. We are also going to address the issue of a cracked propane tank. Although very unlikely, they can sometimes suffer serious physical damage.

Yes, absolutely is a leaking propane tank dangerous, and extremely so. Propane is flammable, which is why it is used for heating and cooking. If propane is leaking out of the tank, and it comes in contact with an open flame or spark, it’s going to cause a serious explosion.

It’s going to ignite the gas that is leaking out, and this flame will travel all the way back into the tank, and either just catch fire, or explode. There is also the fact that if it is in an enclosed space, inhaling propane is also very dangerous.

Although propane in itself is technically not toxic, it will displace the oxygen in the air. This means that if you breathe in too much propane, you won’t get enough oxygen, and can effectively suffocate to death.

One of the most common causes of a propane tank leaking after refilling is if the bleeder valve is open. Bleed valves are a special type of manually operated valve designed for bleeding liquids or gases out of a system.

It could also be the case that even if the bleeder valve is not open, the coil that it uses can be clogged with debris. This can then result in your propane tank leaking, specifically if the tank has too much propane in it. A good thing is that this is a very easy problem to solve.

The solution to a bleeder valve being open is simply to close it. All you have to do is to close the bleeder valve. You simply have to rotate the valve clockwise. Generally speaking, you are going to need to use a screwdriver, and you will need to turn the valve in a clockwise direction to close it.

The next reason why your propane tank might leak after a refill is if the relief valve is open. As the name implies, the relief valve is designed to help relieve pressure in the tank if there is too much of it.

Therefore, if it is hot outside, this relief valve may open up to allow pressure to get out of the tank. If the relief valve is slightly open, it will cause propane to leak out of the tank. Moreover, if the whole valve opens up, this can actually be quite dangerous.

the solution to a relief valve being open is actually quite simple, but you don’t actually want to touch the valve. This valve opens up all on its own in order to relieve pressure, and it should close on its own too.

If you tap or touch the valve in any way, or try to manipulate it, you may actually cause it to open up more, which is of course the opposite of what you are looking to achieve.

To solve this problem, you actually want to cool the tank down, which you can do by spraying it with some cool water or submerging it in a cold bath. This will relieve pressure on the tank and will cause the valve to close on its own.

However, if this does not work, then either this is not the issue or the relief valve is damaged to the point where you will just need to replace the propane tank.

The valve stem, or in other words the area where you connect the inlet tube to refill it with propane might be completely damaged or leaking. This is a huge problem because propane leaking out of the main stem can easily catch fire.

The solution to this issue is a little more complex because you will need to replace the entire tank valve stem system to prevent further damage and to prevent explosions from occurring.

Before you try to replace the valve, however, you need to ensure that the propane tank is 100% empty. Once the tank is 100% empty, you want to close the valve by turning the handle clockwise.

You now need to take out the leaking valve. You’re going to use a heat gun to soften up the weld that is holding together the cylinder and the gas valve.

Once this has been done, you want to open the nozzle of the tank to allow the regulator to come down to regular atmospheric pressure. You want to hold the tank very tightly while doing this.

You now need to attach the new valve and make sure that it comes complete with an overfilling prevention device inside of it. You’re going to attach the valve by threading it into the bung of the cylinder, and then tighten it using your pipe wrench.

If the actual propane cylinder itself is cracked or damaged in any way, and this is what’s causing the leak, then your only option is going to be to get a new propane tank.

If you need to replace the valve system on your propane tank, you do need to empty it first. To empty a leaking propane tank, you first want to disconnect it, and then take it to an open area.

The propane that is escaping is causing the hissing sound. Moreover, if the pressure within the propane cylinder gets to the same amount of pressure as the spring that is used to keep the relief valve shut, then the safety relief valve will open.

In other words, if your new propane tank is hissing, it is an issue with the safety relief valve. Refer to the above sections in order to fix a propane tank with an open relief valve.

When there is too much pressure inside a propane tank, the safety relief valve will open up to allow that extra pressure to escape. This is completely normal.

Propane is an extremely flammable gas, and yes, it can explode. If there is any kind of open flame or spark that the leaking propane comes into contact with, the result will be a massive explosion.

As you can see, there are a few reasons why a propane tank might leak after a refill. However, all of these issues are pretty serious, because you obviously don’t want propane leaking out.

Therefore, you want to take all of the necessary steps to remedy the issue as quickly as possible. If the propane tank cannot be fixed, you have to get a new one. Propane is just way too dangerous to take any chances with.

My name is Madeline Cooper, and I have now been living and traveling across the states in my RV for the past 8 years. It has been such an amazing experience, and I have learned so much along the way.

Through this blog, I want to share all of my hints and tips, along with reviews of the best RVing accessories. I hope this blog will help others with their RV trips, and make traveling easier for you.

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The following list is a starting point, but you will need to consider everything around you:Open flames: Make sure that there are no open flames, and do not flick any cigarette lighters.

Stir a cup of dishwashing liquid into a cup of warm water and pour into a spray bottle. Then simply spray around the gauges and valves of the propane tank.

After this, slowly open the cylinder valve so that a little gas comes out. If you have sprayed it with soap solution, you will see bubbles at the site of the leak.

After about 15 minutes, spray the solution again on the areas that were leaking before. Slowly turn the cylinder valve to check if there is still a leak.

If your tank is still leaking you are in danger, and need to evacuate the area. It’s important to wait until you are clear of the area and the leak before using a cellphone.

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!

Propane tanks contain liquefied propane that is produced by refining natural gas and crude oil. People usually use it as an alternative source of energy. These are useful when you have no access to electricity, coal, or gas.

Another thing to note about propane tanks is that they are quite cheap when compared to electricity. These tanks can be found in various sizes for containing high pressure propane. The tanks are usually designed in such a way that the tank is first installed at the buyer’s location. Afterwards the tank is filled up on-site.

The price for these is almost half of the cost when compared to using electricity for providing power. People use these in various situations which range from using these to provide themselves with a fire while cooking to even using them at your house toheat up water. Aside from this it is also used for pool heaters, patio heaters, BBQ fuel, and backup generators.

It is also important to understand why propane is so commonly used for all these purposes. It has high energy density and it is extremely portable. Due to these reasons, the cost of using propane is much lower than other forms of energy. Propane does not need too much pressure to be converted into liquid so that saves up on costs too.

Installation of a propane tank is not that difficult. It is mostly handled by the company that you will hire. The most important thing to note is that whenever you store any form of fuel, you need to have certain security precautions in place.

Even though these tanks are a blessing, sometimes the valve stem on your propane tank might start leaking. This can be really dangerous and should be taken care of as soon as possible. Due to this reason, we have compiled a list of possible issues that can occur with your propane tank and how to best solve them as soon as possible.

Valve stem leaking is quite a common issue with those propane tanks that are a bit older. The most probable reason for this leak can be that your propane tank is damaged. Most stores and exchanges that provide people with LPG tanks have hundreds of tanks lying around.

These sometimes get damaged while the store is refilling them. Too many hard bumps into any other tanks during the refilling or transportation process can cause slight damage to these tanks which can be sufficient for propane to start leaking bit by bit.

The tank that you received might have become damaged similarly and that is why it might be leaking. The best option for you is to return to the store you bought this tank from. You should tell them about your problem and allow them to recheck the tank themselves.

If the tank is indeed leaking and you just purchased it from them or got refilled shortlybefore then it is highly likely that they will give you an exchange or return.

Although this rarely happens in any situation, there might be a problem with the equipment that you are using with your propane tank. If the pressure coming from your equipment is really low then the gas will flow slowly to the burners. In most cases, this results in a low flame and no other problem.

However, it might be possible that this is causing a gas leak from the back of the tank’s valve. Make sure to take a closer look at all your equipmentand fix anything that might be wrong with it.

Just like it is being repeatedly stressed upon, propane gas leaks should not be taken lightly, if you feel that you are not skilled enough to tamper with the equipment then it is better that you call an expert. This should help you in stopping any additional gas from leaking out of the tank.

Another reason for the gas to leak out from the propane tank can be that the pressure release on the tank is causing this problem. This usually happens when the temperature of the tank is increased and it starts to build up pressure inside.

This pushes the gas out of the valves that are present in the tank. Take a look at your valve while using the tank. If it opens while you are using it then it means that your tank is building up pressure inside. Get the pressure release valve replaced or replace it on your own to fix this problem.

You should not tamper with the valves if you do not have the required expertise. It is always better to take the help of an expert who has done such work before.

This can mostly happen in those cases when the tank went empty and someone left the valve open while checking it out. The next time when the tank is filled, the valve can keep leaking out the gas until someone does not notice the gas odor. This is an extremely dangerous thing to happen as even the slightest bit of propane gas leak can cause a major explosion.

Since it is a well-known fact that a propane gas leak can actually cause massive explosions, there are certain steps that you should take if you are the one who has discovered a leak.

Immediately make sure that the risk for a fire explosion is reduced. This means that you have to ascertain that nobody in the vicinity lights up a cigarette or a match. It can quickly cause a massive fire explosion.

I highly recommend that you get the pressure relief valve on your motorhome"s propane tank replaced. This is a very important part of the safety systems on your RV. When you get your RV filled up with liquid propane, it is never filled up to a 100%. The tank is actually filled up to 80% capacity. The reason is that liquid propane expands with heat. Filling the tank up to only 80% capacity allows for expansion of the liquid propane.

Let"s say you got your propane tank filled up on a very cold day and then a couple of days later you decide to take a trip to a hotter climate. Being in a hotter climate causes the propane to expand. In some cases the propane expands so much that it could exceed the pressure rating of your RV"s propane tank. Before the pressure gets above the tanks pressure rating the relief valve automatically opens up and vents the excess propane.

If the pressure relief valve is not working; the pressure in the tank could get high enough to exceed the tanks rating and rupture the tank releasing all of the propane at one time. If the propane gets close to an open flame the gasses will explode with great force. That is why a propane dealer will not fill up a propane tank with defective relief valve.

Yes, you could use a portable BBQ propane canister, but that would require a modification to the propane lines leading to your RV"s propane regulator. This modification if not done properly can cause a serious fire hazard and possibly cost more than getting your pressure relief valve replaced.

I cannot tell you how much getting the pressure relief valve replaced will cost. But, I can tell you that it will cost you a lot less money than having to replace your RV because it caught fire due to a bad pressure relief valve on your propane tank.

None of this is meant to scare you I am just trying to emphasize the fact that you need to take your RV to an RV repair shop and have the propane tank fixed by a certified RV Technician. You may be surprised that it will not cost as much as you think it might but, it must be done and it must be done right.

"Propane is a safe gas, but it is a flammable gas," said Don Gregory, a fire marshal with the Ozark Fire Protection District. "We want people not to have open fire or open flame near their propane tank."

"Losing a little bit of gas in order to ensure that there is proper pressure is a much safer option than having it fail." Gregory added that could mean a possible explosion if the valve fails.

"If it pops off you need to call your propane provider, put a hose on it and cool it off, they will come out and pump out gas, get it to where it is stable." Simon explained.

Using a garden hose to spray off the tank when it is really hot will cool off the tank and lower the pressure inside. You will know it is cooled off when the valve closes back up. If you have any concerns about your propane tank you should call your propane provider.

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Has your propane tank valve gotten stuck yet again? This can put a serious damper if you’ve planned a BBQ, or literally anything that requires your propane tank. But here’s some good news: this article will tell you exactly how to unstick a propane tank valve.

Before we move onto the meat of the matter, you need to understand how your propane tank works. This applies to anything that runs on propane: fireplaces, water heaters, stoves, gas grills, and even RVs. Knowing how your tank operates will make it easier to troubleshoot minor issues.

A basic tank is filled with propane liquid and uses a special machine that forces the propane gas into the tank under pressure, turning it into its liquid form. It remains pressurized in the tank until the valve is released. When the valve is turned, the pressure decreases and the gas converts to vapor and escapes through the opening.

The propane gas is allowed to escape the canister under a certain pressure determined by the size of the valve. Large commercial propane tanks have multiple valves and gauges.

The main valves are the fill valves to refill the tank, a service valve to release the propane, and a relief valve. The relief valve prevents too much pressure from building up in the tank and exploding.

Tanks also have gauges that measure the level of liquid in the tanks called a float gauge, as well as a vapor recovery valve that can be used to release excess vapor in the tanks when getting it serviced.

The tanks are often closed very tightly to prevent leaks. If your propane tank won’t open after you bring it home the first time, try using a wrench or a pair of pliers. You can also unhook the tank from your stove and apply a bit of oil to the valve, before trying to yank it open with pliers.

Before you try to fix a propane safety valve (or any other tank valve), you need to identify the cause of the blockage. This will determine what you need to do to correct the issue.

The most important thing to bear in mind is that propane is highly combustible. When correcting a faulty tank valve, make sure you don’t puncture the tank and cause more damage. Safety is always a priority, so work in a ventilated area and do not light matches or lighters near your tank.

Set the propane tank on a steady, level surface. Make sure you are in a dry and cool area. Carefully check the tank for any signs of obvious damage and try to find the source of any possible leaks.

Wrap the rubber band around the outer edges of the valve to get a better grip on the blocked valve. Once you get a firm grip, twist firmly to loosen and dislodge the valve with your hand.

If this doesn’t work, spray a bit of oil or lubricant on the valve. Shake the valve back and forth to loosen it up, and then try to twist it open once again.

If the valve is still stuck, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to force it open. Grasp the edge of the valve with your pliers firmly and twist counterclockwise to open the valve. Try not to use too much pressure or as this can break the valve instead.

If your valves have rust or water damage, assess the situation. If it is still in the early stages, you can use baking soda and vinegar to get rid of the rust. However, if it is too far gone, you will need to replace the valve.

To avoid the fuss of a propane tank valve that needs to be dislodged, you can follow a few simple steps to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Don’t twist the valve closed too tightly. This might sound obvious, but people tend to close the valve really tightly, especially after a refill. Shut it tight, but don’t overdo it.

After buying a new tank or refilling your old one, smack the bottom of the tank on the ground once or twice. This will loosen the valve so you can open it more easily.

Don’t open the valve of a new cylinder rapidly as this can make it get jammed the next time. Instead, test the water and work it slowly and carefully.

If your propane tank leaks when connected, you most likely need a new valve. Check for the site of the leak by spraying soapy water at the valve, connection point, and pipes. If you see bubbles at the valve or connection, the gasket is broken and the valve requires replacing.

Soak the hose for a few minutes in warm soapy water to clean it. Use grease-cutting dish soap or something similar to break down accumulated oil and debris. Rinse the hose thoroughly under running water and allow it to dry.

The propane tank shut-off valve is your best bet during leaks if the hose or valve isn’t the one behind the leaks. The service or shut-off valve is the metallic spigot-like dial located under the tank cover and hooked to the top of the tank.

You need to use this valve to turn the gas off at the tank in the event of an emergency or leak. Always turn this valve to the right (clockwise), completely to shut off the gas.

This kind of valve is required on all large 4-to-40-pound commercial cylinders in vapor service. The OPD valve is a protective device and is exactly what it sounds like. It prevents the tank from overfilling.

Place the open jaws of the crescent wrench over the large bolt of the tank’s gas regulator. This is located at the meeting point of the propane tank and the gas regulator. Use the thumbscrew to grip the jaws around the large nut.

Then, loosen the nut with the wrench. Continue to remove the nut by hand until you can pull the neck of the regulator from the propane tank connection. You may catch a small whiff of gas as the regulator’s neck is pulled from the propane tank, but this is nothing to be worried about.

Remove the tank from the grill’s cart. In some models, you might have to loosen a safety strap. Store the empty tank in a safe and dry location, outdoors and well away from any flames.

It is perfectly normal to smell a little propane as tiny amounts can leak when the tank is in use. You can also smell the gas when the tank is nearly empty.

It is common for a propane tank to hiss. Hearing this sound is an indication that your tank is leaking so shut off all the valves and check for the location of the leak.

It is always a little scary when dealing with gas tanks, as we are well aware of the risks. However, knowing how to handle any kind of malfunctioning will make it much easier to deal with.

Once you know how to unstick a propane tank valve, you can loosen the valve or spigot without any trouble. And this will make the process of grilling much easier. Happy cooking!

Houses or buildings utilizing gas energy require a gas piping system to power heaters, ovens, and other heating appliances. One of the most important elements of a gas piping system is the propane service valve, which controls propane gas flow in and out of a building. While there may be many other valves within gas plumbing, this valve functions as an on/off switch and serves as the main point of control for cutting off or allowing for the flow of gas into a piping system.

Propane valves are simply used to turn gas on or off. Similar to that of a water faucet, propane valves consist of a handwheel that controls propane gas flow when turned. When the wheel is turned, a stem and seat mechanism located within the valve opens or closes to prevent or allow gas flow from the tank.

Using propane gas requires an LP gas regulator, which decreases the amount of pressure released into the gas line, keeping it at an acceptable and safe level while still meeting the needs of the application.

There are multiple different valves in any propane system, each of which has a particular job. At IPS Equipment, we provide some of the most common types of valves for propane systems, including:

A pressure or safety relief valve is a safety mechanism that every propane system needs. It allows excess pressure in the tank to be slowly and safely released. Without this valve, pressure can build up and cause the tank to crack or rupture.

The relief valve has a pressurized spring. If the pressure levels within the tank grow too high, the spring forces the valve open just enough to return the pressure levels to acceptable levels. Once the pressure decreases, the spring relaxes, and the valve automatically closes.

This valve is where gas delivery personnel add new gas to a propane tank. Propane delivery trucks have hoses that can be attached to the filler valve so propane can be pumped into the tank. This valve is also pressure-activated, and it opens automatically in response to the pressure in the hose.

Filler valves have gaskets that operators can push the hose end against to avoid propane leaks. They also only allow for unidirectional fluid movement, meaning that once the tank is full, there is no risk of propane escaping when the hose is withdrawn.

This shut-off valve prevents gas from entering the building and any attached appliances. You can use this central point of control like an on/off switch to completely halt the path of gas in the system.

This valve is also called a vapor return valve or vapor eliminator valve. It ensures that propane is delivered at the proper pressure levels from the propane delivery truck to a personal tank and returns any excess propane back to the delivery truck. This is similar to a safety valve, except the vapor equalizing valve ensures the propane is delivered at proper pressures for optimum use, not safety. This is especially crucial during hot weather or in warm environments, as that can increase the pressure.

This specialized valve is meant for use by propane companies only. It allows operators with the proper tools to drain liquid propane from the tank. Propane tanks must be drained to <5% capacity levels before they can legally be moved.

IPS Equipment specializes in supplying propane marketers with reliable valves, fittings, regulators, and more for propane systems. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive products or services, or browse through our catalog to start your order.

“Will my propane tank burst?” That’s a question many people ask when they’re considering the purchase of a propane system for the first time. Perhaps you’ve heard stories of propane fuel tanks rupturing or seen an online video of a propane-induced fireball. These circumstances may have been enough to make you avoid using anything involving this versatile, clean-burning gas in or around your home. Let’s take a look at the facts.

While it’s true that propane gas is flammable and in some cases combustible, propane tank ruptures are extremely rare. It typically requires the right combination of conditions and human error to pose a danger. By taking the appropriate precautions and following safe handling practices, you can eliminate any risks or concerns involved with propane — and experience the many benefits of using it in your home.

Although propane and natural gas are both flammable fossil fuels, propane tanks are typically safer than natural gas lines. Because propane is delivered in a compressed liquid form rather than a gaseous one, propane tanks typically come with lower risk compared to other fuel containment options.

Leaks:Propane tanks must comply with high safety standards — they’re structurally sound and won’t rupture or leak under normal conditions. However, if you don’t close the valve properly after using the tank, vapor can leak out and potentially ignite.

Increase in pressure:Propane tanks can burst due to an increase in pressure that can occur due to exposure to extreme heat. The pressure rises to the point that the tank can no longer vent it safely. Keep in mind, the likelihood of this happening is very low since tanks are regulated and maintained regularly.

Federal and state regulations are in place to ensure the safety of propane tanks. These laws focus on the timely testing and replacement of the pressure relief valve, a crucial safety feature that vents gas and releases built-up pressure.

Specifically, the regulations mandate the testing of propane relief valves every five years. Valves that are more than 10 years old require testing or replacing before the next scheduled inspection. A certified pressure relief valve testing contractor such as Foster Fuels can handle the testing and inspection process for you. We can also advise when it’s time for a valve replacement.

As a full-service propane company with more than 100 years of experience, Foster Fuels can be trusted for reliable answers to all of your propane and fueling questions. Contact us to learn more today.

Propane gas is stored in either portable or stationary tanks. You may have one connected to your outdoor grill, or you’ve noticed them outside of homes in rural areas. While these tanks are ideal for storing liquid propane gas, from time to time, propane tank repair is required. While propane gas is a safe way to cook and heat, a leaking tank is not safe.

Propane gas is a petroleum gas in liquefied form, LPG, that is compressed and stored in tanks. It is then delivered in a liquid form by trucks that fill the tanks at homes and businesses.

With proper use and storage, this colorless, non-toxic, virtually odorless gas is a safe method of energy. At home it can be used on the outdoor grill, for a gas fireplace, and even to heat your home, water, and food. It is essentially a clean and safe energy source.

However, because the liquid form is compressed and stored in tanks, it is under high pressure. This leads to people unfamiliar with LPG tanks having concerns about them exploding. Each propane tank, whether it is portable or stationary, is equipped with a PRV (Pressure Relief Valve), located within another valve for safety and then incorporated with the propane tank’s main valve.

If the tank’s pressure increases, gas is automatically released by the PRV to ease that pressure. Until a tank has reached up to 1,000 PSGI (poundsper square gauge), a well-maintained propane tank will not explode. It is for this reason that if you smell any gascoming from a propane tank, immediate propane tank repair is a must.

Having a complete and thorough understanding of propane gas tanks is always important. Getting immediate propane tank repair when necessary can prevent numerous accidents. Remembering this, you can heat your home, cook your meals, and heat up water with peace of mind.

The vapor from propane gas is an asphyxiating gas, but not toxic. Propane will displace any oxygen in the lungs, making breathing difficult or even impossible if inhaled for an extended time in a high concentration. This is why as soon as there is any suspicion of a leak, propane tank repair should be sought immediately.

Breathing will become difficult if you find yourself breathing in propane fumes, and physical activity can make the situation worse. Symptoms of propane gas exposure will depend on how the exposure to the gas happened. Symptoms that may be experienced with low exposure are:

When liquid propane escapes from a tank, it is extremely cold and contact with the propane at that point can irritate the skin and cause frostbite. Frostbite can lead to skin blistering, tissue death, and infections. When any chill is felt from a propane tank, it should be taken to the dealer, or the LPG company should be called for emergency propane tank repair.

A damaged propane tank cannot be repaired and reused. There are many laws regarding the regulation of propane tanks for sale, rent, or repair. There are also significant rules surrounding propane and propane tanks that must be thoroughly understood, and extensive training is required of any propane suppliers. It is their responsibility to advise the homeowners that rent the tanks for their grills or other home uses on best practices regarding propane tanks.

Never should a homeowner attempt propane tank repairs or make any modifications to a propane system or tank. This should only be done by a licensed individual or a propane supplier. If a supplier sees that a propane tank repair or modification has been made by someone who is not authorized, they can refuse to service the customer. It is federal law that any damaged propane tank that cannot be repaired should be destroyed.

If you discover that the propane tank you’re using is leaking, it is imperative that you deal with the matter immediately. While propane tank repairs should only be done by authorized and licensed dealers or supplier, there are a few steps you can take that may stop the leak.

Usually, there is a hissing sound coming from a leaking propane tank. You may notice a smell like rotten eggs or skunk. This is not the odor of the propane gas itself, but is still a sign of leakage. This is because while propane gas is odorless, suppliers add a chemical that creates this odor.

If you have noticed a hissing sound or an odor, turn off everything electrical or gas nearby to avoid possible sparks that can cause an explosion, and then follow these steps:

After turning off the propane tank valve, there will typically be enough gas left to help you determine where it is leaking. As quickly as possible, mix one cup of dishwashing liquid with one cup warm water in a spray bottle. Spray until the surface is covered.

Next, open the valve slowly. If bubbles start forming in the solution, that’s where the leak is located. Small bubbles indicate a small leak. Large bubbles indicate a large leak. Mark each area that has bubbles.

Let the tank sit for ten minutes and spray the soap/water mixture on the areas you marked earlier. Turn the cylinder valve back on slowly and see if bubbles are still forming.

If you still see bubbles, propane tank repair isn’t possible. Turn the tank in to the supplier and request a new one. If the propane leak is inside your home, evacuate and call 911 immediately. After that, call a propane dealer or supplier. They will have the equipment and knowledge of how to repair the propane tank valve if that’s the problem.

The bleeder valve or fixed level gauge is typically opened when a propane tank is filled. If it isn’t closed all the way after the fill is done, propane will begin leaking.

If the leak is at the valve but it isn’t open, it may be from a clogged coil, which happens when a propane tank has been leaking. It is an easy propane tank repair, starting with turning the bleeder valve off.

A propane tank will have a relief valve that relieves pressure in the tank when there is too much. When the propane tank is in heated areas, the PRV opens a bit to relieve any pressure building up. Sometimes, propane gas will leak from the opened PRV.

For this propane tank repair, don’t turn the valve. Simply tap on it gently with a screwdriver to encourage the PRV to close on its own. You can run cool water over the tank with a hose to cool the tank down; this will prompt the valve to close as designed.

Now there is a possibility that the tank valve may be damaged and causing it to leak, which can be harmful and dangerous. In this situation, do not attempt to do your own propane tank repair. Return the tank to the dealer or supplier.

Absolutely! Fortunately, a certified and licensed propane supplier knows to leave enough empty space in a propane tank for expansion. When a propane tank has been overfilled, it is putting the tank, and you, at risk of leaks or explosion.

There are different sizes and types of propane tanks. They can be installed in the ground or set up above ground. Of course, there are also propane tanks for outdoor grills. Both in-ground and above ground propane tanks cost $1,500 and up to $3,800.  Portable tanks for outdoor grills can cost $40 to $60 depending on the retailer.

There are a few more things to remember if you’re planning to get a propane tank for your home. Propane tanks have an expiration date on them to remind you when to replace a propane tank. Generally, a portable propane bottle will have up to 12 years before expiration. When being refilled and recertified, this can range between 5 years and 12 years.