why is my propane tank leaking from safety valve manufacturer

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 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.

Propane safety is the utmost importance when it comes to propane gas leaks. If you suspect a gas leak in your home or business, stop what you’re doing, leave the area immediately, and call your propane supplier from a safe location immediately to report the leak.

Propane manufacturers add a distinctive skunk or rotten egg smell to propane so you are able to detect right away if there is a leak. Follow our steps below to keep you and your family safe in the event of a propane leak. For information on how to prevent a propane gas tank leak from happening in the first place, we recommend calling a residential propane supply company near you.

The easiest way to detect propane gas leaks is if you smell the bad odor added by the manufacturer. However, people on certain medications or the elderly may not be able to smell propane as well as others. While it’s rare, it may also be possible that the smell added by the manufacturer has dissipated due to rust inside the tank.

Checking for a propane tank leak is easy. Apply soapy water or a special leak detector solution to where the propane tank’s cylinder valve and regulator outlet connect. Next, you’ll need to slowly open the cylinder valve. Bubbles will form if there is a leak.

With any gas leak, there is always the concern that the slightest ignition could start a fire or explosion. Once a gas leak has been confirmed, you’ll need to put out any open flames. Do NOT turn on light switches, household appliances, or even use your phone. The slightest spark could cause an explosion.

If you are able to, turn the main gas supply valve clockwise to prevent more propane gas from leaking into your home. After, immediately move to a safe location and call your propane supplier.

If you are able, open as many windows as possible as you exit the house. This will help some of the built-up gas escape from your house, reducing risk of fire or explosions. Do not stop to pack any possessions. Inhaling propane gas can make breathing difficult or impossible.

Call 911 or your propane supply company as soon as you and your family are a safe distance away from the home. Your propane supplier and local fire department are able to respond to propane leaks 24/7.

Once you have evacuated the house, do not return until your local fire department has stopped the leak and deemed your home safe to re-enter. Do not be tempted to go back inside the home to get belongings. Breathing in propane gas can be deadly.

Before using any of our propane household appliances, you’ll need to schedule a propane tank inspection to ensure the leak is stopped and fixed so it won’t happen again. To prevent leaks from happening in the first place, we recommend scheduling routine propane gas tank inspections so you and your family can stay safe.

Propane tanks shouldn’t leak over time. Believe it or not, running out of gas in your propane tank can be dangerous. If the propane appliance valve or gas line of a propane tank remains open after the propane supply runs out, a leak may occur when the tank is refilled.

We advise you to leave turning on your propane tank to your propane supply company. While it’s as simple as turning a valve, there can be some significant complications with leaks from the tank to your house.

If your propane tank is leaking at the valve, call your local propane company and tell them that you have discovered a leak in your propane tank. It’s crucial that you don’t try to repair the tank any further yourself and let a professional determine a time to come to your home to do a system check or pick up the tank.

Crystal Flash is a residential propane gas supplier in Michigan that offers propane tank installation and inspection services to keep homeowners safe from gas leaks. For more information on how we protect our customers from gas leaks through propane tank maintenance services, be sure to call any of our Michigan Propane Delivery locations.

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!

Pressure relief valves ensure efficiency and safety in many chemical, oil, and gas plants, but they’re susceptible to leaks. If a pressure relief valve is leaking, systems can become overpressurized and even fail, especially if the valve isn’t addressed or repaired quickly.

When you shut down the system, carefully examine the pipelines and the valve itself to determine the cause of the leak. This will help you figure out exactly what you need to do to repair it.

Pressure relief valve leaks usually occur when the valve isn’t properly seated or when the seal is broken or damaged. Leaks can also happen when the pressure relief valve is operating too closely to the set point.

If the valve isn’t completely repaired after your first attempt, you have up to 15 days to perform any additional repairs according to the EPA. If the valve still isn’t fixed, then you can either replace the pressure relief valve or wait until the next shutdown cycle to do more repairs.

When the pressure relief valve has been fixed or replaced, it’s important to take the necessary steps to avoid leaks in the future. To do that, consider implementing a leak detection and repair (LDAR) program for your company.

An LDAR program will help to train workers on everything they need to know about detecting and repairing a leak before system damage can occur. It will also help you monitor valves more efficiently so you can spot leaks faster and spend less money on overall valve repair and maintenance costs.

A new very young attendant did not release pressure prior to filling our 1988 Winnebago Itaska fixed propane tank.  My husband asked him to right at the beginning.

3 hours later and fire chief in attendance, they poured hot water over the frozen valve, to allow release, after calling for the 2nd time to the propane supplier in another city on a Saturday.

Now we"ve ordered a new tank and are having to have a major RV sales / car and truck service dealer (not Camping World) put the 31 foot rig up, and remove the tank for us.  Not sure what that will cost, but we cannot find any 5 ton jacks to borrow to do it ourselves.

Bottle jack would not lift this 11k pound Itaska high enough to get under there to undo the bolts.  And we cannot find anyone will 5 ton jacks we could use.  Suggestions welcome.

I"m no expert on flammables, but I"ve grilled a ton in my day on various equipment, and feel I"ve learned a couple things that may help here. However, your mileage may vary, and take this all with a grain of salt.

Depends on what this is. I agree with your read that this likely isn"t your equipment, and is likely something on the tank. If so, it is not known to me, but I have a different approach on tanks than you. More below.

Yes, I think they should do so happily; it leaks gas after all. If they don"t, you should insist (say something about how you were hoping to grill some steaks, not start a house fire).

The only thing I could fathom is if your equipment had some significant downstream pressure, but even if it did, I believe that would cause propane to flow more slowly to your burners, not leak out the back of the tank valve.

This doesn"t sound like a pressure release valve issue to me. If it were, the valve would open when the pressure increased inside the tank (usually a function of tank temperature increase), completely unrelated to when you opened the tank valve.

If I had to guess, I"d say that the bleed screw is not tightened down well. This screw is opened when they fill the tank (allowing the air to escape while LPG is pumped into the tank). When they are done filling the tank, the bleed screw should be tightened, and perhaps that wasn"t done when these tanks were filled. With the tank valve closed, check the bleed valve on the back of the tank valve to ensure it is closed.

Partial Fills. Most all of the tank exchanges only put in about 15# (~3.6 gallons) of propane. Even in warm weather climates you should be able to get 20# (4.7 gallons) of propane into a 20# tank.

Beat-up Tanks. The tanks I see at the exchanges are usually pretty beat-up. This could be part of what you are seeing, tanks with faulty valves (however, I have to believe they do some level of checking before they ship full tanks back to the retail stores, right?).

I have had excellent luck in buying several new, empty tanks (from Home Depot or the like) and having them filled myself (usually at either a U-Haul, AirGas, or gas station). It"s slightly less convenient, but I get a longer effective tank life (usually 33% more gas in my fill vs. exchanged tanks), better value (the gas is cheaper!), and my tanks don"t look nor operate poorly.

If you smell gas (an odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur) or think you may have a gas leak, exit the premises immediately and contact Arrow Propane at

Stay away from the property until a trained professional gives you an all-clear. Gas leaks can be a life-or-death situation and demand serious attention.

A propane tank is full when the gauge reads 80% (the empty 20% allows for expansion of the propane vapor). If the meter reads below 20%, contact us immediately atfor a new propane tank delivery.

If you think your portable propane tank or grill tank is leaking, and it is safe to turn off the tank valve, turn it to the right (clockwise). If you cannot turn off the valve, leave the area and dial 911 or call your local fire department.

Storing propane tanks outdoors is safe, but choosing a spot away from living areas is best. You must always hold propane tanks in an upright position on stable surfaces. Ensure that the gas valve is in the off position when not using your tank, and never store your propane tank inside your home or vehicle.

Propane is not affected by freezing temperatures. The best policy is to keep your tanks in locations away from direct sunlight for extended periods. Do not expose the tank to temperatures at or above 120°F (49°C).

You can still store propane tanks outdoors on stable surfaces when the weather reaches high temperatures. Essential rules for propane storage include:

If you are going to be away from your home for an extended time, consider shutting off all of your propane supply valves, including the main supply valve on your propane tank and the gas supply valves on each appliance.

When you return, it is critical that you call us at Arrow Propane to conduct a leak check before turning on your propane supply again. After we confirm no leaks, we can also re-light your pilot lights if you need help.

In extreme, dry heat conditions, keep the 10-foot radius around your propane tank and grill clear of any dry materials that could ignite. In flood or stormy conditions with very high winds, propane tanks can shift, damaging gas lines and the tanks themselves.

A large propane tank can float away, hitting objects in its path. Water and debris can find their way inside regulators and controls, causing potential safety issues.

If you question the safety of the current conditions, leave the area immediately, alert Arrow Propane, and have your property inspected by a trained professional before re-entering.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide, have a trained professional check your appliances and venting systems routinely and consistently practice the following steps:

Always keep flammable and combustible materials (e.g., paper, clothing, wood, gasoline, solvents) away from any open flames that originate from your appliances.

Never place your head near or directly over the valves on your storage tank. A sudden release of product from the safety relief valve could result in serious injury.

If you think you smell propane in your home, camper, RV or the area around any gas equipment, or if a gas alarm signals the presence of propane, you should IMMEDIATELY follow these suggestions:

Even if you do not continue to smell propane, do not open or turn on the propane supply valve. Do not re-enter the building, vehicle or area. Let a qualified propane service technician and/or emergency personnel check for escaped propane.

Have a properly trained propane service technician repair the leak. The propane service technician or emergency responder needs to determine that the leak situation has been fully resolved. The propane service technician should check all of your gas appliances and re-light any appliance pilots.

All lines not attached to appliances must be closed and terminated with threaded caps or plugs. If you have any questions, please call your propane supplier.

Propane expands when heated. That increases the pressure in the tank. Above a certain pressure, the relief valve opens to release a small amount of vapor. That release keeps the pressure from building up too much inside the tank. Once excess pressure has been released, the relief valve closes automatically.

It’s important to keep your tank painted with a white, aluminum or other reflective color. A rusty, unpainted or dark-colored tank may cause pressure build-up resulting in a safety relief valve discharge.

All appliances should be installed and repaired only by qualified technicians. Improper ventilation can starve the combustion process in the appliance and create a situation that could produce toxic carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that, in sufficient amounts, may be deadly to humans. Usually, headaches and/or flu-like systems are initial signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect that any of your appliances have been improperly vented, you should discontinue using them and contact your propane supplier or local fire department immediately for an inspection.

An appliance gas control is a precision mechanism that may malfunction if it is exposed to water from flooding, storms, or any other damaging environments. A flooded gas control must be replaced by a qualified gas appliance technician. Damaged gas control valves must be replaced.

If you continue to smell gas, even after lighting a pilot, turn off the gas valve immediately upstream of the appliance to stop the flow of gas. Contact your propane supplier immediately to investigate the situation.

If an appliance or any other component of your propane system has been tagged “out-of-service,” do not attempt to enable it. The tag indicates a serious unsafe condition.

Ask your propane supplier to conduct a regular gas safety check to inspect your system for leaks and ensure it meets all applicable safety standards. The technician will also check your tank, piping, regulators, gauges, connectors, valves, vents, thermostats, pilots, burners and appliance controls to make sure they are in good working condition.

Do not use a propane gas cylinder if it shows signs of external damage, such as dents, gouges, bulges, fire damage, corrosion, leakage or excessive rust.

To see how much propane is left in your cylinder, run a wet finger down the side. The wet streak will evaporate faster over the empty part of the cylinder.

Valve leakage is a common but troublesome occurrence in industrial facilities. While some valves are expected to have a certain level of leakage, especially as they begin to reach nameplate set pressure, other valve leakage is problematic and can even be dangerous for your facility. If you suspect valve leakage, here are a few reasons why your safety or pressure relief valve may be leaking, how to test the valve, and how to troubleshoot a valve you’ve confirmed is leaking. Four common reasons a pressure relief valve might be leaking include:

Pressure relief and safety relief valves will leak if the valve isn’t fully closed. This is a common problem in industrial settings where environments are often dusty or dirty. If there is any debris in the valve, it can obstruct the valve from fully closing, causing it to leak.

Pressure relief valves age and can begin to deteriorate, especially in factories and facilities where they encounter extreme temperatures and a great deal of wear. Over time, valves can become damaged, which affects their ability to close properly. If there is any damage or excessive wear to the valve seat or seal, leakage is likely.

Another common cause of safety relief valve leakage is when the valve is the wrong size for the project. Whether it’s a loose fit or the wrong fit entirely, a poorly fitting valve won’t be able to function properly, and will often leak.

If you suspect a leaking safety relief valve, or if you would like to complete regular maintenance to prevent valve leakage in the first place, it’s good to know that it is possible to test for a leaking valve. Known as a seat tightness or leakage test, these tests maintain the pressure relief valve’s inlet pressure at a certain percentage of the valve’s set pressure, so the valve technician can assess the valve’s condition.

The AccuTEST inline valve testing system offers a unique feature —  the Lift and Hold test — specifically designed to test for leakage. The system performs an automated leakage test according to the operator’s requirements. The operator sets the percent of set pressure and the duration of the test. When the operator starts the test, the AccuTEST system takes over, holding the valve at the appointed percentage of set pressure for the specified duration. While the system holds the valve at pressure, the operator is able to count any bubbles in the valve to assess its condition and determine whether the valve is leaking or not.

When you have confirmed the source of the leak, you can assess whether the valve could be repaired, or if it should be completely replaced. For example, if the valve is the wrong size or if the valve is damaged, it’s best to replace it. If the valve can be cleaned and adjusted to function properly, then repair may be an option.

Once your leaking safety relief valve has been repaired or replaced and is functioning as it should, it’s important to consider implementing regular maintenance and testing. Leaking pressure relief valves can present serious complications for the functionality of your facility. Implementing a regular maintenance and pressure relief valve testing schedule can help you stay in front of concerns like this, ensuring your facility is running efficiently, and at pressure, at all times.

If you are concerned about a leaking safety or pressure relief valve, or are seeking inline valve testing equipment that is capable of performing seat tightness or leakage tests, you might be interested in AccuTEST’s equipment. With exclusive Lift and Hold testing capabilities, AccuTEST inline pressure relief valve testing equipment offers the functionality you need. See how our equipment works in real-time — schedule a live webinar demo today.

Check for leaks— buy a small spray bottle and keep a mixture of a small amount of dish soap and water in the bottle. When you connect your tank to your grill and open the valve, spray the soap water on your tank connection and look for bubbling that indicates a leak. If you see bubbles increasing in size or quantity, you have a leak. Close the valve and check your connections. Don’t light your grill until your connection is leak-free.

Know your grill— when it comes to getting great results and staying safe around your gas grill, there is no substitute for reading your owners manual. Study your owners manual for proper safety guidelines. If you can’t find your manual, search for the manufacturer on the Internet and download the manual. Make safety your first priority!

Have a fire extinguisher nearby— if your grill flares up and you have to shut off your gas, you may still have to put out a fire. Have a handy extinguisher in the event your fire gets the best of your food. Keep in mind that the first step to eliminate the fire is to deny the oxygen (close the grill top) and the second is to deny the fuel (shut off the gas).

Keep your cylinder valve closed when not in use – it is a very simple step in preventing accidents to shut off the gas supply on your grill or burner AND on your cylinder supply valve. Keep your tank plugged or capped when it is not connected to your grill. Remember that quick connect cylinder valves have two check valves so they do not require a plug but capping a quick connect cylinder will protect it from dust and moisture.

Always use your cylinder in an upright position— your gas grill is designed to burn propane vapor, not liquid propane. If your propane tank is laying on it’s side liquid propane can escape from the cylinder valve. Liquid propane cannot escape from the valve of an upright propane tank.

Never use a gas grill indoors— your gas grill is consuming oxygen and propane as it burns. The use of a propane gas grill, propane gas camp stove or propane gas burner indoors can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, asphyxiation and death. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and lethal. Do not use a propane gas grill indoors.

Keep your gas grill away from your house— in the event that your grill suffers from a flare-up or a propane leak. You can’t imagine how quickly a small flare-up can lead to a big disaster when your grill is too close to a carport, home or shed.

Keep your spare tank away from the grill – you may have a storage area underneath or beside your grill. Use if for cooking tools or whatever else suits you but never store an extra propane cylinder under or beside your grill.

Safety check and clean your grill regularly — look at the entire grill from the ground up. Check for rust that could lead to a structural failure. Look at the condition of the hoses, burner assemblies and ignition system. Clean it out and replace the grills if necessary. Your grill can easily last twice as long if you spend two hours a year keeping it in top condition.

Buy a quality cover for your grill— the corrosive impact of weather is as bad for your grill as the intense heat of your hottest fire. The low cost of a good cover will pay for itself many times over—especially if you invested in a quality gas grill!

The water heater is known for its high heat and high pressure. The water heater temperature-pressure relief valve (TPR Valve), protects us from this high heat and pressure. So what is the TPR valve, why does it leak, and what should you do about it?

The TPR valve, also called, a pressure relief valve is a specialized valve at your water heater. This valve is typically on the top or side of your water heater.

The valve functions by releasing water if your water heater becomes too pressurized. Since heated water expands, the water heater can become a ticking time bomb if we were to continually build pressure in your water heater.

As seen in the featured image, a TPR valve is required to have a discharge pipe/tube. This tube should be aimed straight to the ground and never go up. This is because hot water will come out of the TPR valve as it releases water. Therefore, extremely hot water should discharge to the ground for safety.

Additionally, if a pipe were to go up, water will have to work against gravity to empty. So, it is possible a slow drip of the TPR valve will collect water in the tubing and ultimately rust out the valve rather than empty it to the floor.

Terminate not more than 6 inches (152 mm) above and not less than two times the discharge pipe diameter above the floor or flood level rim of the waste receptor.

Be one nominal size larger than the size of the relief valve outlet, where the relief valve discharge piping is installed with insert fittings. The outlet end of such tubing shall be fastened in place.

Typically, the solution to this is through a bladder tank, also named an expansion tank. The expansion tank works by allowing more room for the heated water to expand too. Depending on your location and home, an expansion tank might be required by code.

However, if you find the relief valve to continue to leak even after replacement, you should contact a plumber for assistance. A licensed plumber will be able to evaluate your system and decide on installing an expansion tank or other solutions.