Whether you use propane to power a few appliances or to power your entire property, it's essential to ensure that you store propane properly to keep you and your home or business safe. While storing propane properly isn’t nearly as hard as you might think, there are some essential things to know if you want to guarantee that you are storing it as safely as possible.
Where to Store a Propane Tank
Before you can get into the specifics of how to store propane tanks, you need to know where it's okay to put them. You should always store propane tanks outdoors and at a safe distance from your home or business.
This ensures that areas where you live and work will be safe from any potential leaks while also preventing any property damage that may happen due to improper storage.
Can You Store Propane Tanks Indoors?
The short answer here is no. You should never really store propane indoors, especially if the indoor area you want to store it in is somewhere you or anyone else lives and works.
If your tank begins to leak, it will fill up the indoor space you have it in with propane, creating a potentially dangerous situation that puts both you and your home or business at risk.
This is a big reason why large propane tanks are always permanently installed outside and away from any living or working spaces. If you don't have anywhere else to store your propane, some of the smallest types of propane tanks are generally safe to store in detached sheds or garages, as these places generally have sufficient ventilation in the case of leaks and can keep your tank at a more consistent temperature. This should be a last resort, as you're always better off storing your propane tanks outdoors.
Tips For Storing Propane Tanks Outdoors
Now that you know that you should always store propane tanks outside, it’s time to get into the specifics.
There are a number of different things to consider when deciding how and where you should store your propane tank. If you’re wondering how to store propane tanks outside in the safest way possible, here is everything you need to know.
Keep Your Propane Tank Away From Direct Sunlight and Other Heat Sources
This one may seem like a no-brainer; however, it’s still important to understand why keeping your propane tank away from external sources of heat is so important.
Propane, in its natural state, is a gas, but when it is inside a tank, it is pressurized and stored as a liquid. This allows the tank to fit more propane than it otherwise would be able to.
If your propane tank is in direct sunlight or exposed to some other source of heat, the propane inside will vaporize and expand, causing the pressure inside the tank to increase. If the tank gets hot enough and the pressure increases too much, it could cause the tank to leak or rupture entirely. No matter where you store your propane tank outside, always be sure that it isn’t exposed to too much external heat.
Avoid Exposing Your Propane Tank to Extremely Cold Temperatures
Propane is generally safe to store outdoors, even in the coldest of winter months. However, if you live in a location where temperatures can drop below -40 degrees Fahrenheit, you need to try to find somewhere warmer to store it.
You can only use propane to power appliances in its gaseous state, and below this temperature your propane may become unusable. While you'll most likely be fine storing your tank outdoors all winter, if it gets too cold, you'll need to come up with a backup plan.
Keep Propane Tanks at a Safe Distance From Your Home or Business
Large tanks make this easy as they will always be permanently installed at a safe minimum distance from any and all buildings. It’s never a good idea to keep propane tanks too close to any standing structures or living spaces, as this will minimize safety concerns and any potential damage due to leaks or ruptures.
Store Propane Tanks in an Upright Position
Again, this isn’t much of a concern for large permanent propane tanks. When it comes to smaller portable propane tanks, you should always ensure that you store them upright. Otherwise, the safety valve may clog, which has the potential to cause it to malfunction and leak.
Ensure Your Tank's Gas Valve is Always in the Off Position
This is another no-brainer, but it is still worth mentioning. No matter where you store your portable propane tank, always make sure that your tank’s gas valve is in the off position, as this will prevent your tank from leaking propane without your knowledge and ensure that it’s always ready to use when you need it most.
Contact MAZ Propane Today
Are you wondering how to store propane tanks outside properly? Do you need to schedule a new delivery or want to start a new propane conversion? Either way, give MAZ Propane a call.
Their team of friendly propane experts is always there to answer any questions you may have and will happily help you schedule the specific services you need to meet your propane needs. They can even offer advice and help you do everything you can to save on your energy bills. Don’t let yourself fall behind in meeting your propane needs. Call MAZ Propane and schedule your service today!