Propane is one of the essential fuels in this day and age. The fuel is used for various purposes, whether heat, power, or grill, and is commonly stored in propane tanks or cylinders. Many businesses highly consume propane aside from other gas types for their commercial space and residents due to its beneficial safety, cost-effective and reliable matters. However, like any fuel and gas, propane can leak.
So in order to prevent personal injury or property damage, here are precautionary steps to follow if you suspect propane tank leaks. Consider checking your propane tank from the very beginning. Wondering how?
How to check your propane tank for leaks?
SMELL CHECK
The easiest and simplest way to check your propane tank for leaks is by detecting smell. That ‘invisible danger’ comes as odorless and colorless liquid naturally, but manufacturers add a strong rotten egg smell or skunk spray in propane to check propane tank leaks. If you detect any smell like that in your propane storage area, there might be a leakage in your propane tank. It is necessary to leave the work you are doing as soon as possible whenever you detect rotten eggs smell in the nearby area. If you smell gas contact your propane provider.
PROPANE TANK LEAK TEST
When a tank runs out of propane, it needs pressure testing. When you have propane in your tank, the pressure in the system is constant; as the amount of fuel in your tank decreases, so does the pressure. Because of the expansion and retraction of the pipe compound in the propane system, a loss of pressure might produce leaks. A pressure test will identify any leaks in the pipes whenever there is a service interruption, such as running out of propane.
Propane tank leaks: Safety tips
As you check your propane tank and confirm leaks, then it’s time to act ASAP, and safety measures should be followed. These measures include:
TURN OFF THE VALVE
If you can reach the valve of your propane tank, turn it off to eliminate the chances of further spread of gas in your house. You can shut off the main supply of your propane tank by rotating the valve in a clockwise direction.
Turning off the valve is helpful as it stops propane gas from coming out from the outlet and avoids its spread into the house.
OPEN WINDOWS AND DOORS OF YOUR HOUSE
It is necessary to open the windows and doors of your house to diffuse gas from your house to the outside area. Your home can fill up with propane after a leak. The propane can easily diffuse from your house and spread quickly into the environment.
Leaving your house is necessary in this case since inhaling a large amount of propane gas can negatively affect your health and cause shortness of breath. It reacts faster to your blood hemoglobin than oxygen and can cause dizziness and unconsciousness.
CALL YOUR PROPANE SUPPLIER
If you find a leak in your propane tank, call your propane supplier to turn off your supply to avoid explosion and fire. They are responsible for turning off your propane supply. Avoid any DIY attempts that might worsen the situation. Moreover, if the repair isn’t done correctly and your tank or line continues to leak, you could lose a lot of propane in a short length of time. Leaks that are not dealt with properly can jeopardize the safety of your house and family.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
If there’s an eruption of fire due to a large amount of propane leakage, call 911 emergency. First, leave your home, make sure you are safe and sound and then call for help. Remember to also contact your propane provider.
CHECK EVERYTHING BEFORE RE-ENTERING YOUR HOME.
You can re-enter your home after a successful evaluation by a propane tank supplier and, in some cases, the fire department. The fire department would check all propane tank leaks and ensure that all leaks have been sealed and closed.
After being ensured, enter your home but keep in mind that inhaling propane gas is extremely harmful and can cause difficulty breathing and other nervous system issues.
INSTALL A PROPANE GAS DETECTOR
Finally, invest in your safety with the top-notch detector. It can save you not from more damage, additional bucks from tank repair, but also life. If propane gas is detected in the air, propane gas detectors will sound an alarm. Combination explosive gas detectors frequently detect propane, methane, and carbon monoxide.
Service your Propane tank Round-the-clock
The best way to avoid propane tank leaks? Your driver will visually check your propane tank for leaks and do a routine inspection to avoid any unnecessary events. At Conklin Oil & Propane, our team of qualified experts will provide the best service in your time of need. Your safety is our top priority.
