Nearly six million homes depend on propane as their primary heating source. This makes it vital that their tanks remain full and in working order. These tanks are large, holding 500 to 1,000 gallons of fuel at any given time. This means it’s vital that the homeowner maintain the tank to ensure the safety of themselves, their neighbors, and the environment.
If your propane tank isn’t working properly, the best thing you can do is call a qualified technician to come out and perform propane tank repair.
Safety First
The most important thing is safety. A Faulty propane tank can leak gas. If you smell rotten eggs or skunk, you probably have a gas leak. You need to leave the area immediately and call your supplier immediately. Be sure to wait until you’re in a safe place away from the tank before you make your phone call, so your cell phone doesn’t create an electrical charge.
Reduce the Risk of Fire or Explosion
When you have a faulty tank that leaks gas, you have a significant risk of fire or explosion. You need to extinguish all open flames and avoid using electricity or anything electrically charged.
Shut Off the Main Gas Supply
To prevent further leakage, turn off the main gas supply. There should be a valve on the tank that you can turn clockwise. This will prevent more gas from escaping and allow for the dissipation of already escaped gas. Turning off the gas also makes it safer for someone to work on the tank.
Schedule an Inspection
When it comes to choosing a propane gas company, you want to find one with a positive reputation. Ask your friends and neighbors who they use. Look for a company that has been in business for several years. This will ensure you have a company on your side that is experienced. You can then breathe easy knowing they will troubleshoot and locate any and all issues.
Follow the Law
To ensure the safety of everyone, there are several laws in place that govern both the delivery of propane and the maintenance of the tanks. These laws state that a licensed supplier or individual are the only ones who should alter or modify a propane tank and system. If you decide to tinker with the system yourself, then your supplier has the right to decline to refill your tank or provide any service in the future.
Schedule Your Propane Tank Repair
In a world where YouTube how-to videos abound, propane tank repair is not something you tackle. Your tank is large, full of flammable gas, and connected to your home. One wrong move or incorrect repair and you can put your entire family in danger. So the smartest thing you can do is call your propane supplier or repair company and have the professionals take care of the problem.
If you’re itching to do some DIY work, check out the DIY Project section of our blog for some safer ideas.
I have a 5 gallon propane take that is full but when I turn on the valve nothing comes out. The valve is malfunctioning and I need a professional to fix it.