Best Practices on How to Store Your Propane Tank
What are the best practices for storing your propane tank? Proper propane tank storage involves keeping tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area, always in an upright position, and away from living spaces and ignition sources. Regular leak checks, temperature control between -40°F and 120°F, and adherence to local regulations are essential for ensuring safety and longevity of your propane tanks. To learn more about these crucial storage practices, continue reading below.
As summer winds down, you’re likely looking at storing all your summer equipment, which includes your propane tank. Whether you use portable propane tanks or large propane tanks for grilling barbeque during the summer or camping, knowing how to store them properly during the winter months is of great importance. We at XYZ Storage want to help you learn how to store propane tanks safely when you don’t need them.
Why Proper Propane Storage Matters
Storing a propane tank or even propane cylinders is no easy task and can be quite frightening as it’s highly flammable and if stored incorrectly can be detrimental. Improper storage can lead to accidents, like a fire so it’s important to know how to store propane tanks correctly and safely to protect yourself and your surroundings.
Tips for Propane Tank Storage
Now that you know the importance of propane tank storage, here are three of our top tips to help you navigate storing your propane tanks:
1. Store Propane Tanks Outdoors
While storing a propane tank inside can be convenient, such as storing it in your detached shed, garage, or basement, the best place to store your propane tanks is outdoors. This is to help safely store your propane cylinders and avoid propane gas build-up over time. When you place propane tanks outdoors you have to be mindful to store them away from your living area in case of any accidents or leaks. It’s also important to store your propane cylinder in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. This is because heat sources, like the grill, stove, and heater can cause an explosion.
2. Keep Tanks Upright
Keeping your propane tank upright is very important as storing them on their side or upside down can cause leaks. The pressure relief valve, designed to release excess pressure, won’t function properly if the tank isn’t upright, creating a hazardous situation. As a result, it’s important if you are transporting propane cylinders to ensure they are kept in an upright position.
3. Regularly Check for Propane Leaks
So how can you test for leaks in your propane tank? You can test for leaks by applying soapy water to the valve area when you disconnect the tank and if bubbles form when the valve is opened slightly there could be a leak. By doing these regular checks can ensure your safety and help prevent accidents. If you find a leak, don’t try to dispose of it yourself. You should always contact the appropriate professionals to dispose of a leaking propane tank.
Commonly Asked Questions About Propane Storage
What Is the Best Temperature Range for Storing Propane Tanks?
The ideal temperature range to store your propane tank or propane cylinder is between -40°F and 120°F (-40°C to 49°C). Keeping tanks within this range prevents potentially dangerous situations.
What Materials Are Best for Propane Tank Storage Enclosures?
Weather-resistant materials like treated wood, steel, or aluminum are ideal for outdoor propane tank storage enclosures. The most important factors to consider are any materials that protect from direct sunlight and harsh weather. However, it should still allow for proper ventilation.
What Are the Regulations for Storing Propane Tanks in Residential Areas?
Regulations for storing a propane tank depend on your location. However, in general, you want to store them 10 feet away from homes, outbuildings, or sources of ignition.
Can You Store Propane Tanks in a Storage Unit?
Unfortunately, at all our XYZ Storage self-storage facilities we prohibit storing propane tanks and other flammable materials. We have this policy in place, given safety of our guests and their belongings is our top priority.
Stay Safe with XYZ Storage
At XYZ Storage, we’re committed to providing you with secure and convenient storage solutions. Although you can’t store your propane storage tanks inside our storage units, we’re here to help guide you and offer alternative storage options for you. If you do have other items to store like an appliance, extra boxes, seasonal items, and more, feel free to stop by any of our self-storage facilities across the GTA. We have storage locations across Toronto, including Toronto West, Toronto Downtown, Toronto Midtown, Etobicoke, and Scarborough. Our team will be more than happy to assist you with storing your belongings at our facilities.
Happy Storing!
