Maintenance is an important aspect of caring for any type of equipment. It's especially important, however, to have propane tanks serviced when needed in order to prevent potential accidents. If your residence has a propane tank on the property, here are some time when you should have the tank serviced by a professional.
Anytime You Smell Gas
Should you ever smell propane gas near your tank, immediate precautions must be taken. First, have everyone leave the vicinity -- and be careful to not create sparks while you leave. Don't start a car to drive away or grab a metal object you think you'll need. Stop whatever you're doing and walk away from the tank.
Once you're a safe distance away from the tank, call a professional propane service provider that offers emergency repairs. Keep everyone away from the area until a service person comes, repairs the leak and informs you that it's safe to go back.
After a Flood That Reaches the Controls
A little rain isn't likely to damage any controls on your propane tank, but flood waters could cause problems if they reach the tank's gas controls. During a flood that reaches the controls, water can start to cause corrosion and sometimes even seep into a system.
Anytime your area experiences a flood that reaches the controls of your propane tank, have a knowledgeable service provider inspect your system. They'll be able to tell whether the controls have been damaged, and the service person will be able to repair the controls if they are damaged.
If Your Tank Runs Out of Propane
Having your tank run out of propane can create a couple of problems.
First and most important, a leak can develop when an empty tank is refilled. If any outlets (e.g. a stove) are left on, they'll leak propane when the tank's refilled. When a tank's full, it's obvious when outlets are on and leaking propane -- you'll smell the propane. Without any propane in them, you may not realize outlets are open until they're leaking a lot from the refilled tank.
Second, moisture can accumulate in an empty tank as air replaces the propane that was in the tank. Any moisture that accumulates will eventually condense on the side of the tank, where it can cause corrosion on the inside of the tank. Because interior corrosion can't be seen from the outside, you might not realize your tank is rusting until it needs to be completely replaced.
If Your Stove's Flame Isn't Blue
A properly calibrated propane system will produce a blue flame when the propane is burned. If you notice that the flame on a propane stove (or any other outlet) is burning orange or yellow, the system isn't set right. The ratio of propane-to-air is off, which has caused the flame's temperature and color to change.
This is a fairly easy repair, but it's one that should be made by a trained professional. A service person will not only know how to adjust the controls if they're the issue, but the service person will also be able to check the propane lines for blockages that are impacting how the system is working.
When the Gas is Turned On
Anytime propane gas is first turned on, a leak-check should be performed by a qualified service provider. In many areas, such checks are required by law. Even if they aren't legally required, having a professional check your tank and system is the best way to make sure it's working properly and safely.
If you have a propane tank that needs to be serviced, contact us at Hunt Propane to schedule a propane service.
