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Propane Tanks 10 min

Propane tanks in the hot weather

propane tanks summer
Propane tanks in summer

A Guide to the Safe Use of Large Propane Tanks

in Summer Outdoor living becomes more fun when you add propane to the mix. This could mean everything from propane grills and pool heaters to propane outdoor fireplaces and lighting. Find out more about the many ways propane fuels your home.

Without question, propane is one of the safest fuels you can use both in and around your home. But you can make a safe fuel even safer by always following guidelines for proper use. Let’s begin by focusing on issues involving your aboveground home propane tank, including questions about storing propane tanks in hot weather and propane tanks in the heat.

Your Propane Tank in the Summer Heat

First, if Pinnacle Propane has installed your aboveground tank on your property, you can rest easy. We’ve ensured that it is located on flat ground with plenty of free space around it, clear of anything that could be combustible. We’ve also installed it at a safe distance from your home — at least 10 feet. If possible, we’ve also located your tank in an area that provides shade as a guard against constant direct sunlight.

If you’re concerned about your tank getting overheated on a blazing hot day, it’s perfectly fine to cool it down by spraying the exterior of your tank with water from a garden hose.

You may also wonder, “Does propane evaporate in the summer?"

Well, propane’s evaporation process does speed up in hot weather, but don’t worry. You’re not losing propane volume. The conversion of propane from a liquid into its gaseous form just happens quicker in hot weather. To ensure safe and efficient operation, propane companies follow the 80/20 rule with all propane tanks. This means we only fill your tank to 80% capacity to allow sufficient room for the propane to expand from liquid to gas without the risk of the tank becoming over-pressurized.

propane tank summer heat
Propane tank summer heat
propane tank summer heat
Propane tank summer heat

Preventive maintenance and avoiding runouts for bulk tanks

If you want to spruce up the look of your tank with a fresh coat of paint, always choose a light color because this will reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, as dark colors will do.

In terms of other tank maintenance, if you own your bulk propane tank, you should arrange regular inspections to ensure your tank’s integrity. If you lease your tank from Pinnacle Propane, however, we’ll handle this for you at no extra cost.

We also recommend you stay aware of your typical summer propane usage to avoid running out of fuel. You should always schedule timely refills to prevent any propane shortages.

Top Tips for Your Portable BBQ Cylinder

These are important safety tips you should follow year-round.

  • NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area like a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
  • NEVER store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace or other heat source. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to excessive heat.
  • NEVER store or place a spare cylinder under or near a barbecue grill.
  • DO NOT smoke or have any ignition sources, such as flames or spark-producing electrical tools, in the area while handling or transporting cylinders.
  • DO NOT, under any circumstances, try to change or repair valves, regulators or other cylinder or appliance parts.
  • DO NOT leave a propane cylinder inside your vehicle on a hot day, and always transport your portable tanks in an upright position.

Watch a video about handling and transporting small cylinders.  

BBQ cylinder safety tips

5 Portable BBQ Cylinder Safety Reminders

  1. No matter how good you get at grilling, it’s always a good idea to review safety tips.
  1. Keep your grill at least six feet away from your home and position it on sturdy and level ground.
  1. Never leave the lit grill unattended.
  1. Never light a gas grill with the lid closed. To light your grill, open the lid before turning on the gas. If the grill doesn’t light after a couple of clicks, turn off the burner, turn the gas off at the tank and wait 5 to 10 minutes before attempting to light it again. If you still have trouble, it’s time to call in a propane pro for help. Close your grill lid quickly to extinguish small flare-ups. It’s also a good idea to have a portable fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby — just in case.
  1. Never attach or disconnect a propane tank or adjust fittings while the grill is running. If you run out of gas while grilling, turn off all the burners, reconnect the new tank and re-light the grill.

More Gas Safety Tips: What to Do If You Smell Gas

If you think you smell propane in your home, camper, RV or the area around any gas equipment, or if a gas detector alarm signals the presence of propane, you should IMMEDIATELY follow these suggestions: 

  • Extinguish all smoking materials and any other open flames or sources of ignition. Everyone should vacate the building, vehicle or area. 
  • Move away without using any electric switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones. 
  • If it is safe to do so, close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder. 
  • Call your propane supplier and your local fire department from a mobile phone or a neighbor’s telephone. 
  • Even if you do not continue to smell propane, do not open or turn on the propane supply valve. Do not re-enter the building, vehicle or area. Let a qualified propane service technician and/or emergency personnel check for escaped propane. 
  • Have a properly trained propane service technician repair the leak. The propane service technician or emergency responder needs to determine that the leak situation has been fully resolved. The propane service technician should check all your gas appliances and re-light any appliance pilots. 
  • Return to the building, camper, RV or area only when the service or emergency technician indicates it is safe to do so. 

Have more questions about propane safety? Please reach out to your friends at Pinnacle Propane at any time. You can also read more of our propane safety tips.[Link to: https://www.pinnaclepropane.com/safety-information] 

Gas safety tips

Count on Pinnacle Propane 

Pinnacle Propane is a propane supplier you can always count on. We offer dependable and flexible delivery options to meet your needs. Please contact us today to learn how we can always ensure you have plenty of propane on hand.