Do you have a large propane tank sitting in your backyard? If so, and if it’s your first time ever owning or using a propane tank, you may be at a loss as to how to use it and when you need to refill it. Fortunately, it’s actually quite simple and safe, and in many ways is just like relying on a local utility company to provide your electricity or natural gas.
Still, a lack of familiarity with propane can cause some confusion, so here are some tips we put together from our company offering propane refills in Phoenix, AZ for welders, as well as for homeowners who may be new to propane:
Inspect the tank: If you’re not sure where your propane gas tank comes from or which company has been trusted to service it in the past, you should perform a quick visual inspection of the tank. A lot of companies will leave stickers behind on the tank with their name and phone number, and potentially a date on which the tank was last serviced. If you don’t see a sticker on the exterior of the tank, you could try opening up the dome and looking inside for a sticker or tag. If you’re in a rental, your landlord should know, and they’re likely going to be the ones responsible for calling for propane service anyway.
- Smells: For your own safety and the safety of those who live with and near you, it’s important you know what propane smells like. A lot of propane companies will purposefully put an unpleasant odor in their propane to make it easier to detect leaks. It can actually be a good idea to ask your dealer if you can smell the propane so you know exactly what type of odor you’re looking for and the steps you can take to resolve any gas leak that occurs.
- Safety: People who are new to propane are often worried about its safety. Propane is actually very safe—just keep up with regular maintenance of the tank, and that will go a long way toward preventing any leaks from occurring. Service technicians will check the tank’s condition and make sure it’s looking good. If the propane tank does begin to leak, make sure you extinguish any open flames in the area. If the smell keeps getting stronger, cover up the tank with a wet cloth and leave your home.
- Propane levels: The best way to track when you’re going to need to refill your propane tank is to get a gauge. Any propane supplier will have a selection of gauges for you to purchase. This will tell you exactly how much propane you have left.
- Winter: Winters in Phoenix certainly are nowhere near as rough as they can be in many other parts of the country, but it’s still possible that you’ll need to heat your home every now and then. Make sure there’s always easy access to your tank and that you keep up with propane tank maintenance.
For more information about what you should know about propane tanks and their use as a homeowner with a propane tank or as a welder who uses propane for professional projects, contact Vern Lewis Welding Supply, Inc. today about a propane refill in Phoenix, AZ.
