5 Signs You Need to Repair Your Propane Tank
Liquified petroleum gas, or propane, works as an excellent fuel for spark combustion engines. It powers everything from small home appliances to large industrial operations with a clean-burning fuel.
Large propane tanks are built to last a long time, but not forever. Read on to learn five signs that you need to repair your propane tank.
1. The Date
Look at the collar of your propane tank. Here you will find two numbers.
The first number indicates the manufacturing date. This tells you when the tank was made. The tank size will determine within how many years you need to get a tank requalified.
The second number tells you the requalification date. This lets you know when you should refill or replace the tank.
While you should pay attention to the numbers as the tank ages, only use them as an estimate. This gives you the maximum life span of the tank, but the tank may expire earlier for other reasons.
2. Rust and Corrosion
Propane tanks are made of either aluminum or welded steel. Both of these materials can rust or corrode over time, causing propane tank damage.
Wait, isn’t steel stainless?
The welding process strengthens the steel, making it great for thin tanks. However, it also removes a protective layer on the steel, which allows rust to form.
When you begin to see the orange-brown spots forming on the tank, start making plans for replacement. It does not create a dire emergency the moment you see them.
But, over time, the rust can eat through the metal. If corrosion caused a hole in a lit tank, the pressurized gas would cause the tank to explode like a bomb.
3. Something Stinks
Do you smell something funny? Check your propane tank.
Propane gas often carries a rotten egg or dead animal scent. Manufacturers add a pungent smell to the gas to make it detectable.
Damage that causes a leak requires emergency attention and a new propane tank. Make safety a priority because a leak can turn deadly.
4. Colorful Flames or No Flame
The flame on your propane tank should always burn blue. Any other color requires a propane tank repair service.
The blue flame indicates full combustion. If it does not combust properly, the heat gets trapped, and the temperature rises, creating a dangerous situation.
A leak may also trigger a safety mechanism in your tank to cut off the propane supply. This will cause trouble with keeping the flame lit.
5. Constant Tank Refills
Do you notice the propane tank needing more frequent refills? This may indicate that you need to replace it. Corrosion or other damage can lead to a leak in the tank.
Repair or Replace Your Propane Tank
If your tank is sending you any of these signals, don’t wait. Make safety a priority and repair or replace your propane tank right away.
We value our customers, and all of our energy goes to fueling your operations safely and efficiently! Contact us today, so we know how to best serve you.
