How To Winterize & Safely Store Propane Tanks | Kauffman Gas

What You’ll Learn

How do I protect my propane tank during the winter?

The best location to keep your tank is outdoors in a place that has ventilation, even during the winter.

This makes sure that the temperature around the tank will not exceed dangerously high temperatures, like 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cover it with a plastic tarp to prevent ice and snow from collecting directly on the tank.

In this blog:

• Where Should You Store a Propane Tank?
• At What Temperature Should You Store Propane Tanks?
• Winter Propane Tank Storage
• What to Do Before Storing Your Propane Tank
• Check Your Propane Tank Before Storing it Away
• Understand How to Safely Store Propane Tanks

This blog was updated February 2026.

You packed up the patio furniture and drained the garden hoses.

Winter is coming to Chester County, and your yard is almost ready.

But your propane tank sits by the grill, exposed and forgotten.

It feels like leaving a soldier out in the cold.

This tank does more than just power your summer barbecue grill.

It might fuel your tankless water heater, your stove, or backup heaters. If your household relies on propane, even seasonally, storing it correctly is not about tidiness—it’s a critical safety ritual.

Improper storage can lead to dangerous hazards, costly damage, and a shortened tank life.

The good news? It’s simple. Here is your complete guide to safely storing your propane tank and protecting your home.

Where Should You Store a Propane Tank?

Propane tanks need to be stored in an open environment that has access to ventilation.

Storing your propane tank inside or in an indoor environment is dangerous and can cause potential damage. You should avoid storing your propane tank in a basement, car, tent, or garage.

The best place for you to store your propane tank is outdoors, in the shade. When you are storing your propane tank, make sure that you disconnect the tank from the grill if you’re finished for the season.

It’s safe for you to store your propane tanks outside during the winter because low and freezing temperatures aren’t as dangerous as high temperatures are.

However, you should be aware that the damp areas that are created by rain and snow can cause rusting on the actual tank itself.

At What Temperature Should You Store Propane Tanks?

You need to avoid storing a propane tank in an environment that sees high temperatures.

This is why it’s important not to keep your propane tanks inside your home, as high temperatures can cause your propane tanks to explode.

There’s an increase in temperature outside the tank, and the pressure inside the tank increases.

Make sure that the area where the propane tank is being stored doesn’t exceed 120°F.

You can store your propane tank in the summer in a shaded area, out of direct exposure to the sun.

If your propane tank is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time, and the pressure inside the tank begins to increase, the propane tank will have a safety valve that’ll blow off.

This will help to stabilize the pressure inside the tank to prevent it from exploding; however, there will be a slight leak of propane gas escaping from your tank.

Winter Propane Tank Storage

Fortunately, freezing temperatures don’t pose a danger to your propane tank.

It’s entirely safe to store your propane tank outside all winter.

However, you should take steps to protect the propane tank from the winter elements.

Covering up your propane tank with a plastic tarp will keep ice from building up on the tank and snow from falling on the tank, which will prevent rusting and help extend the life of your tank.

What to Do Before Storing Your Propane Tank

If you’re wrapping up the use of your propane tank for the barbecue season and store your grill outside, you can keep the propane connected, just make sure that you turn the tank off. However, if you store your grill indoors, turn off your propane tank and remove it from the grill.

It’s essential that you never store your propane tank indoors, as propane gas is heavier than air. This means that if there is a leak from your propane tank, there is a potential for serious danger.

When you’re storing your tank outside, you want to make sure that the area where you’re storing your tank is flat and out of the elements as much as possible. If you’re looking to increase the stability of the area where you store your tank, you can store your propane tank in a milk crate to ensure that it stays upright while it’s being stored.

Check Your Propane Tank Before Storing it Away

No matter how old your propane tank is, it’s essential that you check it before deciding to store it away. Take a look over the valves, the tank itself, and the connector hose for any signs of wear or leaks.

You can check for leaks by using a bottle of non-abrasive soap on the tank after it’s been disconnected. You’ll want to spray the non-abrasive soap mixture on the tank, around the valves, and around the hose.

If you see any bubbles appear, it’s a sign that there’s a leak in the tank accessories that are on the tank itself. After double-checking that the cylinder valve is completely shut off and that you’ve taken all of the connections, you can spray the tank again to double-check for any leaks.

If you continue to see bubbles appearing on the connections or the tank, contact a propane supplier to ask where you need to take the tank to properly dispose of it.

Understand How to Safely Store Propane Tanks

Having a solid understanding of how to store propane tanks safely is essential for the safety of your family and your home.

By taking the above-listed precautions to store your propane away from the season, you will not only be able to ensure the safety of your family, but you’ll also be able to extend the life of your propane tank.

Are you interested in finding a trusted propane delivery company near you?

Click here to learn more about how to find convenient propane delivery options that fit both your lifestyle and your budget.

Switch to Claim Your $499 Installation

Let us install a high-quality tank where it works best for your property—above ground or underground. We handle same-day excavation, installation, and connection so your home has reliable fuel without the storage headaches.

Become a Kauffman Gas Customer and claim your $499 installation special.

FAQs

Is it safe to leave my propane tank outside in freezing weather?

Yes, it is entirely safe. Freezing temperatures are not dangerous for propane tanks.

The real danger comes from high temperatures, not low ones.

Where is the absolute worst place to store a propane tank?

Never store a propane tank indoors—including in a basement, garage, car, or tent.

Propane gas is heavier than air, so a leak indoors can create a serious, dangerous accumulation of gas.

How do I protect my tank from winter snow and ice?

Cover it with a plastic tarp. This prevents ice and snow from building up directly on the tank, which helps prevent rust and extends the tank’s life.

How can I check my tank for a leak before storing it?

First, mix some non-abrasive soap and water.

Then, spray it on the tank, valves, and hose after disconnecting.

If you see bubbles forming, it indicates a leak.