How To Winterize & Safely Store Propane Tanks | Kauffman Gas

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How to Winterize & Safely Store Propane Tanks

by Chris Kauffman | Nov 13, 2019 | General Propane Information | 6 comments

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 dangerous levels of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

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

In this post:

• 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
• Understand How to Safely Store Propane Tanks

There are several important roles that propane plays in the functioning of a home. Not only can you use a propane tank to power a barbecue grill, but it can also be used to power a tankless hot water heater, a stove, and even heaters. If your household relies on a propane tank for seasonal uses, there are several steps that you need to consider when it comes to properly storing your propane tank.

If you’re interested in learning how to store propane tanks safely, we created a complete guide to show you how to avoid the extreme hazards that come with improper storage of a propane tank. Keep reading to learn how to store your propane tanks at 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 dangerous like 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 of your home, as high temperatures can cause your propane tanks to explode.

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

Make sure that the area that 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 the direct exposure from the sun. 

If your propane tank is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time, and the pressure inside of 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 of 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 off of the tank, which will prevent resting and helped 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 that you’re storing your tank and it’s flat and out from the elements as much as you possibly can. If you’re looking to increase the stability of the area that you’re storing 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 space bring a bottle of non-abrasive soap onto 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 on 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 discard 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 take 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.

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This means same-day excavation, installation, and connection so your tank can start fueling your home in no time.

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6 Comments

1. Joe on November 12, 2020 at 12:31 am

   In winter, my 20# propane tank seems to not flow well to feed my grill. Is that normal?

2. admin on November 13, 2020 at 8:41 pm

   Joe – in extreme cold temps, the pressure can change and affect the performance of your tank and grill. To improve performance, you can try to keep the tank more full and not let the levels dip below 20-25%. Also, don’t insulate your tank. This could trap the cold more than regulate the temp, making the problem worse.

3. Brigid on November 17, 2020 at 2:11 am

   Can I cover it with a tarp?

4. admin on November 25, 2020 at 1:49 pm

   Yes, you can.

5. Bob on December 4, 2020 at 2:35 am

   Can I put my tank in a plastic trash container with cover and drill vent holes on the sides to protect from snow and rain during winter storage

6. Amber on December 4, 2020 at 12:35 pm

   Can I store my tanks in an outside shed?

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