How To Store Propane Tanks Over the Winter
5 Steps to Prep your Tank for the “Off” Season
One of the great things about propane cylinders is how they let you enjoy your outdoor spaces later into the fall. With no heat-up time needed, propane makes outdoor grilling quick and easy, even on chilly nights. And a fire pit or patio heater lets you enjoy crisp Hudson Valley evenings with friends and family. But eventually, it’s time to put away the grill and store outdoor furniture and accessories until spring.
Responsible Propane Tank Storage
Here’s how to safely store your portable propane cylinders for the winter.
- Leave it outside. Cold temperatures won’t affect propane, and you should never keep propane tanks indoors. Propane tanks should always be kept in an open, well-ventilated, space, ideally out of the direct sun and at least 10 feet from your home.
- Turn it off. If you bring your grill inside for the winter, turn off your propane tank and disconnect it. If you leave your grill outdoors, you can keep the tank connected, just make sure to turn the tank off.
- Check for leaks. Do a careful inspection, looking closely at the valves, tank body, and the connector hose. Check your tank outside in bright, a well-ventilated space and far from any open flames or other ignition sources. You can also check for leaks by spraying the tank with a non-abrasive liquid soap. If bubbles appear around the valve or the hose, make sure they’re closed tight and spray again. If you continue to see bubbles, or see them anywhere on the body of the tank, you have a leak and you should bring the tank to us for disposal.
- Cover it up. Use a plastic tarp to prevent snow and ice from accumulating on it. Any moisture that builds up could lead to tank-damaging rust.
- Keep it stable. When storing your propane tank, make sure it’s in a secure, level, and upright position. Keeping your tank upright protects against damage that could lead to leaks.
Removing A Grill Tank
Not sure you know how to remove your grill tank? It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
- Make sure your grill is off, and the tank valve is closed (turn it all the way to the right, until it’s tight).
- Unscrew the grill pressure regulator by turning it to the left.
- Some grill models also have a restraining bolt. Just loosen it and remove the tank.
Store or Recycle?
If your portable tanks are getting old, you may want to consider disposing of them at the end of the season, and replacing them in the spring instead of storing them for the winter. If you refill or exchange your tanks with us, we’ll make sure your tank is in good shape when you bring it in, and we will dispose of the old ones properly so you don’t have to.
Safety First
While propane is very safe, you should make sure everyone in your home can identify the rotten-egg smell of propane, and knows what to do if they suspect a leak —especially if you use propane to operate equipment and appliances in your home.
And, when the weather finally does turn warm again, Depew will be here and happy to help you with our convenient portable tank refill service. Contact us for more information today.
