Safety Features Of Your Propane Tank

Get Familiar With Your Tank!

Today’s propane tanks are built for both safety and durability.

But you should still know about the features of your propane tank, so that you can be are aware if something is wrong. It’s also of paramount importance that you know how and where to properly shut it off in case of an emergency.

Go out to your propane tank and familiarize yourself with these features!

Safety Relief Valve

Look at the shutoff valve on the base of the propane tank. Near it is the round, capped safety relief valve.

This piece works independently to protect your tank from having a dangerous pressure buildup inside it. Propane expands in the heat, and if the expansion reaches an unsafe level, whether it is caused extremely hot weather or a fire, the safety relief valve opens on its own to release some of that pressure. It closes on its own once the pressure in the tank returns to a safe level.

Make sure to keep your face and hands safely away from the safety relief valve and that it’s never covered or immobilized in any way.

Regulator

This is found under the protective tank cover on top of your propane tank. It is a flat, circular piece of equipment that is connected to the shutoff valve by a tube.

The purpose of the regulator is to control the flow and pressure of the propane being delivered from the tank to the propane appliances inside your home. It protects your appliances if the pressure inside the tank becomes too high.

Shutoff Valve

This is also referred to as the service valve. It is also located under the tank cover on the top of your tank.

It is a dial that looks like a metal spigot. It is plumbed to the top of the tank.

You need to know how to use the shutoff valve so you can properly turn off the gas at the tank during an emergency or leak. Follow the “lefty loosie; righty tighty” rule and turn the valve clockwise to fully shut off the gas.

If you want more information about the safe use of propane, go to our Propane Safety page, which has learning modules on several propane safety topics from the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).

Contact us with any questions you have about propane tanks and propane safety. And remember: We can visit your property at any time if you have safety concerns. It’s a good idea for you to schedule a service visit at least once a year so we can check all your propane tanks and appliances!