Winter Is Fast-Approaching: 3 Steps To Avoid Problems With Your Propane Tank
Winter will be here before you know it. If your home is heated with propane, now's the time to start getting prepared for the changing weather. The last thing you want to do is get stuck without heat for your home. To help you avoid winter problems with your propane tank, here are three steps you should take to ensure a warm winter inside your home, and prevent problems with your propane.
Do Some Pre-Winter Care
When it comes to your propane tank, the first thing you want to do is make sure it's ready for winter. To do that, you'll need to provide some pre-winter care. Begin by checking the valve to make sure it's not jammed. Carefully turn the valve to ensure that it moves freely. Next, check the pipes and connections for signs of corrosion. Finally, attach a reflective flag on a post, and stick it in the ground next to the propane tank. The reflective flag will allow you to locate your propane tank if it gets buried by a winter snow storm. If you see signs of damage, you should have your propane provider come out and inspect the tank. You may need to have it repaired, or replaced before winter arrives.
Avoid Running Dry
If you use your propane for heating, cooking, and hot water, there's always a risk that your tank will run dry before the spring thaw. Don't get left out in the cold with an empty tank. Instead, head out to your tank at least once a week to check the propane levels in your tank. Once your tank goes below the 50% mark on your gauge, call to schedule a delivery. Scheduling once you go below 50% will ensure that your propane company has enough time to make the delivery before you run out. This is particularly important if you live in a region that experiences heavy snowfall. You never know when a blizzard will come through and close off access to your home. You don't want to run out of propane while you wait for the snow to clear.
Clear a Path to Your Tank
When the delivery truck arrives, they'll need to be able to safely access your propane tank. To do that, they'll need a clear path to the tank. If it's recently snowed, you should clear a path from the driveway to the tank. If you've put up decorative panels, or other items, to hide the tank, you'll need to remove those before the delivery truck arrives. This will ensure that the driver has the space needed to fill your tank safely, and efficiently.
Avoid problems with your propane this winter by following the tips provided here. If you're alerted to the smell of propane, and you're not cooking, or heating your home at the time, call 9-11. You might have a leak in your propane tank. Call a propane dealer, like Ferrell Fuel Co Inc, for more help.