Propane FAQs
If you don't see your question, you can call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Propane is a versatile and efficient energy source used for heating, cooking, and powering appliances in many homes and businesses. While it is a relatively safe fuel, proper handling and awareness of potential hazards are crucial to ensure safety. This blog post will explore essential propane safety tips and best practices to help you use propane safely and confidently.
Understanding Propane Propane is a colorless and odorless gas, often stored in liquid form under pressure. To help detect leaks, an odorant called ethyl mercaptan is added, giving propane a distinctive "rotten egg" smell. Propane is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, providing energy for various applications, including heating, cooking, water heating, and fueling vehicles. Proper Storage and Handling Tanks and Cylinders: Store propane tanks and cylinders outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames, heat sources, and electrical equipment. Ensure tanks are upright and secured to prevent tipping.
Transportation: When transporting propane cylinders, keep them upright and secure in your vehicle. Avoid leaving them in hot vehicles for extended periods. Regular Maintenance and Inspection Appliances and Equipment: Regularly inspect propane appliances and equipment for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Schedule annual maintenance by a qualified professional to ensure everything is in good working order. Leak Detection: Be aware of the signs of a propane leak, including the smell of gas, a hissing sound, or frost on the tank or lines. Install a propane gas detector in your home for added safety. Using Propane Safely Lighting Appliances: Follow the manufacturer's instructions when lighting propane appliances. Never use open flames to check for leaks. Cooking: When using propane for cooking, ensure proper ventilation and never leave the stove unattended. Turn off the burner and the main gas supply if a flame goes out. Barbecuing: Position your grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from structures, overhangs, and flammable materials. Always turn off the grill and propane supply when not in use. Emergency Preparedness Know How to Shut Off Gas: In an emergency, such as a natural disaster or suspected leak, know how to turn off the propane supply at the tank or cylinder.
Evacuation Plan: Develop an evacuation plan and communicate it with all household members. In the event of a propane leak, evacuate the area immediately and call your propane supplier or emergency services. Safe Disposal and Recycling Tanks and Cylinders: When your propane tank or cylinder is no longer needed, do not dispose of it in regular trash. Contact your propane supplier or a hazardous waste disposal facility for proper disposal and recycling options.
Propane is a reliable and efficient energy source, but it requires careful handling and awareness to ensure safety. By following these safety tips and best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of propane while minimizing risks. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional for any questions or concerns regarding your propane system.
Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the many uses of propane in your home or business! What should I do if I smell propane inside my house? - Put out all smoking materials and open flames. - Get everyone out of the building. - Do Not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Sparks from these sources could trigger an explosion or a fire. - Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank. To close the valve, turn it clockwise. -Call Thornton's Gas Service and/or your local fire department from a cell phone outside the building or a neighbor's phone. -Do not return to the building until a Thornton's Gas representative or a fire department official determines it is safe. -Do not turn on the gas supply valve. Your Thornton's Gas Service representative will do that and they will pressure test your system and relight the pilot lights on your appliances. What should I do if I smell propane outside my house? -Approach the tank cautiously to determine if you can see or hear a leak at the regulator(s), pigtail, gas lines or relief valve. -If the leak is coming from the regulator(s), pigtail or gas lines then turn off the main valve and move away from the tank. Call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. -If the leak is coming from the relief valve, move away from the tank. Call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. -If you don't see or hear a leak, read your tank gauge to determine if your tank is nearly empty. The odorant used in propane is especially strong when the tank is nearly empty. If the tank is nearly empty, call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. -Determine if you might have just had a delivery of propane in which case a small amount of propane may have been released into the air at that time. If the smell persists, Call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. How do I set up service? Call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. We will ask you for the following information: -Name, address and phone number. -What appliances use propane, for example: furnace, clothes dryer. The type of appliances help us determine what size tank we need to install to meet your needs. -What company is currently supplying you with propane? We cannot fill a tank belonging to another company. -What size tank you have now. -Are you the owner of the property or do you have a landlord? We will then set up an installation date to hook up our tank(s), light your pilots and pressure test your system.
Understanding Propane Propane is a colorless and odorless gas, often stored in liquid form under pressure. To help detect leaks, an odorant called ethyl mercaptan is added, giving propane a distinctive "rotten egg" smell. Propane is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, providing energy for various applications, including heating, cooking, water heating, and fueling vehicles. Proper Storage and Handling Tanks and Cylinders: Store propane tanks and cylinders outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames, heat sources, and electrical equipment. Ensure tanks are upright and secured to prevent tipping.
Transportation: When transporting propane cylinders, keep them upright and secure in your vehicle. Avoid leaving them in hot vehicles for extended periods. Regular Maintenance and Inspection Appliances and Equipment: Regularly inspect propane appliances and equipment for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Schedule annual maintenance by a qualified professional to ensure everything is in good working order. Leak Detection: Be aware of the signs of a propane leak, including the smell of gas, a hissing sound, or frost on the tank or lines. Install a propane gas detector in your home for added safety. Using Propane Safely Lighting Appliances: Follow the manufacturer's instructions when lighting propane appliances. Never use open flames to check for leaks. Cooking: When using propane for cooking, ensure proper ventilation and never leave the stove unattended. Turn off the burner and the main gas supply if a flame goes out. Barbecuing: Position your grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from structures, overhangs, and flammable materials. Always turn off the grill and propane supply when not in use. Emergency Preparedness Know How to Shut Off Gas: In an emergency, such as a natural disaster or suspected leak, know how to turn off the propane supply at the tank or cylinder.
Evacuation Plan: Develop an evacuation plan and communicate it with all household members. In the event of a propane leak, evacuate the area immediately and call your propane supplier or emergency services. Safe Disposal and Recycling Tanks and Cylinders: When your propane tank or cylinder is no longer needed, do not dispose of it in regular trash. Contact your propane supplier or a hazardous waste disposal facility for proper disposal and recycling options.
Propane is a reliable and efficient energy source, but it requires careful handling and awareness to ensure safety. By following these safety tips and best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of propane while minimizing risks. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional for any questions or concerns regarding your propane system.
Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the many uses of propane in your home or business! What should I do if I smell propane inside my house? - Put out all smoking materials and open flames. - Get everyone out of the building. - Do Not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Sparks from these sources could trigger an explosion or a fire. - Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank. To close the valve, turn it clockwise. -Call Thornton's Gas Service and/or your local fire department from a cell phone outside the building or a neighbor's phone. -Do not return to the building until a Thornton's Gas representative or a fire department official determines it is safe. -Do not turn on the gas supply valve. Your Thornton's Gas Service representative will do that and they will pressure test your system and relight the pilot lights on your appliances. What should I do if I smell propane outside my house? -Approach the tank cautiously to determine if you can see or hear a leak at the regulator(s), pigtail, gas lines or relief valve. -If the leak is coming from the regulator(s), pigtail or gas lines then turn off the main valve and move away from the tank. Call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. -If the leak is coming from the relief valve, move away from the tank. Call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. -If you don't see or hear a leak, read your tank gauge to determine if your tank is nearly empty. The odorant used in propane is especially strong when the tank is nearly empty. If the tank is nearly empty, call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. -Determine if you might have just had a delivery of propane in which case a small amount of propane may have been released into the air at that time. If the smell persists, Call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. How do I set up service? Call Thornton's Gas Service at (530) 656-2485. We will ask you for the following information: -Name, address and phone number. -What appliances use propane, for example: furnace, clothes dryer. The type of appliances help us determine what size tank we need to install to meet your needs. -What company is currently supplying you with propane? We cannot fill a tank belonging to another company. -What size tank you have now. -Are you the owner of the property or do you have a landlord? We will then set up an installation date to hook up our tank(s), light your pilots and pressure test your system.