Storing Propane Tanks In Garage: Propane Safety Tips

Have you ever wondered if you could store propane tanks in garage? Well, look no more. We´ve got you covered.

Garages are convenient storing locations for many items, but they may not be the best location for storing your propane tanks.

Although storing propane tanks inside a garage is safe if you take safety measures beforehand, many people fail to do these safety measures, creating an unsafe situation in their home.

So, can I store propane tanks in garages? Experts recommend never storing propane tanks in garages attached directly to your home. However, it’s safe to store propane tanks in a garage that is not connected to your home. This is just one stipulation that you have to follow if you want to store your propane tanks inside your garage.

Because garages aren’t the best option, you might want to opt for outdoor storage instead.

Without further introduction, let’s dive right into it.

Table of Contents

Can I Store Propane Tanks In A Garage?

If you are new to storing propane tanks, it’s natural to wonder where you can store them. At first glance, the garage may appear to be the perfect location to house your propane tanks, and it very well maybe.

Before determining your garage as your storage location, however, you have to know all the stipulations for safety.

In other words, you can store propane tanks in a garage, but there are quite a few stipulations to this statement. In order to understand these stipulations, we need to talk about propane tanks first.

More On Propane

Propane tanks are tanks that include liquid propane that has been stored under pressure. This pressure then vaporizes into gas whenever it goes through the tank valve.

Both the liquid and the gas are flammable, which is why propane tanks can be so dangerous.

Because of the flammable nature of propane, you cannot keep tanks next to electrical items or in extreme heat. Doing so can lead to combustion or explosion.

On the other end of the spectrum, propane actually has a vaporizing point of -44 degrees. This means that propane can withstand pretty extreme cold temperatures.

On top of being highly flammable, propane is heavier than air. What this means is that the gas will concentrate in low places before dissipating. For this reason, you need to be careful when storing it in low-lying areas.

As it dissipates, it can lead to some serious health issues, such as loss of oxygen, rapid breathing, and more. You need to stay away from any areas with a propane leak.

What Does This Have To Do With Storing Propane Tanks In Garages?

After talking about the risk factors associated with propane, you are probably wondering what this has to do with storing it in your garage.

Well, storing your propane tanks inside a garage can create a volatile situation because of the reasons mentioned above.

For example, garages are rarely temperature controlled. This means that the temperature inside the garage can get too high, creating an unsafe situation for the propane tank.

Storing Propane Tanks In Garages

Because propane tanks are so sensitive, you need to go the extra mile to ensure that they are placed in a safe place. If you want to store propane tanks in your garage, here are critical do’s and don’ts to follow.

Do’s

Do ensure the garage has proper ventilation.
Do ensure the garage is temperature-controlled.
Do place the propane tanks away from electrical items and heat sources.
Do place the propane tanks on the ground.
Do place the propane tanks in the upright position.
Do maintain the propane tank and ensure there are no leaks.

Whenever you are storing propane tanks in a garage, the first thing you should do is ensure that the garage provides proper ventilation.

Some garages are made with good ventilation, but many are not. It’s crucial to check your garage ventilation before placing propane tanks inside.

Also, make sure that the garage is temperature-controlled. Most people do not take the time to add temperature control to their garage since they don’t spend time out there.

If your garage is temperature-controlled, then you can almost certainly place a propane tank inside it.

Once you have confirmed that your garage has proper ventilation and temperature control, then you can go on actually storing the propane tank inside it.

“Do make sure to place the propane tank away from any heat sources and electrical items, including tools. These items can cause combustion, as we mentioned above“

Do place propane tanks on the ground. This creates easy storage. Because of the tank’s flatbottom, you shouldn’t have any issues storing the tanks on the ground.

That brings up another recommendation, which is to place the tanks upright to prevent any leaks.

Finally, the last thing you need to do is make sure that there are no leaks and to check the valve to ensure it is securely closed. This will help to prevent any accidental leaks.

Don’ts

Don’t place propane tanks in garages without ventilation.
Don’t place propane tanks in garages without temperature control.
Don’t place propane tanks next to electrical items or heat sources.
Don’t place propane tanks upside down or on their side.
Don’t store propane tanks in or directly next to your home, including garages built into your home.

As you expect, the don’ts are basically the inverse of the do’s. For example, do not ever store propane tanks in garages without good ventilation or temperature control.

This can lead to an incredibly dangerous situation.

More so, don’t place propane tanks next to electrical items, heat sources, or anything else that can lead to combustion.

Don’t place the propane tanks upside down or on their sides either because this can lead to a leak.

“Something we did not mention above is that you should not ever store propane tanks in a garage connected directly to your house. In the case that something should go wrong, the last thing you want is for the garage to be housed next to your home”

In other words, only house propane tanks in garages that are placed quite a bit away from your home.

Where To Store Propane Tanks At Home

To find where to store propane tanks at home >> Check out the video below:

Propane Storage Safety Tips

Here are some other storage tips to keep in mind for storing your propane tanks, no matter where they are located:

Only store propane tanks in well-ventilated areas.
Do not store propane tanks in areas over 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not store propane tanks in areas under -40 degrees Fahrenheit/Celsius.
Do not store propane tanks next to electrical items or heat sources.
Do not store propane tanks in or directly next to your home.
Do not store propane tanks in your vehicle.
Do not store propane tanks upside down or on their side.
Do not store propane tanks in direct sunlight.
Call the Fire Department if you notice any smells or bubbles coming off of the propane tank.
Turn off the propane tank whenever you are not using it.

Propane Safety Tips >> Check out the video below:

Storing Propane Tanks In Garage FAQs

Let’s close out this page about storing propane tanks in garage with answers to some of your most frequently-asked questions about them!

Where should I store my propane tanks?

The best place to store a propane tank is outdoors. Place the propane tank somewhere away from your home.

Set it on a flat and even surface with shade. Do not let it sit in direct sunlight during the summer months, but it is OK for it to be in direct sunlight during the winter.

You can also store propane tanks indoors, but you need to be more careful. Make sure that the area offers proper ventilation and temperature control.

Additionally, do not place propane tanks in buildings attached to your home.

How should I store my propane tank in a garage?

A garage should not be your go-to choice for housing a propane tank, but it is suitable under certain scenarios. If the garage is well ventilated, temperature-controlled, and not attached to your home, then that is a suitable storage location.

Otherwise, you should not store your propane tanks inside a garage.

How do I transport propane tanks?

Transporting propane tanks can be a little difficult. First of all, only store four propane tanks or less in your vehicle at one time. If you must transport more than four at once, put the tanks in the back of a truck. Do not put more than four in your vehicle.

During the transportation process, secure the tanks in place with a rope or bungee cord. Do not use chains or other hard materials to secure the tanks. Doing so can cause damage, leading to leaks and unsafe situations.

Finally, do not leave propane tanks in your vehicle unattended. Vehicles can get really hot really fast. While you are transporting propane tanks, take them from one destination to the next as quickly as possible.

Try not to waste any time or take breaks during the trip.

How can I use propane tanks for a grill safely?

The most common use for propane tanks is grilling out. Ensure that the grilling experience is safe by using the propane tanks smartly.

For starters, never use a gas grill indoors. This can be incredibly dangerous with the propane. Keep the cylinder valve closed whenever it is not in use for safety.

Maintaining the propane tanks can also help to ensure a safe grilling experience. Check for any leaks beforehand. In the case that something should go wrong, always have a fire extinguisher nearby.

In contrast, do not place the spare propane tank anywhere near the grill.

If you have any other concerns about grilling safely, read the instruction manual for your grill. It will often give you tips for grilling out safely with a propane tank.

Propane Tank Inside Garage

Propane tanks explode inside Garage or Home >> Check out the video below:

Final Thoughts

Even though you store a lot of items inside your garage, it should not be your first go-to location for storing your propane tank. Storing a propane tank outside tends to be much safer and more reliable.

You can store propane tanks in garages if your garage meets certain stipulations, though.

If your garage is separate from your house, provides ample ventilation, and is temperature-controlled, then that is a suitable location for your propane tanks.

Otherwise, it is best to select a different storage location for safety purposes.

If your garage does not meet the safety stipulations for propane tank storage, it’s best to store the tanks outside.

Just make sure to place the propane tanks out of direct sunlight, and the tanks should be in an incredibly safe and healthy condition for everyone and the thing involved.

References

https://www.ferrellgas.com/

http://pickuppropane.com/propane-safety/