How To Store Propane Tanks In Hot Weather: Storage Safety Tips

Have you ever wondered how to store propane tanks in hot weather or in summer? Look no more. We´ve got you covered.

Propane tanks can be deadly if the internal temperatures get too high. More specifically, propane tanks can become explosive if the internal temperature reaches above 120 degrees.

This can lead to an incredibly dangerous, painful, and potentially deadly experience for you, your loved ones, and surrounding individuals.

Because temperature plays such a big role in the safety of your propane tank, it’s important to store your propane tank properly during the summer months.

This is especially true if you intend on storing that propane tank outside, which we recommend.

So, how to store propane tanks in hot weather? Storing propane tanks in hot weather or in summer is easy, just follow the steps below which include:

– Find The Best Location (dry and have a lot of ventilation)

– Store It (Tank is placed upright)

– Maintain The Tank (frequently check your tank for leaks)

– Avoid temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celsius.

– Do not store propane tanks within 10 feet of flammable items

– Do not store propane tanks in direct sunlight.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Where’s The Best Place To Store Propane Tanks In Hot Weather?

It may be a bit surprising, but the best place to store propane tanks in hot weather is actually outside. In fact, outdoor storage is the best option for propane tanks, no matter the time of year.

Of course, you need to be careful when you store propane tanks outside. You must take preventative measures to ensure it doesn’t overheat.

Storing Your Propane Tank In Hot Weather: Step-By-Step

Here’s a step by step guide to storing your propane tank in hot weather:

Step 1: Find The Best Location

Begin by finding the best location for your propane tank. The area needs to be dry and have a lot of ventilation. Ventilation is key in propane tank storage, which is why the outside is often the safest.

Also, make sure that the propane tanks are at least 10 feet away from machines, grills, and any other flammable or combustible item.

You want the place to have an even surface to ensure that the tank does not roll over or get knocked over easily.

You could always lay down wooden planks or cinder blocks to create a flat and level surface if need be.

Some people like placing the propane tanks in wooden baskets to ensure that they don’t fall over. If you think this might be an idea you want to try, select or build some sort of a wooden basket out of small wooden slabs.

When you are storing propane tanks outside during the summertime, you also need to think about coverage.

Propane tanks cannot sit directly in sunlight. Look for locations that are already covered or locations that you can easily add some sort of covering.

Step 2: Store It

Now that you have found the best location, it’s time to actually store the propane tank. Storing the propane tank correctly is just as important as selecting the safest location.

These storing tips apply the same if you were to store the propane tanks inside.

Regardless of whether you place the propane tanks on cinder blocks or in a wooden basket, make sure that it is placed upright.

Never place propane tanks on their side or upside down. (It’s important to note that the same is true for transporting propane tanks too – only transport them upright.)

With the propane tank in place, make sure that it has proper shading and coverage. If you selected an area that already has coverage, great. If not, make sure that you add covering. This will ensure that the propane does not overheat and the tank combust.

Step 3: Maintain The Tank

After you have properly stored the propane tank, now you need to maintain it. Maintaining the tanks is the easiest part. Nevertheless, it is crucial because it helps to protect against disasters and deadly mishaps.

It’s always a great idea to have a professional that you trust check your tank for leaks, any damage, and propane levels.

This helps you rest easy, knowing that the tank you are using is in great condition. In the case your tank is 10 years old or older, get a professional to requalify the tank before storing it.

If you notice that there are any bubbles on the tank or a sulfur-like smell, the tank likely already has a leak. In the case that the tank has a leak, make sure to turn off the valve immediately and call your local Fire Department.

They will be able to properly handle the situation so as to avoid any dangerous scenarios.

What About Wintertime?

If you can store your propane tank outside during the summer, you might be wondering if you can do the same during the winter.

Lucky for you, you can store propane tanks outside all year round. In fact, there are even fewer risks associated with storing propane tanks outside during the winter than in the summer.

Propane has a much lower freezing point than water. As a result, most winters will not get cold enough to cause any noticeable impact on the propane tanks.

The propane tank should not get to -40 degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius, but the propane tank would need to be in some seriously frigid conditions for that to happen.

Outdoor Propane Tank Storage

To store propane tanks outdoor, you need to consider that location needs to be dry, well ventilated, and on a flat surface. More importantly, make sure the tanks are at least 10 feet away from any hazardous items.

Just as you took the time to pick the right location for your propane tanks for the summer, you have to do the same for the winter.

One thing you do not have to worry about with winter storage is shading. Unless you live in an area where the winter is basically the same as the summer, the outside temperature is unlikely to get hot enough to create a dangerous experience.

Be Smart About Storage And Maintenance

You also need to be smart about storage and maintenance. Remember, place the tank upright. Other than that, storage in the winter requires next to no extra work.

You do need to still be diligent in maintenance. Whether it’s winter or summer, propane tanks can get a leak from regular wear and tear and age. Remember to check out the tanks to ensure they are in perfect condition.

Storing Propane Tanks In Florida or Arizona

If you live in Florida or Arizona, you do not need to worry about the temperature because propane tanks be stored outside in the summer, but how hot can you store a propane tank? To store your propane tank outside in the summer, is it important to avoid keeping your tank in temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C).

With that being said, we recommend storing propane tanks under coverage year around just for the habit of it.

Florida Law Propane Tanks

To check the Florida law propane tanks, just follow the link “LPG LAWS AND RULES”

Propane Tank Storage Regulations

To check the propane tank storage regulations, just follow the link “Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases”

Storage Safety Tips

In case you need or want a quick checklist about propane tank storage, here are some quick tips to remember:

Do not allow the propane tank temperature to reach above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celsius.
Do not allow the propane tank temperature to reach below -40 degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Do not store propane tanks within 10 feet of flammable items, combustible items, high heat items, or your home.
Do not store propane tanks in direct sunlight.
Do not store propane tanks upside down or on the side.
Do not store propane tanks inside your home or vehicle.
Do not leave propane tanks unattended inside your vehicle.
Place the valve in the OFF position before storing the propane tank.
Regularly maintain the propane tanks to ensure they are in working order.

How To Properly Store a Propane Tank >> Check out the video below:

Storing Propane Tanks In Hot Weather FAQs

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

Why does it matter where I store my propane tank?

Propane can be a pretty deadly gas, especially when it is compressed inside a tank. If you are not careful, it can easily combust or start a fire, both of which can be deadly.

Making sure you store propane tanks correctly can help keep you, your family, and your home safe.

Where to store small propane tanks?

You can store small propane tanks indoors or outdoors, depending on your preferences.

Storing propane tanks outdoors is generally the safest because it is far away from your home and possessions. Plus, the outdoors provides much more ventilation.

If you store small propane tanks outside, they need to be covered away from direct sunlight. We recommend this option.

You can also store propane tanks indoors, but this requires more planning. Only store propane tanks inside buildings that are not connected to your home and offer good ventilation.

Backyard sheds or garages disconnected from your home will work.

“Whenever you store small propane tanks inside, place them away from electrical items, flammable items, and anything else that can pose a danger to the tanks. This includes tools.”

You can place tools and other small items on a shelf while placing the propane tanks on the ground on the other side of the shed.

Never store a propane tank inside your home or in a building attached to your home. This can prove fatal to you and your loved ones or cost you thousands in repair from a house fire.

Additionally, never store propane tanks inside buildings without great ventilation.

Handling & Transporting Small Cylinders (where to store small propane tanks) >> Check out the video below:

How should I transport my propane tank?

Transporting propane tanks must be done with caution. You can transport up to four propane tanks inside your vehicle at one time. If you need to transport more than four at a time, only do so in the back of a truck.

During the transport, make sure to strap the propane tanks in place so that they don’t move around and lead to dangerous scenarios.

It’s best to do this with rope or bungee cords. Never secure your propane tanks with chains and other hard metals because that can damage the tank.

Try to take the propane tanks out of the vehicle as soon as possible. In other words, drive directly from the store to your home.

Vehicles can feel really warm on the inside, especially if the AC is turned off. For safety reasons, take the propane tanks home immediately.

Never leave propane tanks unattended inside an empty car. As we just mentioned, vehicles heat up really quickly.

This can cause the temperature of the tanks to skyrocket very quickly. This can create an incredibly dangerous scenario inside your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Storing propane tanks in hot weather is not hard, but it does require care and precision. Though it may sound odd, storing propane tanks outside is the safest option, even in the summer.

To ensure maximum safety, just make sure to place the propane tank out of direct sunlight.

Exposure to direct sunlight is about the only difference between storing propane tanks outside in the summer and winter months.

During the winter months, you don’t necessarily have to cover up the propane tanks, but it certainly is a great idea to do so anyway.

We cannot stress enough the importance of strategically placing propane tanks in safe locations and maintaining them properly.

Maintenance is just as important as everything else we have mentioned so far. If you are not sure how to maintain your propane tanks and check for leaks, we recommend contacting professionals to do it for you.

References

https://www.gvpropane.com/

https://bluerhino.com/propane-info/