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After Hours Emergency Number (509) 996-2228

Safety Resources

Tank Installation Guidelines

How to Read Your Propane Gauge

  • Locating your gauge: The gauge can be found under the dome or lid of the tank. It is a small dial approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
  • Reading your gauge: You will notice that the face of the gauge has numbers arranged in a clockwise direction. These numbers indicate the percentage of propane remaining in the tank, not the gallons. The needle will point to the current percent full.
  • Why was my tank only partially filled? By nature propane expands and contracts with the changing temperature. Tanks are only filled to approximately 80% to allow for expansion of the propane.
  • When should I call for a delivery? To ensure an uninterrupted supply of propane, we ask that you call, or email when your gauge reads 30% to place a propane delivery order. This will allow us plenty of time to make a delivery the next time we are in your area. 

FAQs

What is propane?

Propane, sometimes know as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG is a gas normally compressed and stored as a liquid. It is non-toxic, colorless, and odorless but an odorant is added. It is commonly used for heat and water heating, cooking, and as a fuel for generators and forklifts.

What does propane smell like?

Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Odor Loss

On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:

  • The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder
  • The passage of leaking propane through the soil

Note: Since there is a possibility of odor loss or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.

What do I do if I smell propane?
  • No flames or sparks! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
  • Leave the area immediately! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
  • Shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
  • Report the leak. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
  • Do not return to the building or area. Until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
  • Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak free.
I need to dig near the propane tank, what do I do?

Call 811 for a locate. Locators will do their best to locate your propane lines, but if tracer wire wasn’t installed it might be hard to get an accurate mark. You must specify that you want to add the locating of propane line at the time of your call.

The More You Know

Don’t run out of gas. Running out of gas can result in serious safety hazards, including fire or explosion.

  • If an appliance valve or a gas line is left open, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane.
  • If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous.
  • Note: A leak check is required. In many states, a propane retailer or a qualified service technician must perform a leak check of your propane system before turning on the gas.
  • To ensure an uninterrupted supply of propane, we ask that you call, or email when your gauge reads 30% to place a propane delivery order. This will allow us plenty of time to make a delivery the next time we are in your area.

If a pilot light repeatedly goes out, or is very difficult to light, there may be a safety problem.

  • Do not try to fix the problem yourself. It is strongly recommended that only a qualified service technician light any pilot light that has gone out.
  • You are taking the risk of starting a fire or an explosion if you light a pilot light yourself.
  • Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning the appliance before attempting to light the pilot.

Under some circumstances, you may not smell a propane leak. Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security. You should consider the purchase of 1 or more detectors for your home.

Guidelines regarding propane gas detectors:

  • Buy only units that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and maintenance.
  • Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm.

Leave it to the experts:

  • Only a qualified service technician has the training to install, inspect, service, maintain, and repair your appliances.
    • Have your appliances and propane system inspected just before the start of each heating season.
  • Do not try to modify or repair valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliance and cylinder/tank parts. Doing so creates the risk of a gas leak that can result in property damage, serious injury, or death.

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