...and propane accessories

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

Please: Those of you who use propane -- Where do you store it?

My dad seems to think it's incredibly dangerous to keep a tank in the garage, but we can't leave it in the yard either (rain, rust, etc.). Unfortunately no one in my family has much experieince with the stuff. An ugly argument has ensued.

Some advice please. Any Hank Hills out there...? Thanks in advance, & God bless Texas.

-- persistant cookie (in@my.browser), June 20, 1999

Answers

I've kept my BBQ propane cylinders (8) outside for 8 or 9 years now without any problems. Yes, the tanks will rust a little bit, but they have rubber or plastic caps to protect the threads and keep out the dust and moisture. The tanks are only good for 12 years before they need to be recertified or pitched. How about all those 1000 or 2000 gallon propane tanks that must sit outside all the time? I wouldn't keep a full tank in my garage because my gas water heater is out there. Just cover them with a tarp, they will be fine.

Drew

-- Drew (Kolosky@Prodigy.net), June 20, 1999.


Propane is far safer to store than gasoline. No fumes to ignite accidentally, either. Sparks won't do anything but bounce off the tank, and they're very resistant to heat, and even open flame.

Tank in garage should be fine...

-- Dennis (djolson@pressenter.com), June 20, 1999.


We keep our tanks outside If youre worried cover them You can even tie them if theft is a worry

-- Ruth the Moab (aapm@aapainmanage.org), June 20, 1999.

I'm keeping my propane tanks inside large plastic garabage cans (2 tanks per can covered). I'm surrounding the tanks (inside the plastic cans) with recycling stuff like bottles and soda cans. If anyone tries to steal a tank they will be making LOTS of noise.

-TECH32-

-- TECH32 (TECH32@NOMAIL.COM), June 20, 1999.


TECH32:

if you choose to hide you 20# tanks in plastic garbage cans, you should drill a few holes around the base.

If the tank valve should have a "slight" leak, even a "little tiny"one, that garbage can will fill up with propane and its the propane GAS (not the liquid) that's flammable (or is it inflammable, actually, its both..go figure)

anyways, LP gas is HEAVIER than air so if you have some holes in the bottom of the garbage can, any bits of stray gas can seep out.

To the original poster:

You mentioned "keep a tank..." so i assume you mean something LARGER than a 20# BBQ type tank?

Leave it outside, it will be fine, if you think it is ugly, build a frame around it and cover it with lattice and run vines over it.

-- Plonk (realaddress@hotmail.com), June 21, 1999.



Plonk,

Thanks for the suggestion. Will do.

-TECH32-

-- TECH32 (TECH32@NOMAIL.COM), June 21, 1999.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ