Spring Maintenance Guide: Preparing Your Propane System for Warmer Weather

Spring is a natural time to prepare your home for the months ahead. As outdoor activities pick up and propane use shifts, it's important to clean and check your propane system as part of your seasonal maintenance routine. A few simple steps help support safe and reliable performance moving into warmer weather. 

• Spring Propane System Checklist – Simple visual checks help keep your propane system accessible, clear, and ready as the seasons change. 
• Appliance Readiness for Warmer Weather – Reviewing indoor and outdoor propane appliances supports safe, reliable use as spring activities begin. 
• Seasonal Usage Planning – Understanding how propane use may shift with new appliances or projects helps support consistent service. 
• Keeping Information Up to Date – Updating appliance details and plans in your MyFerrellgas customer account helps ensure proper support throughout the year. 

Your Spring Propane System Checklist 

Top 5 Tips for Cleaning Your Propane System

1. Remove any combustible materials, such as dry grass, wood, or debris, within 10 feet of your propane tank(s) or cylinder(s). Because propane is flammable, you do not want to risk and flare ups in your backyard or other areas surrounding your home. Removing debris also ensures our Delivery Drivers can make a safe delivery without having to worry about any obstacles in their way. 
2. Don’t store propane cylinders or tanks inside buildings. It's safest to store propane cylinders in a cool, outside setting to avoid possible complications from excessive heat. 
3. Call 811 before digging for major landscaping projects or planting trees to help locate underground utility lines like electricity, water, sewer, and natural gas. For help locating underground propane lines, contact your propane provider or other professional service. 
4. Download a copy of our Propane Safety brochure or contact your local Ferrellgas office to request a copy. Inside you’ll find useful tips and tricks, including a step-by-step explanation of how propane makes its way from your tank to your home. 
5. Consider an inspection from a licensed professional if you haven’t used propane-powered appliances since last fall. This includes your water heater, gas range, and more. Over time, sediment and debris can build up in and around propane appliances, forcing them to work harder and add a higher long-term cost for maintenance or replacement. 

Check the Area Around Your Propane Tank 

Keeping the area around your propane tank clear is an important part of spring maintenance. Remove dry leaves, grass, brush, wood, and debris from at least 10 feet around the tank to reduce fire risk and allow safe access for inspections. A clear area also helps Delivery Drivers and Service Technicians reach the tank& safely and efficiently.

Inspect the Tank and Visible Components 

Your propane system relies on several visible components working together to support safe, reliable operation. Spring is a good time to take a quick visual look at your propane tank and surrounding equipment to make sure everything appears undisturbed after winter weather. 

As you inspect the area, look for: 

• Signs of rust, corrosion, or physical damage on the tank exterior 
• Components that appear blocked, bent, or out of position 
• Anything that looks different from the last time you checked 

These visible elements help regulate propane flow and support safe system operation, so keeping them clear and unobstructed is important. If you notice anything that looks unusual or out of place, contact your propane supplier for guidance rather than attempting to address it yourself. 

For homeowners who lease their tanks, many necessary repairs or adjustments are typically handled by their propane provider. Those who own their tanks should work with a qualified professional to evaluate any concerns.  

Review Connections and Gas Lines 

As part of your spring maintenance routine, take a moment to visually check the propane lines and connections that are accessible around your home. Look for areas that appear worn, disturbed, or different from the last time you checked, especially after winter weather or recent home projects. If anything looks out of the ordinary, contact your propane supplier for guidance.  

It’s important to know that propane has a strong “rotten egg” smell, which makes identifying leaks easier. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, act immediately. Leave the area right away, ensuring that everyone else does the same. Once you are at a safe distance, call 911 and Ferrellgas at 888-337-7355. Our team will respond as quickly and safely as possible. If it is safe to do so, turn off the main gas supply valve on your tank by turning the hand wheel clockwise until it stops. Do not return to the area until a professional has confirmed it is safe.

Learn more about propane safety on our website or in the Ferrellgas Propane Safety Brochure.

Check Propane Appliances Before Seasonal Use 

Before seasonal use increases, take time to visually review propane appliances. 

• Indoor Appliances: Furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and ranges should appear clean. Ensure they are unobstructed and located in well-ventilated areas. Follow manufacturer recommendations for routine care and maintenance.  
• Outdoor Appliances: Grills, patio heaters, firepits, pool heaters, and generators should be ready for use. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to clean your equipment. Only store and use these appliances outside in well-ventilated areas, away from doors and windows. The same goes for propane cylinders, which should never be stored indoors or in enclosed spaces like garages, sheds, or screened patios. You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, so proper ventilation is necessary for safe operation.
• Propane Generators: These should also be inspected before storm season to help ensure readiness during severe weather. Schedule maintenance with a licensed professional to check fuel lines, change the oil, and replace filters as needed. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing that your propane generator is functioning properly, and double-check you have enough fuel supply for emergencies.  

If you notice potential damage to any of your propane appliances, do not attempt repairs yourself. Always use a qualified professional for service or maintenance.

Plan for Seasonal Propane Usage 

For many households, propane usage decreases during warmer months. However, adding new appliances or outdoor features can change overall demand. 

Thinking ahead helps support consistent service, especially for customers using our Will Call delivery service. Customers with Will Call service should monitor their tank gauge and place an order when the tank reaches 30% or at least 7 business days before you anticipate needing propane.

Orders can be placed by: 

• Texting ORDER to 573-207-5975* 
• Logging in to MyFerrellgas.com 
• Calling 888-337-7355 

Keep Your Propane Information Up to Date 

Spring is a popular time for home renovations, landscaping projects, and appliance upgrades. Before digging, call 811 to help you locate underground utility lines such as electricity, water, and sewer. A local professional service or your propane provider can identify where propane lines are buried. These steps help avoid accidental damage. 

If you add or upgrade propane appliances, it’s important to update that information in the details section of your MyFerrellgas account. Accurate appliance details help support proper service planning and ongoing reliability. Some homeowners may also qualify for rebates when upgrading propane appliances, which can help offset installation costs.

Prepare Your Propane With Confidence 

Including your propane system in your spring maintenance routine helps set the tone for the months ahead. With simple visual checks and a little planning, homeowners can feel confident knowing their system is ready for seasonal use. 

How to Care for
Your Propane Home

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