How to Clean Your Propane System

It’s that time of year, time to think about spring cleaning! Deep cleaning your home is no easy task, and if you heat your home with propane, spring cleaning may mean more than just scrubbing the baseboards and cleaning out your closet.  

That’s right, you also need to spring clean your home’s propane system and propane-powered appliances. You may not realize it, but regular maintenance can save you headaches in the long run. It can also help ensure your family is safe, no matter what the weather brings. Read on for some helpful tips to keep your home’s propane system in tip top shape.  

Clear a Ten Foot Safety Perimeter 

You know how it goes. Somehow, no matter how many leaves you raked in the fall, there are always hundreds, if not thousands, of others that appear on the ground once the snow starts to melt. Things like dry leaves, brush, grass, wood, or other debris have no place near your propane tank. It’s important to keep the 10-feet around the tank clear of combustible materials. In addition to increasing your propane tank’s safety, removing debris can also help our Drivers make a timely delivery. They won’t have to worry about anything hampering access to their tank when they show up for a fill.  

Keep Those Grill Cylinders Outside 

Larger residential or business propane tanks are stored outside, either above or below ground. And while it may be tempting to store your smaller, grilling-sized Blue Rhino tanks inside your shed or in your garage, those are best kept outdoors, too. Storing cylinders in a cool setting outside is your best bet. This will help minimize the risk of a fire or explosion in the rare case of a leak. It’s important to note, though, that it’s best to store your propane tanks out of hot, direct sunlight in the summertime. Intense heat can cause the propane inside a tank to expand, which may activate the pressure release valve – a safety feature which keeps the pressure from building up inside the tank.  

Call 811 Before You Dig  

It may sound counterintuitive, but you may want to hold off on any springtime landscape or construction projects – that is until you can call 811. The Office of Pipeline Safety will be able to determine if you have any propane or gas lines running below ground, so you don’t accidentally cut into one while you’re digging. Remember – call before you dig!  

Don’t Overlook the Importance of Inspecting Your Propane Tanks 

At Ferrellgas, the safety of our customers and our employee-owners is our number one priority. We believe that no matter what spring-cleaning project you’re planning to tackle, you should always focus on safety. We’re happy to provide you with a copy of our Propane Safety Brochure if you can’t find yours. You can view a digital copy here.  The brochure contains important information, including a step-by-step guide which explains how propane moves from your propane tank into your home. Additional safety information is also available at Ferrellgas.com, BlueRhino.com, and on Blue Rhino tank sleeves.  Knowledge is power, and by better understanding how your system works, you’ll be able to better maintain it.  

Spring Cleaning Includes Your Propane Appliances 

Haven’t used your propane powered appliances in a while, maybe since the fall? It might be best to get a professional inspection.  Our qualified Service Technicians can fully inspect your water heater, gas stove, and more, and make sure those appliances are running safely and efficiently. Do you prefer to make your appliance cleaning part of your annual cleaning checklist?  Including your propane appliances and equipment as part of your spring-cleaning routine is always a good idea.  We’ve put together a helpful guide about how to properly clean and maintain your propane appliances. By giving your appliances a thorough check, you may be able to save money in the long run. 

Are you ready to make sure your propane-powered home is ready for spring? You can find important propane safety information here. And, if you’re ready to break out your grill for the first time this year, you can find grilling safety tips here. Happy spring, everyone!