Propane is a common fuel source for many people. It is often used for grilling, camping, and other outdoor activities. While propane is relatively safe, there are some risks associated with storing it in your garage.
Propane is highly flammable, so it is important to keep it away from any potential sources of ignition. It is also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of an accident. Propane tanks should be properly secured to prevent them from tipping over and causing a leak. Leaks can be extremely dangerous, so it is important to check your tanks regularly for any signs of damage.
In as much as possible, propane tanks and cylinders should not be stored in your garage that is not connected to your house. Garage that is few meters away is OK as long it is not an extension of your home.
If you take these precautions, storing propane in your garage should be safe.
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  Flame King YSN201b 20 Pound Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with Type 1 Overflow Protection Device Valve, for Grills and BBQs, White |  |
  Flame King YSN03 3lb Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with Gauge and OPD Valves for Grills and BBQs, Camping, Fishing, & Outdoor Activities, White | |
  Flame King Refillable 1LB Empty Propane Cylinder Tank - Reusable - Safe and Legal Refill Option - DOT Compliant-16.4 oz (2-Pack), green (YSN164-2) | |
Table of Contents
Where should propane tanks be stored at home?
Propane is a common fuel source for many home appliances, from grills to generators. While propane is a safe and efficient fuel source, it’s important to take care when storing it. Propane tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated area. They should also be secured so they can’t fall over and leak.
In an outdoor, propane-specific storage area
Propane tanks should be stored in an outdoor, propane-specific storage area that is well-ventilated and away from any sources of ignition. The storage area should also be large enough to accommodate the tank’s size and the amount of propane it contains.
Away from direct sunlight
Propane tanks should be stored away from direct sunlight. The temperature the propane tanks can withstand is up to 120F, when the temperature exceeds this limit because it is exposed to direct sunlight, the safety valve can open and release the gas.
The gas accumulates in the garage, and you, not suspecting it, might turn the light switch on, you know what could happen when a small spark is created – fire or explosion.
In an area that is well-ventilated
Propane tanks should be stored in an area with good ventilation. Tanks could leak and gas could accumulate in confined space. To make the gas dissipate so that it would not post danger, the area or storage should be well ventilated for the gas to easily dissipate.
Open the windows of the storage in case the tank leaks, the gas can easily disperse in the outside air.
Away from heat sources
Away from heat sources, such as a hot water heater, should be a sub section of main topic: Where should propane tanks be stored at home. Propane tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated location, out of direct sunlight, and away from any ignition source, such as a furnace or water heater. The ideal location for a propane tank is in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage.
Away from flammable materials
It is always best to store propane tanks in a well-ventilated location away from any potential sources of ignition. This includes keeping them away from any flammable materials, such as gasoline, oil, or cleaning chemicals. If possible, it is also best to store propane tanks outside, in a shed or garage.
Away from children and pets
Propane tanks should be stored in an area away from children and pets. Innocent children could play around with the tank and topple it down, even pet could knock the tank down causing to leak. We don’t want any accident to happen at our home, so store the propane tank away from children and pets.
In an upright position
According to the National Fire Protection Association, propane tanks should be stored in an upright position outside of the home. The tank should be placed on a level surface, and away from other appliances such as heaters, fireplaces, or water heaters. The tank should also be kept away from any areas where there is a lot of foot traffic.
With the valve closed
While it is recommended that propane tanks be stored outside of the home, if you must store your tank inside, make sure the valve is closed, the tank poses no risk of leaking gas. However, if the valve is open, even just a crack, propane can leak out and build up in a confined space, which can lead to an explosion.
In compliance with all local codes and ordinances
NFPA has its regulations when storing propane tanks and other flammables substances. Your state might its own ordinances. These codes and ordinances should be followed in order to keep safety when storing and handling propane gas.
In the right spot
These tanks are usually made of steel or aluminum and have a special coating that prevents corrosion. Once you have your tank, you’ll need to find a location in your garage that is away from any heat sources and out of direct sunlight. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you’ll need to secure your tank to something so it can’t fall over.
In small quantity
If you have 1-2 tanks inside the garage, that would be OK. However, if you use the garage as if it is a warehouse, that is no longer advisable and is a grave safety concern. Storing propane tanks in large quantities is near your home is against federal fire regulations and local codes in your state. You might get yourself into trouble if you have large quantities of tanks in your storage. And never store large sizes tanks in this location.
Hazards of storing tanks in the garage
While there are many benefits to storing propane in your garage, there are also some potential hazards that you should be aware of. One of the most important safety considerations is to make sure that the propane tank is properly secured. If the tank is not properly secured, it could fall over and leak propane, which could pose a fire or explosion hazard.
How to Safely Store Propane in a Garage
Assuming you’re asking if it’s safe to store a propane tank in your garage, the answer is yes, as long as the tank is properly secured. Propane is a highly flammable gas, so it’s important to make sure the tank is properly secured to prevent any accidents. There are a few things you can do to ensure your propane tank is safely stored in your garage:
- Make sure the tank is properly secured to a wall or other solid surface. This will help prevent the tank from tipping over and potentially leaking propane.
- Check the tank regularly for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, immediately turn off the valve and contact a propane technician to repair the tank.
- Keep the area around the tank clear of any flammable materials. This includes things like gasoline, oil, paint, and other chemicals.
- Never smoke near a propane tank.
- You’ll need to install a carbon monoxide detector in your garage. This will alert you if there are any leaks in your system.
By following these safety tips, you can rest assured that your propane tank is safely stored in your garage.
Take Note of the Safety in Storing Tanks
Propane is a highly flammable gas and must be handled with care. When storing propane in your garage. The tank should also be kept away from any potential ignition, such as electrical appliances or light switches. If possible, the tank should be placed on a pallet or other raised surface to prevent it from coming into contact with any flammable liquids or materials.
If you must store your propane tank inside your garage, it is critical that you take measures to prevent a fire or explosion. Open the garage door to ensure that there is adequate ventilation. Do not store the tanks in large number and sizes in the garage. By following these simple safety precautions, you can help ensure that your propane tank is safe to store in your garage.
While it is safe to store propane in your garage, there are a few safety tips you should follow:
- Make sure the tank is properly secured so it cannot fall over.
- Check the tank regularly for leaks.
- Keep the area around the tank clean and free of clutter.
- Never store the tank indoors.
- If you smell gas, immediately open a window and leave the area. Do not turn on any lights or appliances.
To Make a Finalization
It is safe to store propane in your garage as long as you follow a few simple safety guidelines and if the garage is not connected to or an extension of your house. The storage area should be kept clean and free of any flammable materials. The propane tank should be properly secured in level floor to prevent it from tipping over. But storing the tanks in this location is not advisable and recommended.
Mike is an experienced propane technician with over 15 years of professional experience in the field. He has dedicated his career to helping customers with their propane needs, from installation to maintenance and repair. Together with Jeremy, he co-founded this website to provide useful information and guidance to customers seeking reliable propane services.
