How to Turn Off Large Propane Tanks

propane tanks

In case of a disaster, you should understand the dangers posed by your propane tanks and how to turn them off.  Now this article is written primarily about the large tanks, 250 gallons and above. These tanks are normally placed in a stationary location with permanent piping to your gas appliances.

In case of the loss of electricity, these propane tanks should not be affected, although depending on the type of appliances you own, they may not work without power.  In case of an earthquake, mudslide or similar disaster, the tank or piping may be damaged.  In this case, you need to turn the tank off.

The first thing you need to understand about propane is that it is heavier than air and will flow along the ground like water.  So it there is a serious leak, stay uphill from the tank or leak if possible.

The propane tanks are easy to shut off. There is a valve at the top of the tank that is like the one on your barbeque, just turn the valve until the gas shuts off.  This propane shut off valve is normally covered by a hinged dome. Go and take a look at your tank and find out where this valve is located prior to a problem.

propane tanks
Here you can see a typical propane gas shutoff valve

If the propane tank itself is damaged, stay away from it and evacuate the area.  Remember propane will flow downhill and spread out so you may have to warn neighbors. Do not come back until the gas has completely dissipated.

See also  Is Firewood a Part of Your Emergency Preparedness?

If you smell gas in the house from a leak caused by damaged or loose pipes, evacuate the house, shut the gas off and wait for the gas inside the house to dissipate. After the gas is turned off make sure that any damage or leaks are repaired and all of your pilot lights are relit.  Get a representative of the propane company or a plumber to repair your system and relight the pilot lights.  Just remember that propane is highly flammable and under the right conditions explosive and can kill you.

Howard

A Must Read
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

8 thoughts on “How to Turn Off Large Propane Tanks”

  1. Wow, I had no idea that it was so easy to turn off the propane tank when you need to! I am moving into a home with a big propane tank, so I was a little bit nervous about knowing how to shut it off. However, if you just have to turn the handle until it shuts off, then I don’t have anything to worry about! The only I would need to do is find a company that can supply us with propane.

  2. It’s nice to have some disillusionment when it comes to these things. Sometimes when I’m doing something to my propane tank, I feel like I’m disarming a bomb and have to choose from the blue wire or the red wire. It’s not so bad after all.

  3. We just closed the pool and heater for the winter, should we close the valves on the propane tanks that are used for the pool heater? Thank You.

  4. I have a 80lb. propane tank in back of my house. Don’t need it anymore. Still waiting 6 mts. for Amerigas to remove it. Called, wrote letters, still waiting. What can I do??

  5. Is there an automatic shut off device available on the market? One that I could operate using an app from my phone?

    I have a water shut off device installed on my water line that checks for irregular usage and gives me the option to shut it off from my phone before I go investigate.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top