Propane 101
TANK SAFETY
When it comes to safety, Mr. G Propane believes education is the best form of prevention! Although the risk of a propane leak is extremely low, here is a checklist with some helpful safety tips to ensure the safety and protection for your family, home and anywhere propane is used. Propane tanks, whether buried underground or located above ground, are inherently safe. In the unlikely event of a release, propane is not harmful to soil or water, plus there are strict controls and codes that govern a tank's placement.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SMELL PROPANE?
Take action IMMEDIATELY
❑ Extinguish all smoking materials and open flames.
❑ Do NOT touch electrical switches, light matches or create any other source of ignition.
❑ Get everyone out of the building.
❑ SHUT OFF THE GAS. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so.
To close the valve, turn it to the right/clockwise (see picture below).
❑ Go to a nearby phone and call your gas supplier.
❑ Do NOT re-enter the area until it has been deemed safe.
❑ A trained service propane technician must repair the leak, turn on the propane, check all propane
appliances and re-light pilots.
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Although propane, in it’s natural state is nearly odorless, a scent called ethyl mercaptan is incorporated in order for customers to identify a propane leak. This odor has been described as being very similar to rotten eggs. During your initial propane delivery or installation, our driver or technician will inform you of this specific scent so if you happen to come across this scent, you will be aware and contact us. When this scent appears, it could mean there is a leak or that your tank is just low. Either way, please call us 24/7 if scent is detected.
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In the event that you suspect a leak, immediately extinguish all flames and smoking materials. Turn off all appliances, all phones and lights as any spark can result in a possible fire.
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Immediately evacuate the home and inform any others who are inside the home.
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Turn the main gas supply off on your propane tank by turning it clockwise.
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From a safe distance, call 911, your local fire department, then Mr. G Propane to report the leak. Do not return to your home until the responding authorities or a qualified Mr. G Propane representative determines that it is safe to do so. We will have a professional technician perform a thorough system check to ensure the suspected leak has been addressed.
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TANK MAINTENANCE
When you choose to have Mr. G Propane provide a COMPANY-OWNED tank to rent, you get the benefit of free tank maintenance. You enjoy taking pride in your home and yard, and Mr. G Propane also takes pride in keeping its propane tanks presentable and in good condition. We can provide scheduled tank painting and leveling, as we consider these factors important in the proper gas system maintenance.
For your safety, if gas service is ever interrupted, Mr. G Propane must inspect the system before re-establishing service. So feel free to reach out to us when you want to make changes around your home that involve any aspect of your gas system to ensure that all of your appliances fueled by propane work efficiently and safely.
HOW TO READ YOUR TANK GAUGE
The tank gauge indicator is not a precise measuring device, but gives an approximate amount of gallons in the tank. Reading your propane tank fuel gauge is quite simple.
First, you must locate the gauge by looking under the dome of your propane tank (See insert below). The gauge will be located on the top surface of the tank. You will find numbers on the gauge and a pointer needle indicating a percentage. Based on the physical properties of propane, tanks are considered full when the gauge reads 80%. The extra space in the tank is a cushion against the pressure that builds up in a tank when it’s hot.
Dome ->
<- Gauge
The gauge will be marked with numbers from 10 to 95. These numbers mark percentages, so if the gauge needle is pointed to 62, then your tank is 62% full. If it is a 1000 gallon tank, then you have approximately 620 gallons (62% x 1000) of gas in the tank. If it is a 500 gallon tank, then you have approximately 310 gallons (62% x 500) of gas in the tank. It is safest to refill your tank before the gauge falls below 20%, so if your gauge ever falls below 20%, contact Mr. G Propane immediately at 956-581-1063 for a prompt refill.
TANK SIZES
Mr. G Propane maintains a large inventory of cylinders and stationary propane tanks to allow for timely installation and variety for new and existing customers. If a customer does not own their own tank, we can provide tanks ranging in size from 120 up to 1000 gallon capacity for purchase or rental. If there is a need for a larger capacity, Mr. G Propane can accommodate any need.
Generally speaking, a standard home with two appliances or more may find a 120 gallon tank is sufficient. Larger homes or a home with a swimming pool or large shop may require a 250 or even go as large as a 1000 gallon tank. Our trained service representative or technician will evaluate your potential gas usage based on the propane appliances you have, design of your home and your family’s lifestyle in order to select the appropriate size tank for you.
Underground propane tanks are also available for homeowners or business owners who have less space because of their landscaping or who choose a different type for other aesthetic reasons. And a safety aspect with underground tanks is the cathodic protection system to help prevent tank corrosion.
