Can I Repair or Modify My Propane System Myself?

In an era of do-it-yourself videos online and big box home improvement stores that sell just about anything you need for home repairs, many homeowners feel that nothing is off limits in a quest to save money on repairs. However, repairing or making changes to a propane system isn’t as simple as you might assume.

Consider these scenarios:

  • Homeowner A builds an addition onto his home, and needs to add this addition onto his propane heating system.
  • Homeowner B wants to convert his natural gas range to one that uses propane.
  • Homeowner C decides to convert his wood-burning fireplace to gas logs.
  • Homeowner D builds a detached garage on his property and needs to relocate his propane tank.
  • Homeowner E discovers that his tank is leaking.

Which of these homeowners needs to contact his propane company for assistance?

If you answered “all of the above” you would be correct. Each of the above scenarios are common ones, and it’s just as equally common for some homeowners to attempt to save money by doing part of all of the work themselves. An experienced do-it-yourselfer might feel comfortable with running piping for plumbing or wiring a new room, but even those with years of experience in repair and maintenance should defer to the professionals in the propane business when it comes to LP gas modifications and repairs.

Reasons NOT to Repair or Modify Your System Yourself

Regulators – A propane system is a pressurized system, and as such requires a regulator in order to deliver gas at the proper pressure for your home. Any addition or change to your system must take into consideration the regulator, since it maintains the correct (safe) pressure for gas entering the structure.

Carbon Monoxide – Improper burning of propane in appliances produces carbon monoxide. As you probably are aware, carbon monoxide can be deadly. Maintaining the proper ratio of fuel, ignition, and air is crucial to the proper use of propane, and any modifications to appliances by someone other than a professional can result in this ratio being off.

Moving a Tank – Relocating a propane tank is tricky at best. Using a forklift or other heavy equipment to move a propane tank isn’t advisable, because the liquid propane inside the tank can shift, causing damage to the lifting lugs. Because a propane tank is cylindrical, there is also the possibility of the tank rolling over, breaking off valves and fittings and allowing propane to vent into the surrounding area.

Tank Repairs – Repairs to a propane tank that is damaged can render that tank unusable. Welding on a propane tank should only be done by a tank manufacturer or by a tank fabrication and repair company. If a tank is damaged beyond repair, by law it must be replaced.

Legal Issues – There are a host of laws regulating the maintenance of propane tanks, and with good reason. Working with propane requires a thorough understanding of its properties and the equipment used to deliver gas in a variety of applications. To maintain the safety of all involved, by law all repairs and modifications to a propane system must be made by a licensed individual or by a propane supplier. If a tank or system is altered in any way by a homeowner, propane suppliers can refuse to fill or service them.

The Answer

The answer to “Can I repair or modify my gas system myself?” is a resounding NO. Your propane system is a highly specialized structure, and any alterations made to it should be done by a licensed propane supplier. This protects you, your family, and your home. It may be tempting to try and save a few dollars by doing it yourself, but in the long run it could cost you much more than you ever dreamed possible.

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What a First Time Propane User Needs to Know

If you’ve never lived in a home that uses propane for heating and cooking, you may be unsure about the safety and reliability of your propane tank. Propane is among the safest energy sources available, and a first-time user can easily adapt to using propane.

If you are renting or buying a home with a propane tank already in place, follow these steps:

  1. Check your tank for contact information. This information may be found on a sticker placed on the tank.  The information may be as basic as a company name or logo or may also include information such a phone number for the company. If there is no contact information to be found, check with your landlord or the previous homeowner to find out which propane company services the tank. Keep in mind that it does make a difference whether the tank is leased or purchased.  If the tank is leased from a particular propane company, by state law you must fill that tank with propane from that supplier. A tank that has been purchased belongs to the purchaser and can be filled with propane from any supplier that you choose.
  2. Contact the propane supplier for information on contracts that may already be in place, and to establish a customer relationship with the supplier. Most propane companies maintain service records of tanks that they service, identified by their location and serial number. They also can give you information on prior usage, which can be helpful in determining if your usage falls within the normal range for your home.

That’s it. Beyond calling the supplier when you need a delivery or setting up an account with the supplier’s auto-fill and price protection programs, there is really nothing else a first-time user needs to do, except enjoy their propane system.

If you’re building a new home and will be using propane as an energy source, you have just a few more items to consider.

Buy or Lease? The decision to purchase or lease a propane tank can depend on how involved you wish to be with your propane supplier. While the up-front expense of purchasing a tank may be greater, owning your own tank means that you can switch suppliers if you choose. However, many propane suppliers will not offer to fill self-owned tanks for insurance and liability reasons. Be sure to ask potential suppliers what their policy is on filling self-owned tanks and obtain a contract from your supplier that will obligate them to supply propane in your self-owned tank during the heating season. Ownership also means that you will be responsible for maintenance and repairs, should they become necessary, and for replacing the tank if it becomes damaged or unusable. Leasing a tank from a propane supplier eliminates your responsibility for tank maintenance, but also obligates you to purchase your propane from that supplier as well as obligating the supplier to provide you with propane for the leased ta
nk. Weigh your options and choose carefully.

Siting the tank. Choosing a location for your propane tank depends on a number of factors. The location of the tank must be easily accessible for supplier trucks to fill it. This means that the path to your tank needs to be free of overhead obstacles such as low-hanging tree branches and electrical wires, as well as underground concerns such as sprinkler systems and septic system covers. A supply truck can weigh more than 10,000 pounds and is not easily maneuverable, so providing a clear path to your tank is essential. Your propane supplier can assist you in determining placement of your tank.

Common Questions

Can my propane tank explode?

It’s unlikely. Propane tanks are extremely strong and safe. Governmental requirements and industry standards dictate the thickness of tank walls as well as the safety mechanisms and protocols used for every tank. This means that your propane tank will continue to serve you – safely – regardless of hot weather, a fire, or something hitting the tank.

Can I paint my tank to make it less noticeable?

Propane tanks can and should be painted, but there are regulations regarding color. In general, only light, reflective colors should be used – typically, silver, white, or light gray. Your propane supplier can offer guidance on painting your tank.

Can I landscape around my tank?

While it’s understandable that a homeowner would want his propane tank to blend in with the home’s surroundings, you must be cautious about placing fencing, shrubbery, or other decorative elements around your tank. Again, your propane supplier can offer you guidance on this issue.

How can I tell if I have a leak?

Propane is an odorless, colorless gas, and because of this, propane manufacturers add ethyl mercaptan, an odorous gas, to help human noses detect leaks. The smell of this additive has been likened to rotten eggs or cooked cabbage. You’ll know it if you smell it, so if you do, contact your propane supplier. They can test your system to determine if you have a leak.

A homeowner’s or renter’s first experience with propane may feel uncertain at first, but propane is among the safest and cleanest fuels available as an energy source today. If you have any questions about your propane system, contact your supplier. Propane suppliers believe in their product and their industry, and will happily answer any question you may have.

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