How To Stop A Propane Tank From Leaking

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Propane tanks, which often come in a cylinder shape, store propane fuel for heating or cooking and must be stored and handled properly to prevent any serious accidents from occurring. Hearing a hissing sound or sensing a strong smell of gas in the area of where a propane tank is stored are typically how leaks are discovered. As soon as you think there might be a leak in your tank you should take immediate action by checking for a leak and then repairing the area.

Step 1

Turn off the main gas supply valve immediately once you smell gas or suspect a leak.

Step 2

Add 1 cup of liquid dish washing soap and 1 cup of warm water to a spray bottle. Spray a strong steam of the mixture all around the valve and gauge areas of the tank.

Step 3

Examine the tank for any signs of leakage by looking for bubbles creating by the soap and water mixture that you sprayed. If there is only a small amount of bubbles that appear then it means you have a small leak, and larger bubbles can indicate a bigger leak.

Step 4

Tighten the screws on the face gauge using a Phillips head screwdriver. You may also need to twist the valve clockwise to tighten it. This can be a simple solution for any small leak.

Step 5

Wait for at least 10 minutes and then spray the solution of the areas again to find any bubbles. If there appears to still be a leak you should note all areas of the leaks and any damage areas.

Step 6

Call your local propane dealer and tell them that you have discovers a leak in your propane tank. It's important that you don't try to repair the tank any further yourself and let a professional determine a time to come to your home to repair or pick up the tank.