Home Propane Tanks

Propane heats homes, fuels grills and powers generators and RVs. It’s safe when handled correctly, but it’s a flammable gas stored under pressure, and it’s heavier than air, so leaks collect in low spots. Most problems come from leaks, bad storage and moving cylinders carelessly.

• Homeowners
• Renters
• Campers

Know the gas

• Propane is odorless naturally. Suppliers add a chemical that smells like rotten eggs or a skunk so you can detect leaks. Some people can’t smell it well, and the smell can fade, so don’t rely on your nose alone.
• It’s heavier than air. A leak sinks into basements, crawl spaces and low areas, where a spark can ignite it.
• Liquid propane is extremely cold and can cause frostbite-like burns on skin.

Storage

• Keep cylinders outdoors, upright, on a firm, level surface, with the valve closed and the safety cap on.
• Keep them away from heat sources, ignition sources, air conditioners and building openings, and out of direct sun.
• Follow the clearance distances your fuel supplier and local fire code give for permanent tanks, such as distances from the house, windows and property lines.

• Never store or use a propane cylinder inside the house, in a basement, garage, shed attached to the house, or tent.
• Never leave a spare cylinder in a hot vehicle or trunk.
• Don’t keep cylinders where they can tip, or near stairwells and exits.

Check for leaks

1. Brush or spray a 50-50 mix of dish soap and water on the connections and hose.
2. Open the valve. Bubbles that grow mean a leak.
3. If you find one, close the valve, tighten the connection, and test again. If bubbles continue, don’t use the equipment, and have it repaired.
4. Never check for a leak with a flame.

If you smell gas

1. Don’t touch switches, use phones indoors, start vehicles or create any spark.
2. Put out any flames. If it’s a grill and it’s safe, shut off the cylinder valve.
3. Get everyone outside, away from the building.
4. From a safe distance, call 911 and your propane supplier.
5. Don’t go back until a professional says it’s safe.

See Gas Leaks.

Transporting cylinders

• Carry cylinders upright and secured, in a well-ventilated vehicle (not in the passenger area if possible), with the valve closed and the plug or cap on.
• Take them straight home. Don’t leave them in the vehicle.
• Don’t overfill. Refill only at a licensed dealer, who weighs the fill. Cylinders are filled to about 80% to leave room for expansion.

Cylinder dates

The collar of a standard 20-pound cylinder shows its manufacture date. In the U.S., these cylinders generally must be requalified or replaced about 12 years after the date of manufacture, and then every 5 years if requalified. Many exchange programs handle this for you. Don’t use a dented, rusted, or damaged cylinder.

Larger tanks

Permanent tanks are installed, filled and inspected by licensed suppliers. Keep the area around the tank clear of brush, and mark the tank so snow plows and mowers avoid it. See Propane on Jobsites and Grilling Safely.

Before each use

• Cylinder upright, outdoors, with no dents or rust
• Date on the collar still in range
• Hose and connections checked with soapy water
• Valve closed when not in use
• Smoke and CO alarms working. See Smoke & CO Alarms

Last updated: October 4, 2026