Clean and Green
When You Run Out of Gas
What Happens if I Run Out of Propane?
When you run out of fuel, it causes changes to the pressure in the lines. When the pressure changes, it’s possible that the joint compound could contract and create a leak. While propane is completely safe under most conditions, it can be highly flammable, so leaking propane lines can be dangerous. Turn off the gas valves to prevent the flow of propane.
Getting your propane tank refilled is just the beginning of what needs to be done when you have a propane run-out. Before you can use propane in your home after a run-out, you must also have your propane system thoroughly inspected by a professional service technician.
Why is Running Out of Propane Bad?
Appliances Stop Working
The most obvious and noticeable effect of a propane tank run out is the inability to fuel any of your appliances or heating. In the event of an empty tank, your generator can no longer fuel any appliances. The fridge can’t stay cold, so all your food is now perishable . The heat’s not working, so both your home and showers are ice cold, and your gas stove will not light no matter how many times you try to turn the burners on.
Property Damage
Property damage resulting from a tank run out is by far the most expensive risk associated with this. Without the fuel to keep your house warm, the pipes could freeze and burst, leading to costly repairs. pIn addition, the tank itself can be ruined if open air and moisture get inside causing rust.
Rust Build Up
An empty propane tank is practically breeding ground for air and moisture to enter, causing rust build-up inside of your tank. Not only is this permanent, but also then masks the propane odor, making it more difficult to detect a leak or when something else has gone haywire with your tank. The risks associated with this are all equally as dangerous.
Refill Precautions
Once you have detected the empty tank, had it checked out for leak, you need to ensure that all the valves and gas lines running to the tank are shut tight. Otherwise, when your tank is refilled, it will cause a leak which brings you back to square one.
Required Tank Check Up: $
After a propane tank has run dry, you are federally required to have it checked by a qualified technician to inspect for any leaks or issues associated with the tank. The downside of this is not only does it take time to schedule a tank appointment and have it properly inspected, but also these can be quite costly with the money coming out of your pocket. Tank Leak checks can be anywhere from $50-$100 and usually differs by fuel supplier.
Expedited Delivery: $
Of course after you run out you are expected to have your propane refilled again. If this date happens to land on a weekend, not only are you going to have to rush a tank leak check, but also will have to expedite the propane delivery which is an additional cost.