Propane Fails: What NOT to Do🔥🙈
Propane is clean-burning, efficient, and versatile. However, when used unsafely, that’s when propane fails can occur. We’ve all seen the viral videos of backyard mishaps. Let’s face it, “blowing up” on social media can be a lot of fun, just not THIS way. How about we go over some safety tips to keep you from going viral? Unless we’re talking about your elaborate baby-gender reveal party fail. Now that one…we’ll share with everyone and laugh at you mercilessly. Hey, it’s a cruel world.
Don’t Use Propane Indoors (Unless It’s Designed for It)
❌ Fail: Someone wheels the propane grill into the garage during a rainstorm.
😐 Why it’s bad: Propane grills produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in enclosed spaces.
✅ Do this instead: Only use propane appliances indoors if they’re specifically rated for indoor use—like certain heaters or stoves.
Don’t Store Your Grill Tank in Hot or Enclosed Spaces
❌ Fail: Leaving the tank in your car in the summer.
🔥 Why it’s bad: Heat increases internal pressure. In extreme cases, the pressure relief valve could release gas or the tank could rupture.
✅ Do this instead: Store tanks outside, upright, and away from direct sunlight.
Don’t Ignore the “Rotten Egg” Smell
❌ Fail: “Maybe it’s the dog. It’s probably nothing…”
💨 Why it’s bad: That’s Ethyl Mercaptan. It’s added to propane so you can tell when you have a leak. Ignoring it could lead to fire or explosion.
✅ Do this instead: Turn off the valve (if you can safely do so), move to a safe distance away from the tank, don’t use electronics or anything that can cause a spark near the tank, and call your propane provider or 911.
Don’t Try DIY Repairs
❌ Fail: “I just watched 2 YouTube videos. I know what I’m doing. Let me just tighten this a bit with my wrench…”
🚒 Why it’s bad: You could easily damage fittings or create a dangerous leak. On a positive note, you get to meet the brave men and women of your local fire department!
✅ Do this instead: Always leave propane repairs to licensed professionals. Your propane tank is not a piece of IKEA furniture.
Don’t Transport Tanks Lying Down
❌ Fail: “It fits better in the trunk this way.”
🧨 Why it’s bad: Propane could escape through the relief valve.
✅ Do this instead: Transport tanks upright and secure them so they don’t tip over.
Don’t Use Damaged or Expired Tanks
❌ Fail: “It’s got some dents and rust, but it still works!”
💥 Why it’s bad: Old or damaged tanks may not pass safety standards and could leak or explode.
✅ Do this instead: Check the manufacturing date (20 lb. tanks are good for 12 years) and inspect for rust, corrosion, or damage regularly.
Don’t Light a Grill with the Lid Closed
❌ Fail: BOOM.
🧯 Why it’s bad: Gas builds up inside the grill, and when it ignites… well, now you look like a hairless Chihuahua.
✅ Do this instead: Always open the lid before igniting your grill.
Don’t Forget to Turn It Off
❌ Fail: Leaving the tank on after cooking.
‼️ Why it’s bad: Poses a fire risk and can lead to a leak and wasted fuel.
✅ Do this instead: Turn off both the appliance and the tank after use.
Bonus Fail: Don’t Use a Lighter to Check for Leaks
Wait. What? If you really think about it, we all know someone that would do something crazy like this. “But uncle Eddie always did that!” Yes, uncle Eddie did a lot of things. May he rest in peace. Use soapy water, not fire, to check for leaks.
Closing Thoughts:
Common sense. That’s all it takes. Propane is incredibly safe when used properly. “Propane Fails: What Not to Do”, is meant to point out some far-too common mistakes that SOME people make. Granted, most people know better than to commit these fails. Others…well…just forward this blog along to the guy you know who checks for leaks with a lighter. It’ll be our little secret.