doorEthan Greenfieldon April 19, 2022.
From powering stoves and water heaters to powering grills and fire pits, propane has many uses and brings great comfort and enjoyment. It's economical and enjoyable, so it's no surprise that almost every home has a propane tank or two.
When it comes time to move, however, propane tanks pose a problem. They are considered dangerous items and cannot be loaded onto a moving truck along with the rest of your items - the risk is too great.
While portable propane cylinders are quite safe (built to the highest safety standards and equipped with reliable safety features, such as pressure relief valves), the conditions inside a moving truck (pushing motion, intense heat, etc.) can cause the tanks to explode and cause great damage. So propane gas cylinders are not allowed on moving vans.
Then the question remains what to do with propane tanks when moving house. Do you have to get rid of them before moving? Can you move them yourself?
There are several options – which one works best for you will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Read on to find out what choices you have and pick the right one for you.
Return the tank
Your first and most economical option when you move and are wondering what to do with your propane tanks is to return them to the propane dealer you got them from.
When it comes to rented propane tanks, that's the only choice - the cylinders are owned by the company you have a propane supply agreement with, so if you move, they'll take their tanks back. Just be sure to give the company at least 30 days' notice of your move (unless otherwise stated in the agreement) to avoid paying a cancellation fee.
Even if you own the tanks, returning them may still be your best option.
But can you resell propane tanks? Not exactly, but many propane dealers (such as Blue Rhino, AmeriGas, and Ferrellgas, for example) have exchange programs — you can drop off an empty tank at one of their locations near your current home and buy a new one at a discount in your new city after the move . Most companies will discount up to $20 off the purchase price of a new tank, bringing the cost to about the same amount as a new tank.
Blue Rhino and some other propane dealers even allow you to drop off your propane tank at one of their retailers and give you a discount when you buy a new tank from them at your new location, even if your old cylinder wasn't theirs .
So to answer the question "Can you return propane tanks for money?" - In most cases you will not get a refund for returning a propane cylinder, but you will get a discount for buying a new cylinder from the company you returned your old tank to.
Sell the tank
You can save yourself a lot of hassle by selling your old tank to someone in your current city or town: a neighbor, a friend, a colleague, etc. Even if you don't know anyone who needs a propane gas bottle, you can always use bulletin boards, social media or resale sites like Craigslist to find people in your area looking for propane tanks. (Also see:How to sell stuff online before you move)
If you can sell your old cylinder for a reasonable price before moving, that is the best solution. You don't have to return the tank to a dealer or worry about moving to your new home - you get rid of the tank and get some money for buying a new cylinder at your new location.
Drain the tank
If none of the above options work for you and you don't want to (or simply can't) move your propane tank to your new home, your only choice is to throw away the cylinder.
Keep in mind, however, that you can't just throw your propane tank out with the rest of your trash - propane bottles are a safety hazard as they may have some compressed gas left in them and could cause a fire or explosion in the landfill.
So if you want to get rid of a propane gas bottle, check your city's website (or call the municipality) for information on where and how to dispose of old tanks.
Another option is to contact a local propane supplier - they can direct you to hazardous waste collection locations in the area.
Good to know: Can you recycle empty propane tanks?
Since there is a possibility of propane remaining in the cylinders, regular recycling centers will not accept propane tanks. However, there are specialized recycling centers with appropriate equipment and staff trained to handle hazardous materials. In addition, some propane companies are happy to take your old propane cylinders and recycle them for you at no cost.
Now that you know how to get rid of a propane tank before moving, you may be wondering “Can I move my propane tank?”
Take the tank with you
The most logical thing to do when moving to a new place is to take your propane tanks with you and use them in your new home. The problem, however, is that propane cylinders are risky to move.
Will movers move propane tanks?
As explained above, propane tanks are considered dangerous items, so movers will not want to move them for you. Transporting a tank of combustible material under pressure is extremely dangerous: the gas can explode and blow up the entire shipment, as well as the moving truck itself. Even worse, the driver - or other people in the truck or on the road - could be injured. An explosion can also cause damage to other vehicles or property nearby.
The risk is too great, so propane tanks and other pressurized gases are not allowed on moving trucks. (Also see:List of disallowed items)
However, you can move a small propane tank in your personal vehicle.
Is it safe to transport a propane tank in a car?
Transporting propane tanks in a car is not without risks, but you can safely move your gas cylinder in your vehicle as long as you take the necessary precautions and handle the tank with care.
So, how to transport propane tanks safely and efficiently? Follow the safety tips below and be extremely careful:
- Always wear heavy gloves when handling a propane tank;
- Make sure that the tank taps are fully closed and that the protective caps or caps are on;
- Never lift gas tanks by the protective covers (or caps) to avoid damage to the valves;
- Keep the tanks upright - Place the propane cylinders upright in the vehicle and use straps or ropes to keep them in place so they do not slide or fall over during transport. For more security, you can use special tank holders to secure your propane bottles (milk crates will also do - they are sturdy and tall enough to adequately support the propane tanks and ensure they remain upright during transport);
- Ensure good ventilation when transporting propane tanks in an enclosed vehicle – keep a window near the gas bottles partially open during the entire journey to your new home;
- Do not carry more than four propane bottles in an enclosed vehicle (sedan, SUV, etc.). Make sure the total combined weight of all propane tanks in the car does not exceed 90 pounds. Please note that it is not allowed to transport cylinders with a capacity greater than 45 lbs in a closed vehicle;
- You can carry up to 1,000 pounds of propane in the back of an open pickup truck or trailer. However, the cylinders must be transported upright (use ropes or straps to secure the tanks (both at the bottom and at the top) to prevent them from bouncing or falling over during transport). Be aware that moving in an open vehicle will expose the cylinders to the elements. So it is not a good idea to transport propane tanks in an open pickup truck or trailer in bad weather (rain, snow, extreme heat). , etc.) or when traveling across the country (because you will be on the road for a long time);
- Do not smoke while transporting propane tanks;
- Keep the temperature in the vehicle at a constant moderate level;
- Never leave filled propane tanks in a hot vehicle;
- Unload the propane cylinders as soon as you arrive at your new home.
Can propane tanks be transported on their side?
While it may seem like a good idea to lay propane bottles on their side when transporting them in a car, pickup truck, or trailer (so they can't fall during transport), doing so is extremely dangerous.
If a cylinder is transported on its side, it can roll and move the pressure relief valve out of position – and the safety valve can fail when it is out of position. This can result in spilled liquid propane that can easily cause an explosion. The tank must be upright for the pressure relief valve to work properly and to prevent propane from spilling into the vehicle and causing a fiery disaster.
In addition, a tank lying on its side is more dangerous in an unfortunate accident than a tank standing upright. If a full tank explodes in transit, it will take off like a rocket - if the rocket takes off straight up, it will do significantly less damage (and pose less danger to the people in the vehicle) than if it went off. sideways.
So do propane tanks have to be transported upright? Yes, it's critical to keep the cylinders in a safe, upright position during transport so they don't fall, shift or roll while driving - and so they don't become missiles in the event of an accident.
All together,the best way to transport propane tanksis to place them upright in the vehicle, secure them securely, and take measures to prevent them from being exposed to temperature extremes and rough movement.
However, keep in mind that all of the propane tank moving tips above apply to small grill sized tanks - up to 40-45 lbs. Larger tanks should always be handled by qualified professionals - they have the extensive training and specialized equipment necessary to safely empty, dispose of or move large domestic propane tanks.
Related: How to move a grill to a new home
If you ask yourself "What to do with my propane tank when moving house?”, you should consider all viable options – return the tank for cash, sell it to someone close to you today, dispose of it for the move or take it to your new home – and choose the one that best suits your needs. Be very careful if you decide to move your propane tank(s) yourself. Good luck!
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FAQs
What do I do with my propane tank when I move? ›
It is dangerous to travel with a tank on its side, so it's extremely important to keep the propane tank in a vertical position during transport. ALWAYS place the cylinder in a well-ventilated area of the vehicle. ALWAYS close the cylinder valve. Seal it with a plug if required—even if the cylinder is empty.
How do you move a residential propane tank? ›A: It is possible to relocate propane tanks. However, standard movers are not equipped or licensed to do this, so you would have to have certified technicians come to disconnect the tank (and extract it from the ground if it's an underground tank), transport it safely to the new location, and reinstall it.
What to do with a propane tank that is full? ›Bring a tank to a hardware store or private propane dealer for reuse or recycling. Bring a used tank to a scrap metal dealer for recycling.
How do you release pressure from a propane tank? ›On your propane tank, twist the propane tank shutoff valve clockwise until it is totally closed. Next, take the propane tank hose off in the same way you do when you change out the tank. You'll probably hear a slight hiss escape as the excess pressure is released. Like a baby, your propane tank just burped.
Should you keep propane tank in house? ›Keep in mind that propane tanks should not be stored in a shed, garage, basement or attic, or brought indoors for any reason – they should only be stored in a dry, open, well-ventilated area outdoors. It is only safe to store your propane tank inside if it has been completely emptied of propane.
How far does a propane tank need to be away from the house? ›Same with underground propane tanks that hold up to 2,000 gallons: The minimum distance, from either a building or a property line, is 10 feet. For above-ground tanks of 1,000 to 2,000 gallons, the safe distance increases. These must be placed at least 25 feet from a building or property line.
Can propane be removed from a tank? ›For a large, bulk propane tank, contact a licensed propane company, such as your propane supplier, for removal. They'll be able to safely purge any remaining propane from the tank. They'll also have the specialized tools to remove the tank safely.
Can you leave your propane tank outside? ›In warm weather your propane tank can still be stored outdoors on a flat, solid surface. You'll want to keep the tank in a shaded area so that it's not in direct sunlight for long periods of time—this will keep the tank at a safe temperature, note exceeding 120 °F (49 °C).
Is it OK to leave propane tank outside in winter? ›Leave it outside.
Even as the temperatures drop, your propane tank should remain outdoors. Propane tanks should always be kept in a well-ventilated, shaded area and at least 10 feet from your home.
Keep it in the shade.
While your tank should not be stored indoors, it should also not be stored in direct sunlight. On a hot sunny day, the temperature of a tank that's not properly stored could quickly go above 120°F. The hotter your tank gets, the greater the pressure will be inside the tank.
What would cause a propane tank to explode? ›
When the tank gets hot, the liquid propane inside is being heated as well, causing it to expand. The safety relief valve will open allowing pressure to vent to the outside atmosphere. If the pressure level inside the tank level exceeds that at which the safety relief valve can expel it, the propane tank will rupture.
Do all propane tanks have a pressure relief valve? ›All propane tanks, including the cylinders you use for your BBQ grill, are required by law to have pressure relief devices to allow for the release of excess pressure in the tank. A safety relief valve is there to protect your propane tank from rupturing if excess pressure builds up inside the tank.
Where is the pressure relief valve on propane tank? ›Look at the shutoff valve on the base of the propane tank. Near it is the round, capped safety relief valve. This piece works independently to protect your tank from having a dangerous pressure buildup inside it.
Is it OK to leave propane tank outside in summer? ›The best place to store a propane tank for the summer is outside in a dry place and on an even surface with plenty of ventilation. It should also be at least 10 feet from any other propane tanks or machines, including grills.
Should you turn off propane tank when not in use? ›Regardless of the fuel source, for safety reasons, it's very important to turn off the supply of gas to the grill when it's not in use. If someone or something were to turn on one the control knobs on the grill, it would fill with gas, creating the potential for a very dangerous situation.
Can a propane tank be right next to a house? ›This type of tank can be placed against a building. For a 500 to 1,000 USWG horizontal-style tank — the clearance must be a minimum of 10 feet away from your home, any building or structure, the property line, windows and doors, and any sources of ignition and air intakes, including heat pumps and air conditioners.
Do propane tanks need to be on concrete? ›After deciding on an appropriate tank size and before a propane tank is installed, the propane company will make all necessary arrangements for the proper placement of the propane tank. A concrete pad will need to be in place before the tank can be installed (concrete blocks may be used as an alternative).
How far does electrical have to be from propane tank? ›important safety recommendations
The minimum required distance from an LP tank fill port to an electric distribution panel, meter, or any electric switching equipment is 15 feet. An LP tank cannot be placed directly under high voltage power lines.
Unlike diesel's one-year shelf life and gasoline's three- to six-month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors, and the ideal partner in emergency preparedness plans.
Why would a house have a propane tank? ›In the home, it is most commonly used for heating and powering certain appliances. Stoves, barbeques, water heaters, clothes dryers and more can all run off propane. If the home has only been recently converted to propane, however, not all appliances may be using it.
Do propane tanks expire? ›
Take a good look at the date stamped on the top of the tank. That's the year your tank was certified. Propane suppliers will not fill your tank if it has been certified more than 12 years ago.
How long does it take for propane to air out of house? ›Typically, you'll need to allow your home to air out for fifteen minutes to a few hours, but the exact timeframe depends on the severity of the leak and wind conditions in your area.
How do I know if my home propane tank is empty? ›Weigh the tank.
Most grilling tanks weigh about 17 pounds when empty. To measure how many pounds of propane are left in your tank, simply weigh it on a scale and subtract the TW number. For example, if a tank weighing 27 pounds has a TW of 17 pounds, there's about 10 pounds of gas left—or about 2.5 gallons.
- Keep propane cylinders outside. Never keep them indoors or in an enclosed area, such as a garage, shed or basement.
- Keep them in a cool place. Do not expose cylinders to heat above 120 degrees. ...
- Keep propane cylinders away from flames. That includes smoking or using spark-producing tools.
Cold weather and forgotten propane tanks just don't mix well. In fact, the tank will stop working completely if temperatures drop too low, leaving the tank utterly useless. We're here to help you avoid this headache.
What does OSHA say about propane tanks? ›OSHA specifies that cylinders cannot be stored near exits, stairways, entryways or close to high-traffic and busy areas. Propane cylinders mustn't be stored close to or with other flammable or combustible materials. They should be stored in cylinder safety cages or cabinets in flat areas that don't collect water.
Can a propane tank sit in the rain? ›Keep your tank out of the rain, to avoid rusting and tank damage.. Propane tanks have a release valve that will help relieve pressure if temperatures are consistently high. The built-up pressure will leak out and dissipate into the air. To work properly and not leak liquid propane, the tank must remain upright.
Where should I store my propane tank during a storm? ›You can tie above the ground tanks to trees or columns of your house. You may also store it inside the car's trunk, provided it's outside. Storing propane tanks in the garage is not recommended because propane is volatile and flammable. Instead, use outdoor areas that are dry, open, and well-ventilated.
Can you put a roof over a propane tank? ›A cover over a propane or butane tank will not cause pocketing of gas, but it could hinder circulation by blocking breezes or winds.
Can you move a propane tank with gas in it? ›Overfilled tanks are dangerous for transport, so it's necessary to make sure they don't contain too much gas. Having a professional fill your tank is the best option for ensuring it's not overfilled. Properly secured: All propane tanks need secure fastenings during transport.
Can I leave an empty propane tank in car? ›
Remove the Tank from the Car Immediately
Take the tank out of the car and soon as you reach your destination. Never leave your propane tank inside a closed vehicle for long periods of time and never leave a propane cylinder in a hot vehicle.
Transporting tanks with a 1,000-gallon water capacity or larger MUST be labeled or placarded on each side and on both ends of the tank. Depending on the size of the tank, it must be properly labeled and securely fastened to the vehicle. The vehicle MUST have placards visible on all four sides.
Can I exchange an old propane tank with Blue Rhino? ›With Blue Rhino, you can exchange any standard empty grill tank for a ready-to-grill propane tank. Before you go to the store or order a home delivery, make sure your tank is acceptable for exchange.
Can I return unused propane tank to Walmart? ›Exchange your empty tank at Walmart for a fresh Blue Rhino. Every tank is cleaned, inspected, ready to grill. Need propane? Exchange your empty tank for a fresh, cleaned, and inspected Blue Rhino at Walmart.
Can a propane tank be next to a driveway? ›Distance from driveway: All propane tanks need to be installed no more than 80 feet away from your driveway. This ensures our drivers have enough hose length to reach your tank from the parked delivery truck.
Does leaving the propane tank open waste gas? ›In addition to safety reasons, for LP (propane) grills, leaving the tank valve on can easily lead to a grill going into reduced gas flow state known as bypass.
How long can a propane tank sit without being used? ›Unlike diesel's one-year shelf life and gasoline's three- to six-month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors, and the ideal partner in emergency preparedness plans.
Can I store empty propane tank in garage? ›DO store propane tanks outdoors. DON'T store propane tanks indoors or in a garage, basement, carport, shed, sunporch, or carport. DO keep propane tanks away from flames and spark-producing tools.
Should you remove propane tank in winter? ›Even as the temperatures drop, your propane tank should remain outdoors. Propane tanks should always be kept in a well-ventilated, shaded area and at least 10 feet from your home. Turn it off. If you'll be bringing your grill inside for the winter, be sure to turn off your propane tank and disconnect it.
How much does a 1000 gallon propane tank weigh when full? ›How many gallons of propane are in a 1000 gallon tank? ›
A 1000 gallon propane tank holds 800 gallons when full.
How do you transport multiple propane tanks? ›When transporting propane tanks, don't: Keep them on their side: Don't drive away with the propane tank on its side. It's too dangerous to travel this way, so take a few moments to make sure the container is secure. Exceed the amount: Don't transport more than four propane tanks in an enclosed vehicle.