How To Turn off Propane Storage Tank

Here’s When—and How—to Shut Off Your Propane Tank’s Supply

For the most part, you should try to always leave your propane tank alone other than to check the level on the gauge. While propane is completely safe under most conditions, it can be highly flammable, so leaking propane lines can be dangerous. That’s why under certain emergency conditions, you may need to turn it off.

Propane Supply Shut-off

It’s not hard—but it’s important to familiarize yourself with your tank so you know what to do when or if an emergency is at-hand:

• Know where the shutoff valve is. You tank should have a large round lid with a hinge. When you lift the lid, you should see the gauge and a round knob that looks like a small steering wheel. That’s your shutoff valve.
• To stop the flow of propane, turn the knob all the way to the right, or clockwise. If you have more than one tank, turn them all off in the same manner.

When to turn off your propane

• If you smell gas and suspect a leak, turn off the gas at the tank—if it’s safe to do so—and stay outside. Call 911 and your propane provider once you are away from the building.
• If there has been severe weather, flooding, or a natural disaster and your tank appears to have moved, or if there appears to be damage to the tank or the gas lines. Once you’ve turned off the gas, move away from the area, then call your propane provider 911.

If it feels unsafe to turn off the gas, first move a safe distance away and outside and then call for help. Once you’ve turned off your propane, do not go back in the house until a certified technician has confirmed that it’s safe.

Also, NEVER turn the propane back on yourself. Turning the gas off and on changes the pressure in the lines, which can cause the seals around pipe fittings to contract and create a potential leak. A professional propane technician needs to perform a leak test to check the integrity of these joints and seals. Pressure tests are required by state and federal law, as well as insurance rules.

At Midway, your safety is our number one priority. If you have questions about your tank or propane safety, please contact us any time and we’ll be happy to assist you.