Written on: December 13, 2021
Have you ever asked yourself, what happens if I run out of propane? If you answered yes, it most likely means you have never experienced all the hassles involved in letting your propane tank run dry.
That’s good news. Because when your tank gets empty, you simply can’t just have it filled with propane and go on your merry way. Running out of propane isn’t a “little thing” – it’s a serious and costly mistake that can cause all kinds of problems– and potential dangers – for you in your propane-powered home.
For starters, you will have to arrange for an emergency propane delivery, which costs more, compared to regular delivery.
Your propane company also has to do a system leak test whenever a tank runs out of propane. Safety codes require your propane supplier to perform this gas leak test before refilling your tank and relighting your appliances. Here’s why.
When there is propane in your tank, there is constant pressure in the system; when the amount of fuel goes down, so does the pressure. Loss of pressure can cause leaks because of the expansion and retraction of the piping compound in the propane system. Whenever there is an interruption in service—such as running out of propane—a pressure test will reveal any leaks in the piping, which we will then be corrected. Be aware that your propane company needs to charge you for this important service. Here are other problems a propane run-out may cause.
Many of Georgia’s propane companies offer a solution with automatic delivery service. They track your propane usage and schedule a delivery to your home before you run low.
If your local propane company doesn’t offer automatic delivery, or if you prefer the control of will-call, you need to be vigilant about monitoring your propane tank gauge levels and request a delivery when your tank is between 25% and 30% full.
While your propane dealer may be able to make a delivery within a day in cases of extreme emergency, it is always best to provide a few days’ notice. This advance notice is necessary for scheduling your home into a delivery route.
Check with your local propane dealer to find out what services and options they offer. Explore more options for propane service.