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I Ran Out Of Propane! Do I Have To Get A Safety Check?

out of propane vermontIf you have propane appliances in your northern Vermont home, you can rest easy knowing that you’re using a fuel with one of the best safety records in home energy.

A big reason for propane’s sterling safety performance is the strict guidelines that govern the fuel’s use, delivery and handling. Among the most important of these guidelines are requirements for propane leak tests.

Why Propane Leak Tests Are Necessary

A propane system is connected via a system of plumbing pipes, which are under constant pressure when the system is running; this pressure strains system pipe fittings and the hardening compounds that seal them. As gas pressure varies, pipes joints and seals weaken; over time, this could lead to a gas leak. A leak test checks the integrity of these joints and seals.

When Do I Need A Propane Leak Test?

The law requires propane leak tests to be performed any time there is an interruption of service – that is, any time the flow of gas has stopped for any reason (aka… if you run out of propane).

As NFPA 54 (2006), 8.2.3 states,

Immediately after the gas is turned on into a new system or into a system that has been initially restored after an interruption of service, the piping system shall be tested for leakage. If leakage is indicated, the gas supply shall be shut off until the necessary repairs have been made.

In other words, this means that a leak test must be performed:

If any of the above applies, then a leak/pressure test – performed by a licensed, qualified professional – is required before a propane delivery can be attempted.

Two Ways To Avoid Unnecessary Propane Leak Tests

The most common reason customers why customers need a leak test is because they run out of gas. For this reason, we recommend taking the following steps to reduce the likelihood of a propane run-out:

  1. If you are a will call customer, keep a close eye on fuel levels; contact us for a propane delivery when the tank is no less than one-quarter (25%) full, especially during cold weather.
  2. Strongly consider enrolling in automatic propane delivery from Jack F. Corse. With automatic delivery, we will estimate your delivery time based on past usage and the current weather conditions to make sure you never run out of propane. And if happen to run out at any time, in addition to coming out to refill your tank, we will also perform the required leak testing for free.

Need a propane leak test? We can help. Contact Jack F. Corse today for licensed propane service and propane deliveries in Lamoille, Franklin, & Northern Chittenden counties, VT.