Using Propane for the First Time

There’s a first time for everything and many people buy or rent a home that has a big propane tank in the backyard and they have no idea what to do. Truthfully, it is almost exactly like natural gas or electric power with one major difference, propane power is delivered to you by a person, in a tank truck. There’s no need for concern. In fact, just think of it as the gas company representative paying you a visit to check on everything and make sure your energy supply is adequate and your gas system is functioning properly. The first thing you should do is learn a few of the basics. It’s similar to electric or natural gas — it can hurt you if you don’t know what you’re doing.

The ‘Firsts’ of Propane

When you venture out to the tank, make sure to check for a sticker or something that identifies the company servicing the tank. If there’s no stickers on the tank, open the dome and see if there is anything identifying a propane gas company such as a tag, sticker or something that gives the name and number of a propane company. This will indicate who (or what company) is familiar with your tank and LP Gas system. The majority of companies keep records of tanks that they service by location and by the tank’s serial number. Other firsts for new propane users after inspecting the tank and based on individual situations include:

• If renting a home, contact your landlord for information about the company servicing the tank.
• If you bought a home, contact the company servicing the tank, provided you have the information.
• When the gas deliver is made, it is very important to have the driver show you what propane smells like.

Your First Propane Delivery

There are many cases where a residential delivery is made while the customer is not at home. This is very common and quite often the norm regrading most propane deliveries. There are a few things that the propane company needs to know about your property before delivering to your home, especially if it’s a new driver or a new propane company servicing your tank. Firstly, propane companies will keep a record of certain instructions you have for them but you may need to meet the driver at your home the first time a delivery is made. Keep in mind that a propane delivery bobtail is a big and heavy truck that doesn’t turn on a dime or go under trees and overhangs as easily as the family car can. A few things you will definitely need to inform the delivering propane company of include:

• Septic Tank Location – The truck is heavy enough that thick concrete septic tank covers and lids are easily broken through when run over by a gas delivery truck.
• Overhead Power Lines – When a delivery is made at night, which is sometimes the case, the driver may not see low hanging overhead power lines. Also, if power lines are hidden by low hanging trees, the truck tank may hit these causing a power outage.
• Sprinkler Systems – Many yards with sprinkler systems can be damaged if a bobtail or service truck runs over any part of the irrigation system.

Some companies may ask that somebody be home, especially if it’s the first time delivering. While this may be an inconvenience, it is strictly for the protection of your property and should be viewed as such. This will also help you as the homeowner acquaint yourself with the company representative as well as provide the driver with any direction they may need for future deliveries.

 

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Texas Propane with the link below!