Your Tank - Your Responsibility
Understand the facts, and your responsibilities of owning your own propane tank
Contact Us DID YOU RECIEVE A
PUBLIC AWARENESS PACKAGE FROM US?
Underground Cathodic Protection Services Now Available to Underground Propane Tank Owners
Start HereNo. Coast Gas Utility Partners is not involved in the sale of propane gas, tanks, or associated equipment. However, we collaborate with retail propane companies and offer underground (UG) testing services on their behalf. We also perform these services for individuals who own their tank and subsequently provide documentation to both the homeowner and the existing propane supplier.
No. Coast Gas Utility Partners is not involved in the servicing or sale of any gas appliances. We are an energy maintenance and compliance firm that engages in regulated gas services and associated services such as testing underground propane tanks.
As an underground propane tank owner, you are responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and protection of the tank. This includes complying with local, state, and national regulations, ensuring proper installation, and arranging for regular maintenance by qualified technicians.
To protect your tank, it should be located at least 10 feet away from buildings or neighboring properties and shielded from vehicular traffic. Crash-resistant barriers may be necessary if the tank is near roads. Additionally, inform workers of the tank’s location during any construction or landscaping activities.
Regulations require cathodic protection systems for tanks installed after January 1, 2011, to prevent corrosion. Regular testing and documentation are necessary to ensure the system’s effectiveness. Testing must occur within six months of installation and every three years thereafter.
Check the terms of your tank’s warranty, as some may apply only to the original purchaser. It’s also essential to inform your homeowner’s insurance provider about tank ownership to ensure coverage in case of any issues.
Many propane marketers, including Coast Gas Utility Partners offer these preventive maintenance and repair services. Please contact us for more information on these programs and how they can benefit you as a tank owner.
Understanding the Consequences
Owning a propane tank entails critical responsibilities for safety. Regular inspections are vital to detect damage, corrosion, or leaks promptly. Routine maintenance, like cathodic protection testing, prevents corrosion and maintains structural integrity. If you're a propane customer who owns an underground tank, you must comply with the regulations governing tank ownership. Please take a few moments to watch the video we put together for you. Your Tank - Your Responsibility.
PROPANE TANK OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Owning your own underground propane tank offers numerous advantages. From the convenience of price shopping to the freedom of choosing your supplier, the benefits are undeniable. Even when selling your home, or business the buyer isn't obligated to remain with a propane supplier you have chosen or one they're not satisfied with. However, there are major downsides to owning your own propane tank. It's essential to recognize the liabilities, responsibilities and regulations you are held to associated with tank ownership.
Individual Tank Owners Guide
Individual Tank Owners Guide
Please feel free to access the Propane Tank Owner Brochure for future reference and to benefit from its informative guide. Reach out to us directly should you require more information
NFPA 58 Regulations Tank Owners Brief
NFPA 58 Regulations Tank Owners Brief
Please click the link below to read the basic information pamphlet. Visit National Fire Protection Association website for comprehensive information.
Propane Education Research Council
Propane Education Research Council
The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies.
WHAT IS PROPANE ODOR FADE?
Propane odorant fade refers to the diminishing intensity of the odorant added to propane, which is typically ethyl mercaptan, making it difficult to detect leaks by smell. Ethyl mercaptan is added to propane as a safety measure to enable users to detect leaks by its distinctive smell, similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. However, under certain conditions, the odorant can lose its potency, leading to odorant fade.
Odorant fade can occur due to various factors, including:
Dilution: When propane leaks into the air outdoors, it can quickly dissipate and become diluted, reducing the concentration of odorant molecules present in the surrounding air. This makes it more difficult to detect leaks by smell, especially in outdoor environments with ample ventilation.
Adsorption: The odorant molecules may become adsorbed onto surfaces such as soil, vegetation, or porous materials, reducing their concentration in the air and making the odor less noticeable.
Oxidation: Chemical reactions, such as oxidation, can break down the odorant molecules, rendering them less effective over time. This can happen when propane is exposed to sunlight, heat, or other reactive substances.
Contaminants: Contaminants present in the propane supply, such as sulfur compounds or moisture, can interact with the odorant molecules and alter their chemical composition, leading to odorant fade.
To mitigate the risk of odorant fade, it’s essential to conduct regular inspections and leak tests of propane systems using appropriate detection methods, such as gas detectors or electronic sensors. Additionally, following proper storage, handling, and maintenance procedures can help minimize the occurrence of odorant fade and ensure the safety of propane users.
What Role Does Rust Play In Odorant Fade?
Rust inside a propane tank can contribute to odorant fade, which is the diminishing intensity of the added odorant (typically ethyl mercaptan) that gives propane its distinctive smell. While ethyl mercaptan is added to propane to aid in leak detection by smell, rust and corrosion inside the tank can interfere with this process in several ways:
Absorption: Rust inside the tank can absorb and trap odorant molecules, reducing their concentration in the propane gas. As a result, the propane may have a weaker odor, making it more difficult to detect leaks by smell.
Chemical reactions: Rust and corrosion can chemically interact with the odorant molecules, altering their composition or breaking them down. This can diminish the effectiveness of the odorant and contribute to odorant fade.
Contamination: Rust particles or corrosion products can mix with the propane gas, masking or diluting the odorant and reducing its detectability.
In summary, rust inside a propane tank can impair the effectiveness of the added odorant, leading to odorant fade and potentially making it harder to detect leaks by smell. Regular inspection, maintenance, and corrosion prevention measures are essential to minimize the risk of rust-related odorant fade and ensure the safety of propane users.
OUR CORROSION TESTING SERVICES
At Coast Gas Utility Partners, Inc., we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and unparalleled value to our customers. Our commitment to safety and quality is evident in everything we do. By choosing to do business with us, customers can expect transparency, reliability, and integrity at every step of the way. We understand the unique needs of each customer and tailor our solutions accordingly, ensuring that they receive personalized attention and unparalleled support. With a track record of success and a reputation for excellence, we stand ready to serve as a trusted partner in achieving your goals. Join us and experience the difference firsthand.
COAST CATHODIC PRICING
- Includes Initial Tank Testing
- Documented Results
- Document Retention
- Certificate of Compliance
- Educational Materials
- Complementary System Inspection
- Cathodic Tank Test
- Bar Hole Leak Survey
- Certificate of Compliance
- Education Materials
- Complementary System Inspection
- Follow Up Testing Discount
- Cathodic Tank Test
- Compnonent Inspection
- Bar Hole Leak Survey
- Vegetation Leak Survey
- Education Materials
- Certificate of Compliance
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