Propane Repair or Installation in Tennessee

It’s Never a Do-It-Yourself Project

While propane is a remarkably safe fuel, if you ever need a repair or want to install a propane gas appliance, don’t start watching “how-to” videos on YouTube. It’s very important that you trust this type of work to a licensed propane professional.

First, keep in mind that your propane appliances are a valuable investment in your home. You should protect that investment by getting professional repairs. Think about how much a new water heater or furnace costs. Weigh that against your temptation to try and do the repair yourself and imagine if your attempts failed and forced you to have to replace the appliance. Here is another reason: trying to repair your propane appliance yourself could void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Need more reasons? Well, you most likely don’t have the proper tools or equipment to do the job. Even worse, you could jeopardize the safety of yourself and your family.

The bottom line: repairing or installing a complex propane appliance can often present unique challenges that require extensive training and sophisticated diagnostic equipment.

Certified propane technicians have the training, experience, and tools to get the job done—quickly, correctly and safely—thanks in large part to the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP), which is run under the direction of the Propane Education & Research Council.

On-going technician training includes in-house seminars and firsthand demonstrations from manufacturer representatives, insurance companies, and other propane experts, who discuss the safe installation and repair of the latest appliances.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines for Maintenance

To stay as safe as possible, you should always pay close attention to the operation of your gas appliances. The best way to keep all your propane equipment running properly is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preventive maintenance. Be sure to consult your owner’s manuals for what’s required and then reach out to your propane service contractor.

Staying Safe with Propane

Here are other propane safety tips, courtesy of the Propane Education and Research Council.

• Make sure all adults in your household know how to shut off the flow of gas from your propane storage tank. This is a recommended step if you ever smell propane gas—but shut off the valve only if you feel it’s safe to do so. If you are not sure how to turn off the valve, ask your propane supplier the next time they make a propane delivery.
• Remember that a propane leak smells like rotten eggs. While propane is odorless, manufacturers incorporate an odor into it to alert homeowners in case of a gas leak. It’s important to confirm that everyone in the home can recognize the smell—and what to do afterward. If you or others in your home may have trouble smelling propane, make plans to install one or more propane gas detectors.
• Never store portable propane cylinders indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
• Never use outdoor propane equipment like grills indoors. Carbon monoxide (CO) from these devices is a dangerous and potentially deadly hazard.
• Test and replace batteries when needed in all the carbon monoxide detectors in your home every few months. Know how to spot the symptoms of CO poisoning, and what to do if someone is experiencing them. Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly also.
• When propane gas appliances run properly, propane burns with a blue flame. If you see yellow flames—or notice significant amounts of soot on any equipment–the gas may not be burning completely. This can create a carbon monoxide build-up in your home. Contact your propane company or qualified contractor for service if you notice a yellow flame or soot on your appliances.
• Regularly check the outdoor vents of your appliances to make sure combustion gases flow unobstructed to the outdoors. Insects, birds and small animals have been known to build nests in vent pipes. To prevent any damage, use a broom or a soft brush to gently remove any obstructions you find in your vents.

If you have questions or concerns about propane safety, be sure to consult with your Tennessee propane company. Read more propane safety tips.