Posted: June 15, 2026

Can Propane Tanks Explode?

Your Guide to Propane Storage Safety

A house or business exploding because of a gas leak will make the news, sometimes national news. But that’s because it doesn’t happen very often. Although propane is a highly flammable gas under certain conditions, propane tanks are designed to store propane safely, and propane is a safe and clean-burning way to heat your home and water, and run many of your appliances. As with any fuel, there are certain steps to take to ensure you, your family, and your property are safe.

The best way to prevent a propane explosion is to be able to recognize the signs of a gas leak and know what to do if you detect a possible leak. Here’s what you and everyone in your household should know.

Know the Smell of Gas

Propane has a distinct rotten-egg smell to help you quickly notice leaking gas. Make sure everyone in your home can recognize the odor. If you smell gas:

• Leave the area immediately.
• Avoid all flames or sparks, including lights, appliances, phones or cell phones, which could ignite the gas and trigger an explosion.
• If you can, shut off the gas at the main valve on your tank by turning the valve clockwise.
• Call us or 911 from a safe area.
• Stay away until help arrives.

Propane Tank Safety

Propane storage tanks of all sizes are designed and certified to be safe. That said, you should be on the lookout for dings, dents and excessive rust on your aboveground propane storage tanks. Our techs also keep an eye on this when they fill your tanks.

There are regulations as well as mechanisms to ensure that a propane tank is not overfilled. There are safety valves that will open to release propane gas if pressure increases above specified levels. When it’s hot, propane expands. If you ever hear hissing coming from your propane tank on a hot day, it’s likely because your pressure valve opened. It will close again when enough pressure is released.

To avoid pressure problems, propane tanks are only filled to 80%, and aboveground storage tanks are painted white, silver, or other light colors to reflect, rather than absorb, heat from the sun.

Propane storage tanks should be sited away from windows; the specific distances vary based on the size of the tank. Portable tanks should not be kept in enclosed spaces, and you shouldn’t store cleaning fluids and flammable substances near your propane tanks.

Propane Safety Dos and Don’ts

• Do let us know if flames are yellow or you notice a significant amount of soot. Gas flames should be mainly blue when burning correctly.
• Don’t let your tanks hit empty. The loss of pressure can lead to leaks and other problems, and will require pressure tests before refilling.
• Do set up automatic delivery to avoid running out of gas.
• Don’t attempt to relight a pilot light if you smell gas. If you do relight a pilot light yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
• Do call us if a pilot light goes out frequently.

Safety First, Always

Safety is our top priority at Superior. We invest in regular training to keep our technicians up to date on the latest technologies and safety protocols for propane delivery and installation work.

If you have any questions about this information or any other propane safety issues, contact us today.