Warm weather has arrived! Storms are over, and it’s time to start having some fun. But first, give your propane system and appliances a maintenance check. “No one wants to be halfway through a barbecue or a family summertime visit and have a propane emergency,” says Steve Dodson, manager of Wildhorse Propane. Wildhorse has been supplying propane services throughout the four-county area surrounding Prunedale since the 1980s.
Steps for spring and summer propane maintenance
- Remove leaves, grass, brush, and other debris for a 10-foot radius around the propane tank.
- Check for damage to the tank, such as rust, dents, or a damaged or missing valve cap. You can remove rust with a wire brush and apply a fresh coat of light colored paint.
- Check all of the connections in the propane system for leaks. Soapy water on the connections bubbles if there’s a leak.
- Repair leaks immediately.
- Check hoses, connections, and regulators on propane appliances, including grills, for cracks, wear, or loose fittings.
- For grills and propane heaters, check burner tubes, cooking grates, and other accessories. Remove spider webs and debris that may have blown in over the winter.
- If you are concerned about damage from winter flooding, make an appointment to have any underground piping inspected. Most propane services, such as the Prunedale propane company, use advanced detection equipment to inspect for underground leaks.
- Flush your propane water heater to remove sediment.
- Schedule maintenance for your propane-powered HVAC system to be prepared for summer AC use.
- Check the flame color on propane appliances. The flame should be blue. A yellow flame indicates poor combustion and a potential danger from carbon monoxide.
Have a safe spring and summer
Basic propane safety is key to enjoying family and friends over the warm months ahead. Follow this safety checklist to guarantee a good time is had by everyone! Make sure that adults present understand propane safety practices, and ask for their assistance in keeping an eye on pets and kids.
- Only let propane-savvy adults use propane equipment.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
- Before firing up the grill, check hoses, connections, and tanks for tight connections, leaks, cracks of damage.
- Use propane grills outside in well-ventilated spaces to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating propane appliances.
- Know how to turn off the gas supply and all appliance controls after use.
- Keep flammable materials away from propane appliances.
- Watch children and pets and keep them away from grills and other propane appliances.
Rely on the local, trusted experts
A family-owned company, the Prunedale propane service has been supplying propane to Monterey County, San Luis Obispo, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties since 1980. The full-service company supports residences, industry, business, farms, ranches, and public works. Services include:
- Services for residential, commercial, and agricultural.
- Propane tanks, installations, and maintenance.
- Propane appliances.
- Underground gas line installations.
- Appliance sales.
Top brand appliances from major manufacturers include refrigerators and freezers, ovens and stovetops, dishwashers, laundry appliances, air conditioning, and ventilation. Major manufacturers include:
- Maytag.
- Fridigaire.
- Amana.
- Kitchenaid.
- Whirlpool, and more.