Propane Safety Inspections: When Are They Required?

Written on: August 30, 2021

If you use propane gas appliances in your South Florida home, you can rest easy knowing that you’re using one of the safest fuels around.

A big reason why propane is so safe is because its fuel’s use, delivery, and handling are very tightly regulated by strict codes; several of those regulations are related to propane leak tests.

Why Do I Need a Propane Leak Test?

To understand why leak tests are needed for your propane system, you first have to understand some basics about how propane equipment works.

Propane systems use plumbing pipes to connect the main supply of propane—your propane tank—to appliances in your home. Propane gas is forced through these pipes, creating pressure on pipe fittings and the hardening compounds that seal them. As gas pressure varies, pipes joints and seals weaken; over time, this could lead to a potential gas leak. A leak test checks the integrity of these joints and seals.

When Do I Need a Propane Leak Test?

Federal law requires propane leak tests to be performed any time there is an interruption of service—that is, any time the flow of gas has stopped for any reason.

As NFPA 54 (2006), 8.2.3 states,

Immediately after the gas is turned on into a new system or into a system that has been initially restored after an interruption of service, the piping system shall be tested for leakage. If leakage is indicated, the gas supply shall be shut off until the necessary repairs have been made.

In other words, this means that a leak test must be performed:

• Any time you install propane equipment
• Any time you begin new propane service or change residence
• After an interruption of service for repairs, equipment shut-off or disconnection, etc.
• After a fuel runout
• If a leak is suspected
• If service has been suspended due to an unpaid account balance

If any of the above applies, then a leak/pressure test—which must be performed by a licensed, qualified professional—is required before a propane delivery can be attempted.

How To Avoid Unnecessary Propane Leak Tests

The most common reason customers why customers need a leak test is because they run out of gas. For this reason, we recommend taking the following steps to reduce the likelihood of a propane run-out:

• If you are a “will call”—or someone who calls in each time they need a fill-up—customer, keep a close eye on fuel levels; contact us for a propane delivery when the tank is no less than one-quarter (25%) full, especially during colder weather.
• Strongly consider opting for automatic delivery, which estimates your delivery time based on past usage and the current weather. Contact us to learn more and enroll in this FREE service.

Need a propane inspection in South Florida? We can help! Contact Pico Propane today for licensed propane service and propane deliveries in Miami, Homestead, Key Biscayne, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Pompano Beach, and Fort Lauderdale!