How to Ensure a Safe and Proper Seal for Propane Tank Fittings

When it comes to safely and securely applying propane tank fittings, it is essential to exercise caution. This is because Propane is very volatile and can be explosive if handled incorrectly. Compression fittings are often used to join the gas lines to the tank, and the compression seal must create a tight bond to ensure that no gas can escape. To ensure the seal is secure, our team have compiled the following tips and advice on how to effectively seal propane tank fittings.

If you have a new and unused propane tank, the fitting will already be in place but if not, you must purchase a compression fitting from a local hardware store. Before installing the fitting it is good practice to wrap a layer of Teflon tape around the threads of the tank, as this will help to obtain a better fit. Once the fitting is in place and secure against the tank surface, you can connect the gas line to the fitting.

Once you have attached the gas line, ensure it is firmly held in place by turning the fitting seal with your fingers. If you are adding multiple gas lines at once, lightly attach each one before beginning the process of sealing it, with a wrench. Certain propane tanks require an adaptor fitted to the tank in order to complete the seal, examples of which include tanks found on boats or RVs. An O-ring or similar connection should be used first and then the fitting can be attached on top.

It is famously known that propane tank fittings come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and this may cause an issue when attempting to join two components. As an example, a straight-through compression fitting may be too small in order to pass from the propane tank itself through to the internal gas line. To modify this, it may be necessary to widen the hole so it can fit and then use duct tape to seal it. Absolutely no sealants should be used on the surface of the fitting as this is likely to corrode over time.

It is important for the fittings to remain as cool as possible, as exposure to heat may cause the compression seal to loosen and the gas to leak. It is important to keep the connection away from any source of heat and the tank should be placed somewhere secure and cool.

In order to ensure that the compression seal is secure, the fitting should be installed correctly and checked regularly. As with most projects, it is best to error on the side of caution with regards to sealing propane tank fittings as not doing so could have dire consequences.