Services
Tank maintenance & leak checks
American River Gas provides tank maintenance and system checks for current customers, including pressure checks and leak tests. A check is required after running out of gas, for new installations and new customers, after repairs or modifications, and when a new appliance is added.
Updated · American River Gas office, Newcastle
When a pressure check or leak test is required
Safety codes and our insurance require a leak test in certain situations. The most common are:
- New system installation
- New customer set-up
- Interruptions from repair work, modifications, additions or a shut-off
- Running out of gas
- A suspected leak
- Installation of new appliances
What we check
During a system check the technician needs access to the home to complete every step.
- Inspection of the piping
- Inspection of the shut-off valve for each appliance (one is required within six feet of every gas appliance)
- Inspection of sediment traps (ranges, clothes dryers and decorative vented appliances are not required to have them)
- Inspection and testing of regulators
- Inspection of the tank or cylinder
Why running out matters
While a propane system has gas in the tank it stays at a constant pressure. When you run out, the system loses pressure, and joints in the piping or seals in gas valves can relax and create a leak. The leak test shows any leak in the system. The homeowner must be present, and there is an additional charge for the check.
Red tags
A system found unsafe or not meeting code is red tagged and cannot be put back into service until the condition is repaired or corrected by a qualified technician.
Questions
Straight answers
Why do I need a pressure check if I ran out of gas?
Safety codes and our insurance require a pressure check and leak test after any interruption in service, and running out counts as one. Losing pressure can let pipe joints and valve seals relax and leak; the test finds any leak before the system is relit.
Can I relight my own pilots after running out?
No. Even if you no longer smell propane, do not turn the supply valve back on until a qualified technician or emergency personnel has tested the system. Our technician checks for leaks and relights the pilots.
Is maintenance available if I am not a customer?
Tank maintenance and appliance conversions are provided for current customers. Opening an account is simple; call the office.
Related
Related services
Tank Maintenance & Leak Checks across our service area
Sources: Propane Education & Research Council: Safety guide for propane users (opens in a new tab) · NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (opens in a new tab) · Cal/OSHA Title 8, Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders, Article 5 (LP-Gas Systems) (opens in a new tab)
Newcastle yard · since 1966
Questions about propane?
Call the office and talk to a real person. Or leave your details and we call you back.
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM)
After hours, weekends and holidays, our answering service reaches a staff member.
