--- title: Propane Leak Checks & Tank Maintenance | American River Gas url: https://americanrivergas.com/services/tank-maintenance-leak-checks/ business: American River Gas Co., Inc. phone: (530) 888-7438 address: 10290 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658 hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM) updated: 2026-10-28 --- 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. [Call (530) 888-7438](tel:+15308887438)[Open an account](https://americanrivergas.com/open-an-account/) ## 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. [All questions →](https://americanrivergas.com/faq/)  ·  [Propane guides →](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/) Related ## Related services - [Underground Gas Lines](https://americanrivergas.com/services/underground-gas-lines/): Piping from the tank to the house and appliances. - [Appliance Conversions](https://americanrivergas.com/services/appliance-conversions/): Converting gas appliances to run safely on propane. - [Propane Tank Installation](https://americanrivergas.com/services/propane-tank-installation/): Above-ground tanks set, connected and leak-tested. Guides ## Guides for this service - [Annual propane system inspection: what we check](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/annual-propane-system-inspection/): Safety & seasons - [Ran out of propane? Why a leak check is required before relighting](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/ran-out-of-propane-leak-check/): Safety & seasons - [Propane safety and wildfire: defensible space around your tank](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/propane-tank-wildfire-defensible-space/): Safety & seasons Sources: [Propane Education & Research Council: Safety guide for propane users](https://propane.com/safety/safety-guide-for-propane-users/) · [NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-58-standard-development/58) · [Cal/OSHA Title 8, Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders, Article 5 (LP-Gas Systems)](https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/sb1a5.html)