FAQ

FAQ

• Where can I locate the tank in my yard at my residence?

The tank cannot be set any closer than 10' from your home or any out building that has insurance on it.  It must be within 100' of the driveway for filling purposes.  A Collett employee will gladly meet you at your site to discuss tank placement specifics.

• Where does Collett Propane’s truck have to park to fill my tank?

Trucks must park in your driveway to fill your tank.  In special circumstances we can park on a cul-de-sac if the road is not congested.

• What do you see when you have an underground tank in your yard?

You see the round shroud which extends out of ground about 8-10" with a cap on the top.

• How do I read the gauge on my tank?

The gauge reads a percentage full.  To determine the amount of propane remaining in your tank, take the tank percentage reading and multiply it by your tank size.  Example:  20% on a 500 gallon tank equals 100 gallons of gas remaining in your tank.

• Can I paint the Collett Propane tank in my yard?

Yes, you may paint the tank yourself.  We ask you not to paint the tank a dark color and do not paint the gauges, valves or regulator.  We attempt to paint all tanks needing paint during the summer months.  Please call and leave your name to be scheduled for next summer. 

• Why do I have two regulators on my system?

You have two regulators to properly control the flow of gas to your appliances.  The regulator at your tank reduces the gas pressure flowing to the outside of your house.  The second regulator is mounted on the outside wall of your home which further reduces and maintains the pressure to operate the appliances in your home. 

• Will my old grill line fit on my new tank?

Yes, your older grill line will fit on your new tank.  The line has a fitting (called a 
      POL fitting) which will continue to screw inside a new tank OPD valve.   The 
      new OPD valve may connect to either an outside or inside thread fitting. 

• Where can I get rid of my old grill tank?

You may drop off your old tank at one of our 2 offices anytime of the day. 
We will see that they are disposed of safely.  Garbage services and community
clean- up days will not dispose of the tanks for you.

• How can I tell when my grill tank is getting empty?

The only reliable way is to weigh the tank.  Empty, it should weigh approximately 20 pounds and full, approximately 40 pounds.  Please bring your tank to our office for help with exact weight information.

• Can Collett Propane change a valve on my old grill tank?

Collett Propane no longer changes valves in grill tanks.  Do not attempt to change the valve yourself.

• Can my grill be hooked up to the large tank in my yard?

      Yes, Collett Propane’s service department can hook up your outside gas grill to  
      your tank if it is a tank we currently service. We charge for a service call along 
      with materials required to complete the job. 

• What is an “OPD” valve?

OPD stands for “Overfill Prevention Device” which is installed on small propane cylinders.  This valve has several safety features built into it.  It ensures your cylinder cannot be overfilled.  Most cylinders with OPDs have special triangular handwheels with the letters “OPD” on them.  In Ohio and other states, a cylinder cannot be refilled without and OPD valve.   

• Why can I tell when my propane tank is emptying by the stronger odor of gas that is present when I use my stove?

Propane in its natural state is colorless and odorless.  An odorant, ethyl mercaptan, is added to the propane to act as a warning agent in case there is a leak in the piping.  Ethyl mercaptan is used most often because it has a number of favorable characteristics, one of which is that its vaporization curve is very similar, but not identical, to that of propane.  Because of this variation, the concentration of ethyl mercaptan in the liquid propane increases as the liquid level in the tank decreases.  Therefore, as the tank gets closer to empty, there is a higher concentration of odorant in the fuel gas vapor as it leaves the tank and travels to the appliances.  When the fuel is burned on a stove, the higher concentration of ethyl mercaptan causes the smell to become more intense.

• How do I calculate how much propane I will use in a season?

It is impossible to calculate exactly the amount of propane you will use in a season.  Many factors influence the amount,  such as outdoor temperature, wind velocity, insulation in your home, and thermostat settings,  just to name a few.  There is a good tool to use for estimating the amount of energy you might use in your home.  Go to www.usepropane.com  
           

• What is Propane?

Propane, also called LP Gas (liquefied petroleum gas) is a widely used fuel.  It is transported and stored as a very cold liquid which can cause a “freeze burn” or frostbite if it contacts the skin.  The liquid propane turns into a gas inside a tank or cylinder. 

• What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas.  Smoking a cigarette, idling a gasoline engine, and burning fuel oil, kerosene, natural gas and propane all produce CO.  High levels of CO can be produced when fuels are burned incompletely.