When a winter storm tears through New England, it leaves more than snowdrifts and fallen branches behind. Extreme cold, heavy ice, high winds, and flooding can all take a toll on your home’s propane system—often in ways you can’t see right away.
At Tankfarm, we believe peace of mind starts with knowledge. Whether you weathered a nor'easter, an ice storm, or days of sub-zero temperatures, here’s how to safely check your system, know when to call a professional, and get ready for whatever winter throws at you next.
Why Winter Storms Stress Propane Systems
Propane is one of the most reliable home energy sources in extreme weather. But, the equipment that delivers it still lives outside in the elements.
Storms can cause:
- Ground shifting that moves underground gas lines
- Snow and ice buildup that damages regulators and vents
- Flooding that contaminates or compromises equipment
- Wind-driven debris that bends, cracks, or disconnects lines
Even small issues can become safety risks if they go unnoticed. The good news? You can do a lot yourself, safely, before ever picking up the phone.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
These simple visual checks can help you spot problems early without touching anything or risking exposure.
1. Look at Your Propane Tank Area
After a storm, walk around your tank and check for:
- Leaning or shifted tanks
- Visible dents, cracks, or corrosion
- Snow, ice, or debris piled on top
- A missing or bent tank dome
Your tank should sit level on its pad, upright, and clear of heavy snow and ice. If it looks like it moved, even slightly, that’s a reason to call a professional.
2. Clear Snow and Ice from Key Components
Your propane system needs airflow to operate safely. Carefully clear snow and ice from:
- The tank top
- The regulator (usually under the dome)
- Vent pipes on your house
⚠️ Never chip ice off with sharp tools. Use your hands, a soft broom, or warm (not hot) water.
Blocked vents can cause pressure issues or carbon monoxide buildup inside your home.
3. Check for the Smell of Gas
Propane has a strong, rotten-egg odor added for safety.
If you smell gas:
- Leave the area immediately
- Do not turn lights on or off
- Do not use your phone inside the home
- Call emergency services and your propane provider from outside
If you don’t smell gas, that’s a good sign—but continue your visual checks.
4. Test Your Appliances
Turn on your:
- Furnace
- Water heater
- Stove
- Generator (if applicable)
Listen for:
- Clicking that won’t stop
- Delayed ignition
- Unusual roaring or popping sounds
- Appliances that won’t start
Anything that feels “off” after a storm is worth a professional look.
When to Call a Propane Professional
Some issues are invisible to homeowners—and trying to fix them yourself is dangerous. Call for professional service if you notice:
- Your tank moved, tilted, or sunk
- Floodwater touched any propane equipment
- Ice or falling branches struck your tank
- Gas odor at any time
- Appliances failing or behaving strangely
- Low tank levels during extreme cold
At Tankfarm, our technicians don’t just refill tanks—we perform full system safety checks, pressure testing, and regulator inspections after severe weather.
Why Tankfarm Customers Worry Less
Winter storms make propane deliveries harder just when demand is highest. That’s why Tankfarm uses wireless tank monitors that track fuel levels automatically.
When your tank runs low, we know—so you don’t have to check in freezing weather or risk running out during a storm.
No guessing. No emergency calls. Just reliable, uninterrupted warmth.
Preparing for the Next Cold Snap
Storm recovery is only half the story. Smart homeowners use this time to prepare for the next one.
Top Winter Propane Prep Tips
1. Keep Your Tank at Least 30% Full. Cold weather increases fuel use dramatically. Low tank levels can hinder efficient propane vaporization.
2. Keep Your Tank Accessible. Shovel a clear path to your tank. Mark it with a bright flag so drivers can find it under snow.
3. Trim Nearby Branches. Falling limbs are one of the most common causes of storm-related propane damage.
4. Schedule a Professional System Review. A quick inspection now can prevent outages, leaks, and costly emergency calls later.
Read the full preparation guide at this link.
The Tankfarm Difference
We built Tankfarm to be the maverick of the propane industry—blending rugged reliability with modern technology. That means:
- Wireless tank monitoring
- Proactive deliveries
- Safety-first system checks
- Transparent, fair pricing
- Real humans who pick up the phone
After a storm, you shouldn’t have to wonder if your home is safe or your tank is running low. We make sure you don’t.
Stay Warm. Stay Safe. Stay Ahead.
Winter in New England isn’t getting easier—but your propane system can be smarter, safer, and more reliable with the right partner.
If you’ve just been through a storm—or want to be ready for the next one—schedule a free in-home propane system review with Tankfarm today.
We’ll check everything, answer your questions, and make sure your home stays warm no matter what winter throws your way.
👉 Call (860) 390-4422 or visit Tankfarm.io
