1. Check for critters. If you grill has been hibernating and covered for a few months, there could be some unwant4ed guests lurking. Evict any spiders or other nesting critters and clear out the cobwebs or other debris from the manifolds, burner valves, connectors, etc. Compressed air (available canned if you don’t own an air compressor) is an efficient way to do this. 2. Clean it. Use a cleaning utensil and soapy water to remove any gunk that has accumulated on the inside or outside of your grill. If you have a wire brush, consider replacing it. The wire bristles can fall off and cause serious injury if ingested. To avoid a trip to the emergency room, use a nylon brush, wooden scraper or grill-cleaning cloth. If you remove the burners and gas tubes for cleaning, make sure to cover their connection points with aluminum foil so they don’t corrode. Once you’ve scrubbed sufficiently, use a towel to dry the grill. 3. Prevent rust. Don’t let April showers disintegrate your grill. Consider painting the exterior of the grill with a rustproof metal paint. If you find existing rust, you can gently scrub it off with steel wool. Parts like handles, knobs and wheels that are beyond saving are inexpensive to replace. 4. Inspect the tank. Run a leak test. Coat the regulator, valves, and hoses with soapy water, then turn on the tank to pressurize the system. Look for bubbles, which indicate escaping gas. Tighten connections and try again; if there’s still a leak, replace the hoses or the tank, if need be. Next, if your grill lacks spider guards, use a bottle brush to clear out debris or insect […]
8 Small-Cylinder Safety tips
Small-Cylinder Safety What should I do if I smell gas? Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. If you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise). Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department. Before you restart the appliance, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder and appliance. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security. Odor fade is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of air, water, or rust in the cylinder. New and reconditioned small cylinders that sit too long before being filled are prone to internal rust when moisture and air get inside. How should I store small cylinders? NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent. NEVER store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to heat. NEVER store or place a spare cylinder under or near a barbecue grill. DO NOT smoke or have any ignition sources such as flames […]