Preventing a Propane Regulator from Freezing

A man adjusts a propane regulator.

A propane regulator is a safety device connecting the propane tank to a gas cooking appliance. It is used to control the flow of highly pressurized propane gas. Propane regulators are often made of brass and aluminum, which are spark-resistant materials that are ideal for the highly-flammable propane gas.

A propane regulator is vulnerable to freezing due to the low temperatures of highly pressurized propane gas. Below are some ways that you can prevent your propane regulator from freezing.

Elevate Your Propane Tank

Place your propane tank on a pedestal or any stable and elevated platform to ensure that the propane tank outlet is at a slightly higher position. This prevents liquid propane from leaking out of the regulator.

Use a Propane Regulator Cover

Two propane tanks next to each other.

You can purchase a propane regulator cover at any home improvement store or simply put a slightly damp cloth over the regulator.

Adjust the Regulator Vent Hole

A propane gas regulator is normally equipped with a vent hole. Adjust the regulator vent hole in a way that it points down to drain out the moisture from the regulator instead of building up and freezing the regulator.

Preventing a Propane Regulator from Freezing FAQ

How cold does it have to be for a propane regulator to freeze?

Propane resists freezing in all normal weather conditions. In fact, it will stay unfrozen all the way up to negative 306.4 degrees F, a temperature so extreme it's highly doubtful that your propone could ever possibly get that cold.

However, propane regulators can freeze under the right conditions. In the right conditions that are both humid and cold, condensation can form that becomes frost on the regulator.

Does cold weather affect propane regulators?

Cold weather will have an effect on propane regulators. As the cold temperatures get lower, the pressure in the propane tank decreases.

If the pressure is low enough, the regulator will not work at all.

Can you put heat tape on propane regulator?

Heat tape is an elegant and easy solution when your propane regulator has frozen or developed some frost. Wrap the tape carefully around the regulator and within an hour, it should be unthawed enough to be used.

How do I keep my propane tank warm in the winter?

There are a few ways you can keep your propane tank warm even in the extreme cold. First, you could bring it inside or place it in the garage during winter months.

You can also use a heating blanket to keep the tank warm. Don't ever use a space heater near a propane tank or attempt to use a heat gun or open flame to warm up the tank.

Can you pour hot water on a frozen propane tank?

If there is frost on the outside of your propane tank, leave it there. You don't want to pour hot water on the tank, as this can cause major problems in the future.

Allow the tank to unthaw on its own and know that the propane inside the tank will remain unfrozen, even when there is frost on the outside of the tank.