# Spring Propane Checklist: What Every NM Homeowner Should Inspect

Spring in New Mexico means longer days, warming afternoons, and—for many of us in Pecos, Mountainair, Moriarty, and the surrounding areas—the start of the outdoor season. It's also the perfect time to give your propane system a once-over. Winter can be tough on tanks and lines, and a few minutes of inspection now can catch small issues before they become safety problems or service emergencies.

We've been delivering propane to families and small businesses across central New Mexico for years, and we've learned that a little spring maintenance goes a long way. Here's what you should check, and when to call us for the professional work.

Walk Around Your Tank

Start with the basics. Walk out to your propane tank and look at it from all angles. Is it sitting level on its stand? Over time, settling ground or freeze-thaw cycles can shift a tank slightly. If it's noticeably tilted, let us know—we can help stabilize it.

Check for any obvious damage: dents, rust, or corrosion. Small surface rust is normal in our high-altitude, dry climate, but deep pitting or large rust patches warrant a professional inspection. Also look for any signs of leaks—a strong rotten-egg smell (that's the odorant we add to propane) near the tank or regulator is a red flag. If you smell it, don't investigate further; call us or your local fire department right away.

Inspect the Regulator and Lines

Your regulator sits on top of or near the tank and controls gas pressure to your home. Look for cracks in the plastic cover, loose fittings, or corrosion around the metal parts. Gently check that all visible connections are tight—but don't use a wrench unless you know what you're doing. If something looks off, that's a job for our team.

If you have exposed propane lines running to your house, trace them visually. Are they secured to the wall or ground? Do they show signs of damage from weather, animals, or UV exposure? In our rural areas around Pecos and Mountainair, we sometimes see lines chewed or abraded by wildlife. If a line looks compromised, don't use the system—call us for a professional inspection and repair.

Check Your Tank's Clearance and Paint

Propane tanks need breathing room. Check that your tank is at least 10 feet away from windows, doors, vents, and air intakes. This isn't just a rule—it's a safety buffer. If you've added a patio, shed, or other structure near your tank over the past year, now's the time to verify clearance.

Spring is also a good time to think about tank paint. Our New Mexico sun is intense, and UV exposure can fade and eventually damage the tank's protective coating. If your tank's paint is peeling, chalky, or worn through to bare metal, a fresh coat helps prevent rust and keeps your system looking maintained. We can discuss repainting options when you call—it's a straightforward service that extends tank life.

Look at Your Appliances and Vents

Inside your home, check the vents on any propane appliances—water heaters, furnaces, stoves, or fireplaces. Make sure they're clear of dust, cobwebs, or debris. Winter can clog these vents, and spring cleaning is a good time to gently brush them out.

If you have a gas fireplace or heater, test it briefly to make sure it ignites smoothly and the flame is steady and blue (not yellow or orange, which can indicate incomplete combustion). If it's sluggish or the flame looks off, that's worth a professional tune-up.

When to Call Us for a Professional Service Visit

If you spot any of these during your inspection, schedule a service visit:

Visible rust, dents, or corrosion on the tank
Loose or corroded fittings
A rotten-egg smell near the tank or lines
Damaged or exposed propane lines
Regulator cracks or leaks
Appliances that don't ignite smoothly or have odd-colored flames
Tank clearance issues

Our team can handle leak detection, line repairs, regulator replacement, tank repainting, and full system inspections. We'll also make sure everything meets local safety standards and is ready for the season ahead.

Get Ready for Spring

A spring propane check-up is one of those tasks that takes an hour but can prevent headaches down the road. If you're in Pecos, Mountainair, Moriarty, or anywhere in our 35-mile service radius, we're here to help. Whether you spot something that needs attention or just want a professional to give your system a thorough once-over, reach out to us.

Call (505) 407-2260 or visit https://southwestpropane.org to schedule a service visit or ask any questions about your propane system. We're ready to help you start the season safely.

Spring propane checklist: what every NM homeowner should inspect