Stored gas in hot garage
 

I heard that it's potentially dangerous (due to garage heat in the hot summer months and/or lack of suitable ventilation) to store a gas can (with gas) in your garage...for such purpose as filling your lawn mower or gas golf cart.

If -- and I say if -- this is true, then why is it safe to park your gas-filled car in the garage during the same hot summer months?

What's the difference? What am I missing? Is it safe to store a gas-filled storage container in your garage; if so, any stipulations? Serious responses, please. Thank you.

Gene

Thats a great question, that maybe Fire Dept should answer??? I think like you, if car can be stored in garage, why not gas cans? I used to store cans up north, but not as hot. Also, never filled them to top for expansion? Curious what people will say?

The newer cars nowadays have "closed fuel systems". When they're working properly, they don't vent to the atmosphere............which is different from your everyday gas can.

Gasoline vapors are heavier than air. So as long as there's no source of ignition close to your garage floor, there shouldn't be an issue storing a gasoline container in your garage. Leave a little room in the top of the container for fuel expansion - don't fill the container clear to the absolute top.

Even though the natural gas furnaces and hot water heaters that are in some of the garages are mounted up on a platform, I'd personally choose to keep any gasoline containers far away from those ignition sources.

Bill :)

Guide To Storing Gasoline For Generators « CBS Miami

The best way to store gasoline is in a well ventilated area separate from the house.

I remember about 5 yrs ago there was a huge explosion and fire that erupted in a garage at a house in Poinciana. It apparently was due to a container of gasoline that was sitting very close to the gas water heater. Someone was taking a shower in the house and when the water heater came on it exploded the nearby gas can. The house burned down. I think that was one of the reasons why the newer houses no longer have gas.

I lived the first 50 years in Missouri and the summer temps got to 100+ almost every summer. I always stored my gas can (s) in the "hot" garage and never had an issue. It's actually slightly cooler here in TV and I haven't thought twice about storing my gas can in the garage. I do think the danger might be a little higher here in TV as many homes have the hot water heater and furnace in the garage and either one of these might ignite fumes from a gas can.

Not a problem for 13 years.


If you hear a :boom: you know I was wrong.

I have a gas water heater in our garage and store several gallons of gas in the garage for lawn equipment. I do store it near the garage door and away from any ignition source. Common sense will keep you safe. All the new homes in TV have electric water heaters so it would be even less of an issue. Use proper approved containers. If you can smell gas in your garage, you have a potential problem.

I rented a home several years ago in Pensacola and noticed the garage was all new and the rest of the house was about 20 years old. I was told the guy cutting the grass sat the gas can down inside the garage without putting the lid back on the can. The fumes spread across to the pilot light on the gas hot water heater and the garage blew up.

I store gas in a 5 gallon plastic can in my garage now, but our hot water heater is electric and the can is 20' across the room. Plus with our garage screen, the door is open most of the time during daylight. I've had no problems in two years.

See "Guidelines for Storing Gasoline" (page 8) of the attached "GASOLINE SAFETY Educator’s Guide". The first guideline listed is "Don’t store gasoline in the house or garage!"

Don't want to hijack but...any tips on storing LP gas grills for snowbirds. I usually roll it into the garage, disconnect the tank and all's been ok when we return. Any thoughts?

Great feedback, folks.

I welcome any more relevant remarks.

THANK YOU!


Gene

I suppose we could store it in that shed,:jester: in the back of all our yards.

Keep in a sealed gas can, keep in front of garage where door is vented and you will not have any problem. Gas fumes and most others sink (exception helium), water heater is elevated. Garage doors have vents for a reason.

I keep my gas cans outside the house on the north side, so they're never in the sun. Maybe it's okay to keep them in the garage, but I'd just as soon not.