Does a gas can need to be vented?

Asked by: Jessica Tipton

Sticking to Your Old Gas Can So for best results when fueling up with a gas can, it does need a vent. That’s why you should stick to your old one.

Are gas cans supposed to be vented?

In 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instated new regulations for portable fuel containers (AKA gas cans) and outlawing all those that have a vent hole in them.

How do you safely vent a gas can?

And there you go you have a vent in your gas can. You can just crack this open. Two four and snug it up when you're done very convenient and it seals airtight.

Why did they stop venting gas cans?

Well, back in 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency banned the sale of gas cans that actually work well. It seems the federal bureaucrats were wringing their hands over a whiff of gas vapors escaping into the atmosphere from a vent while the gasoline is being poured. So, vented gas cans were outlawed.

Can a gas can explode if left in the sun?

No, the gas bottle will not explode. When the sun is shining and the temperature rises, the pressure in the gas bottle obviously rises as well. Gas bottles have been designed in such a way that they are resistant to increasing pressure, but it is obviously better to keep the gas bottles out of the sun.

Should I leave gas cans be vented when stored?

Yes, gas cans should be vented, as the fuel vapors expand and contract as temperature changes. With this being said, make sure to store gas away from any possible flame sources (heater, water heater, etc.) and keep away from sparks.

Does plastic gas can need vent?

So for best results when fueling up with a gas can, it does need a vent. That’s why you should stick to your old one.

What is a self venting gas can?

Self venting spout eliminates the vent plug from the can, producing a safer and easier to use gas can. Cap is self locking for added security. Made from high density polyethylene they are tough, lightweight, crush-proof, rustproof, non-corroding and safer than metal.

Why do gas cans swell?

You see, unlike other liquids, gasoline is more volatile and tends to vaporize much faster (at room temperature) due to its weak intermolecular attraction. Following constant temperature fluctuations, the gasoline vapor inside the plastic can will either expand or contract causing the container to swell or shrink.

Can a gas can be left outside?

Never store gasoline in your home. Storing gas in your home is not just a serious fire hazard, but a public health hazard as well. Exposure to the fumes is associated with certain health risks. Gasoline should always be kept in an outdoor structure such as a tool shed, storage barn, or separate garage.

Is it safe to store a gas can in the garage?

What you should not store in your garage. Extra fuel: Stashing portable gas cans and propane tanks in the garage can be dangerous: Highly flammable fuel poses a leaking risk.

Can a gas can catch fire?

Explosions typically occur when the vapors inside the gas can come into contact with flames or heat outside the can. A nearby open flame, cigarettes, sparks from appliance motors, or even static electricity can ignite gasoline vapor and cause the gas can to explode.

Which is safer metal or plastic gas cans?

Metal gas cans should be vented for safety. If they’re exposed to fire conditions, they could build up pressure and explode. While plastic cans can benefit from venting as well, they can be expected to melt in a fire, as opposed to exploding.

Can a gas can explode in a garage?

ATLANTA — A simple item you probably have in your garage could be dangerous. Recent testing by the gas can industry confirmed how fumes inside your gas can could cause it to explode. Channel 2 consumer investigator Jim Strickland found out a fix to prevent it from happening would cost just a nickel.

Is it safe to store gasoline in a hot shed?

Storing gasoline in less than ideal temperatures—like in a hot shed—can be done if proper precautions are taken. Gasoline is flammable, so it needs a spark to actually ignite. Heat alone won’t cause gasoline to combust, but it will cause it to expand, which means your container might explode under the right conditions.

Where is the safest place to store gas cans?

Keep gasoline containers tightly closed and handle them gently to avoid spills. Gasoline is a flammable liquid and should be stored at room temperature, away from potential heat sources such as the sun, a hot water heater, space heater or a furnace, and a least 50 feet away from ignition sources, such as pilot lights.

Where should I keep my gas can?

Leave cans in a shed, detached garage or another well-ventilated area else that’s not close to living spaces. Store gas cans at room temperature and far from flames or sparks. Make sure children and pets don’t go near gas cans. Check containers once a month for potential leaks.

Where should I store my gas cans for winter?

Keep it out of the sunlight



Heat is never good news when it comes to flammable liquids, so make sure to store your gasoline in a cool, dry place away from the sun’s rays.

Can you leave a gas can outside in the winter?

It’s also possible to keep a gas can or tank completely empty throughout the winter. Though you will still have condensation build up, there won’t be any gas inside for it to mix with. It’s not recommended that you keep a gas tank in a vehicle empty for very long as that can cause rust inside.

How long is gas good for in a can?

In general, pure gas begins to degrade and lose its combustibility as a result of oxidation and evaporation in three to six months, if stored in a sealed and labeled metal or plastic container. Ethanol-gasoline blends have a shorter shelf life of two to three months.

Is it safe to store gasoline outside in winter?

Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed, and store just enough to power your gasoline-fueled equipment. Keep gasoline, inside a clearly marked container that’s labeled and approved for gasoline storage, and out of reach of children.

How long do plastic gas cans last?

three to six months

Though it naturally degrades and loses combustibility over time due to oxidation (exposure to oxygen) and evaporation of its volatile compounds, gasoline usually lasts three to six months when properly stored in a labeled, tightly sealed plastic container or metal tank of the capacity recommended by your fire …

What is the best way to store gasoline long term?

Keep your fuel tanks stored in a garage or shed, in a well-ventilated area. Be sure your tanks are not in direct sunlight, and keep them away from any other sources of heat, such as space heaters and your vehicles’ exhaust pipes. Periodically, inspect your storage tanks for pressurization.