FAQs

Are you interested in knowing more? Call us at 844-997-3955, or check out our Frequently Asked Questions below.

Pay My Bill

How do I pay my bill?

You can send in a check using the provided envelope on the door hanger or in the invoice you receive in the mail. You can also call the office if you want to charge your balance on a credit or debit card. We also offer an online portal to pay your invoices. Please get in touch with the office to arrange for that option.

What is a tank rental charge?

When you rent a tank, North Cascades Propane assumes responsibility for equipment upkeep and maintenance of your propane system, including tank painting and the replacement of first-stage regulators. A nominal tank rental fee helps ensure that your propane system remains in excellent working condition.

When is my payment due?

Our payment terms are 30 days from the time of delivery. We send out statements on the first of the month if you have a balance on your account. Your Statements will also have your annual tank rental on them.

Is the ticket my driver leaves at the door my bill?

Yes, if you receive a ticket on your door, that is your proof of delivery and bill. If we do not leave a ticket, we will send you an invoice in the mail. We also send out statements monthly with all your charges and any tank rental charges. Please get in touch with the office if you would like your invoices emailed to you.

When should I schedule my Will Call delivery?

If you have chosen Will Call, we will not deliver propane until you call and request delivery. To ensure that you do not run out of gas, we require you to contact us when your tank is at or above 30%. We need a minimum of a two (2) week notice to schedule your delivery. If you neglect to give us adequate notice and we have to deliver off of our regularly scheduled route, there could be an off-route delivery charge of up to $95.00. If the tank runs entirely out of fuel, we will need to do a safety pressure test at the cost of $190.00. If you have any questions or would like to be put on our delivery schedule, please contact the office. Please note that during certain weather conditions outside the control of North Cascades Propane, the delivery period may be extended.

Do I have to be home when my delivery arrives?

As long as our driver can get to your tank to fill it, you do not need to be home during delivery. This includes making sure there’s a clear path to your tank, ensuring the area around the tank is free of brush and debris, and either putting pets inside or securing them so we can safely deliver your propane without interruption.

Can I request a call from my driver before he makes a delivery?

Various laws regulate the use of mobile phones and other electronics by motorists. Therefore, for the safety of our drivers and other motorists on the road, we do not encourage the use of electronics while making deliveries.

Propane Safety

I smell gas. What should I do?

At North Cascades Propane, the safety of our customers, employees, and members of the communities we serve is our top priority. If you smell gas inside or outside of your home:

NO FLAMES OR SPARKS. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
SHUT OFF THE GAS. If it is safe to do so, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

REPORT THE LEAK. Call your propane retailer right away from a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.
GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

Should I install a carbon monoxide detector or a propane gas detector? What kind do you recommend?

We recommend that a carbon monoxide (CO) detector listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) be installed on every level of your home. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.

Propane gas detectors provide an additional measure of security. Therefore, we recommend that you consider installing one or more propane gas detectors listed by UL in your home. But, again, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.

How can I prepare my propane system for a weather-related emergency?

If you’re facing severe weather, check out these safety recommendations.

Can I use my barbecue grill to keep my house warm if my power goes out?

NEVER use outdoor propane appliances (including patio heaters, barbecue grills, and portable generators) indoors or in enclosed areas; this can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. Only use appliances that are designed and approved for indoor heating use. Check out these additional safety recommendations.

Does propane ever expire?

The great thing about propane is that it lasts for years in a well-kept tank. If appropriately stored, the “shelf life” of propane is indefinite.

How do I light the pilots on my appliances?

Some things are best left to a professional, including lighting the pilots on your propane appliances. Part of our ongoing safety commitment to our valued customers is discouraging them from do-it-yourself activities such as this. Please call our office when you need to re-light a pilot?

What is an anode bag for an underground tank?

Underground propane tanks are subject to electrolysis and need protection to avoid the deteriorating effect. We accomplish this by using an anode bag attached by wire to the tank and placing it in the hole with the tank before being backfilled. An anode bag is a magnesium or zinc rod enclosed in a cloth bag with a moistening agent; it absorbs the electrical currents in the earth that would have ordinarily targeted the tank resulting in damage to the container. In short, the sacrificial anode bag acts as a “decoy” for the damaging currents that can harm a tank in an underground environment.

General Propane Questions

I’ve never used propane before. So what do I need to know?

Propane households operate much like any other home, with a few notable exceptions. An excellent place to start is by reading our Safety Information, which covers the basics of storing and using propane safely. You can also call our office, and we will be happy to answer your questions.

What uses propane in my house?

Propane is a clean, environmentally friendly fuel, and propane appliances maximize energy efficiency, helping reduce costs and consumption in your home. Propane is most commonly used for heating and powering appliances such as stoves, water heaters, dryers, and generators.

How can I use propane if I don’t have propane-powered appliances?

There are many uses for propane aside from heating and powering appliances indoors. Propane is commonly used for outdoor grilling, but you can also use it for outdoor kitchens, lighting, patio heaters, fire pits, and swimming pools.

Tank and Equipment

I just took a fill, but my tank is not 100 percent full. Why not?

Because propane expands as the temperature warms, we only fill propane tanks to 80 percent capacity.

How far can my tank be set from my driveway?

Several factors are considered when deciding where to set a tank, including local building and safety codes. As a general rule, propane tanks should be within 100 feet of delivery vehicle access. Please get in touch with our office for more details.

How do I read the gauge on my tank?

The gauge is usually located under the hood on the top of your tank. Lift the hood* and find the dial with numbers from 5 to 95. Those numbers indicate the percentage of propane in your tank. If you are a Will Call customer, please contact us to schedule a delivery when your gauge reaches 30 percent. *Make sure to be careful when opening the lid as insects sometimes nest there.

How do I maintain my tank?

North Cascades Propane is proud to keep your tank and propane system in working order. However, we ask that you please keep grass and brush from growing up and around your tank. Likewise, do not use the area immediately around your tank for storage. These precautions will help ensure your safety and provide your delivery driver with easy access to your tank.

I own my tank, and I want to paint it. What color can I use?

You should pick a light, reflective color. Do NOT pick a dark color. Dark colors retain heat. Heat can cause excess pressure to build in the tank, causing the relief valve to discharge. Also, be sure that you do not paint tank valves, caps, regulators, or data plates.

Can I lock my tank dome cover?

No. The emergency valve for shutting off the entire system is located under the dome cover. Dome covers should NEVER be locked. They are designed to protect various valves and fittings from the elements.

Can I bury my propane tank?

Installation of an underground propane tank is a job only for trained installation technicians. Please get in touch with our office for more details.