Hey there! It’s your old pal Jeff, here to talk to you about the age-old question: is it safe to store a gas lawn mower in the garage? I mean, it’s not like we’re talking about storing a nuclear bomb or something.
But still, gas is flammable, and we all know that garage fires are no joke. So let’s dive in and take a look at the pros and cons of storing a gas lawn mower in the garage.
The Pros of Storing a Gas Lawn Mower in the Garage
There are a few reasons why you might want to store your gas lawn mower in the garage:
Convenience: The garage is probably the most convenient place to store your lawn mower. It’s close to the house, and you don’t have to worry about trudging through the snow or rain to get to it.
Protection from the elements: If you live in an area with harsh winters, storing your lawn mower in the garage can help protect it from the elements. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can all take a toll on your mower, so keeping it in the garage can help extend its lifespan.
Security: Storing your lawn mower in the garage can also help protect it from thieves. Most garage doors are locked, so it’s less likely that someone will try to steal your mower if it’s locked up in the garage.
The Cons of Storing a Gas Lawn Mower in the Garage
However, there are also a few drawbacks to storing your gas lawn mower in the garage:
Fire risk: As mentioned, gas is flammable, and a garage is a potential ignition source. If you store your lawn mower in the garage, it’s important to take precautions to prevent a fire. This includes keeping the mower away from any heat sources and making sure the garage is well-ventilated.
Fumes: Gasoline emits fumes, and these fumes can be harmful to your health if you’re exposed to them for extended periods of time. If you store your lawn mower in the garage, you’ll need to make sure the garage is well-ventilated to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful fumes.
What to Consider Before Storing a Gas Lawn Mower in the Garage
If you’re thinking about storing your gas lawn mower in the garage, here are a few things to consider:
The size of your garage: If you have a small garage, you might not have enough space to safely store your lawn mower. In this case, it might be better to store the mower in a shed or outbuilding.
The location of your garage: If your garage is located near your home or other buildings, it might not be the best place to store a gas lawn mower. The risk of fire or explosion is higher if the garage is located close to other structures.
The condition of your garage: If your garage is cluttered or dirty, it might not be the safest place to store a gas lawn mower. A clean, organized garage is less likely to have any ignition sources, so it’s a safer place to store your mower.
FAQ
Is it safe to store a gas lawn mower in the house?
No, it’s not safe to store a gas lawn mower inside your home. Gasoline emits fumes that can be harmful to your health if you’re exposed to them for extended periods of time.
In addition, a gas lawn mower is a potential fire hazard if it’s stored inside your home. It’s much safer to store the mower in a detached shed or outbuilding, or in a garage that’s well-ventilated and away from any ignition sources.
Can I store the gas for my lawn mower in the garage?
It’s generally not a good idea to store gas for your lawn mower in the garage.
Gas is flammable and it can emit fumes, so it’s important to store it in a well-ventilated area that’s away from any ignition sources.
A detached shed or outbuilding is a better place to store gas for your lawn mower. Just make sure the shed is well-ventilated and that the gas can is stored in a fireproof container.
What happens if I leave gas in my lawn mower over the winter?
If you leave gas in your lawn mower over the winter, it can go bad and clog up the carburetor and other parts of the mower. This can cause the mower to run poorly or not start at all when you go to use it in the spring.
To avoid this issue, it’s a good idea to drain the gas from your lawn mower before you put it away for the winter.
You can do this by running the mower until it’s out of gas or by using a siphon hose to drain the gas from the tank. This will help prevent any damage to your mower and ensure that it’s ready to go when the grass starts growing again.
In Conclusion: To Garage or Not to Garage
So, is it safe to store a gas lawn mower in the garage? It can be, as long as you take the necessary precautions.
Make sure the garage is well-ventilated and free from any ignition sources, and keep the mower away from heat sources and other flammable materials.
If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to store your lawnmower in the garage, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional or refer to the owner’s manual for guidance. Just remember, the most important thing is to keep your family and your property safe.
If you’re concerned about the risk of storing your gas lawn mower in the garage, it might be a better option to store it in a detached shed or outbuilding. Just be sure to follow the same safety guidelines and keep the mower away from any ignition sources.
In the end, the decision of where to store your gas lawn mower is up to you.
Just be sure to consider the pros and cons and take the necessary precautions to keep your family and your property safe. Happy mowing!