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Prevent yourself from running out of gas with this helpful guide
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Most propane tanks for grilling, camping, and heating a home don’t come with a pressure gauge, but we're here to explain how to tell if your tank is running low. There are several easy ways to test if your tank is empty, like weighing it, running hot water over the side, or installing a pressure gauge. Keep reading to learn how to tell how much propane is left in your tank and signs that it’s almost empty!
How can you tell if a propane tank is empty?
- Weigh the tank: subtract the tank’s tare weight from its total weight to see how much propane is left.
- Do the hot water test: pour water on the side of the tank and feel where it’s cool, which indicates where the propane level is.
- Install a pressure gauge and use it to check if the tank is full, low, or empty.
Steps
Section 1 of 7:
Weighing a Grill Propane Tank to Tell if It’s Empty
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Turn off the propane tank and disconnect it from your appliance. Turn the valve on top of the tank clockwise (right) to shut off the flow of propane. Then, turn the connector knob counterclockwise (left) to disconnect the tank from your grill (or whichever appliance it’s attached to). [1] X Research source
- Warning : Propane is highly flammable. [2] X Research source Make sure your grill or appliance is completely shut off and unplugged before disconnecting the propane tank.
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Find the tare weight on the handle of the tank. All propane tanks are printed with the tare weight, labeled “TW,” on the side of the handle. The tare weight is the weight of the tank when it’s empty. [3] X Research source
- You might see another number on the handle labeled “WC,” which is the tank’s water capacity. You don’t need this number to estimate how much propane is left.
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Weigh your propane tank on a scale. Place the propane tank on a bathroom scale. Then, write down the weight of the tank. [4] X Research source
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Subtract the tare weight from the tank’s weight. To see how much propane is left, subtract the tank’s tare weight from the tank’s total weight that you just measured. This provides you with an estimate of how many pounds (kg) of propane are left in the tank. [5] X Research source
- For example : If your tank’s tare weight is 18 lbs (8 kg) and its total current weight is 25 lbs (11 kg), subtract 18 from 25 to get 7. So, there are about 7 lbs (3 kg) of propane left in the tank.
- Note : Weighing your tank just gives you an estimate of how much propane is left, not an exact amount.
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Section 2 of 7:
Using Hot Water to Tell if a Propane Tank is Empty
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Shut off the propane tank and then disconnect it. Twist the valve on top of the propane tank all the way to the right (clockwise) to turn off the propane flow. Then, twist the connector knob to the left (counterclockwise) to disconnect the tank from the appliance it’s attached to. [6] X Research source
- Warning : Turn off and unplug your grill or other appliance before disconnecting the propane tank. Propane is highly flammable.
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Pour hot water onto the tank and find where it feels cool. Fill a jug or bucket with hot water and pour it down the side of the tank. Then, press your hand against the side of the tank to see where it changes from feeling warm to cool. All the cool area below the transition line is the amount of propane left in the tank. [7] X Research source
- Propane absorbs heat, so the outside of the tank feels cool wherever the propane is. The outside of the tank feels warm wherever there is just air inside the tank.
- If the propane fill level feels low in the tank, it’s likely time to get a refill.
- Note : The water test only gives you a rough estimate of how much propane is left in the tank; it is not a precise measurement.
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Section 3 of 7:
Installing a Pressure Gauge to Tell if a Propane Tank is Empty
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Turn off and then disconnect the propane tank. Close the valve on top of the tank by turning it clockwise (right); this shuts off the flow of propane. Then, twist the knob on the connecter counterclockwise (left) to detach the tank from your grill or appliance. [8] X Research source
- Warning : Propane is very flammable. Ensure the grill or appliance the propane tank is connected to is completely shut off and unplugged before disconnecting the tank.
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Tighten a pressure gauge onto the propane tank. Hold the pressure gauge to the propane tank’s connector pipe with the black knob facing the tank. Then, twist the knob clockwise (right) to tighten the gauge onto the tank. [9] X Research source
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Reconnect the propane tank to the hose and then turn it on. Tighten the connector hose onto the pressure gauge by twisting the black knob clockwise (right). Ensure that both the hose and gauge are completely tight. Then, turn the valve on top of the tank counterclockwise (left) to turn on the flow of propane. [10] X Research source
- Warning : Put on nitrile or neoprene gloves and safety goggles before turning the propane tank back on in case there are any gas leaks. Exposure to propane can cause frostbite. [11] X Research source
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Spray the gauge and connector with soapy water to test for leaks. Pour 1 cup (237 ml) of water and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap into a spray bottle. Then, thoroughly spray the gauge fitting and hose connector with the soapy water. Check for any bubbles forming around the gauge and connector—this means there is a gas leak. [12] X Research source
- If your tank is leaking , shut off the flow of propane by twisting the valve clockwise. Then, tighten the gauge and connector. Reapply the soapy water and check for bubbling again.
- If your tank continues to bubble after tightening the gauge and connector, your tank might be damaged. Call a registered LP (liquefied petroleum) gas technician to check your tank.
- Propane also has a distinct, rotten egg smell. Smelling this odor is another sign that your tank has a leak.
- Warning : Propane is highly flammable, which is why it’s important to check for leaks. Ensure the appliance the tank is connected to is turned off. Do not check for leaks near an open flame, around other flammable objects, or while smoking. [13] X Research source
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Check the pressure gauge’s reading. As soon as you turn the gas back on, the gauge’s needle moves to show you how much propane is in the tank. Most gauges have 3 indicator levels: “Gas” (the needle points to the fullness of the tank), “Low Gas” (the tank is almost empty), and a red portion that means it’s time to refill the tank. [14] X Research source
- For 20 lb (9 kg) propane tanks, the gauge typically moves from “Gas” to “Low Gas” when the tank has around 5 lbs (2.3 kg) of propane left.
- Note : Propane decreases in volume when the temperature outside lowers and increases in volume when the temperature rises. So, the gauge may not be as accurate in very cold or hot weather. [15] X Research source
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Tips
- Check for gas leaks whenever you reconnect the hose connector or attach a new fitting (like a gauge) to the tank. [26] X Research sourceThanks
- Store propane tanks outdoors in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Keep them upright and away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, as propane is very flammable. [27] X Research sourceThanks
- If your propane tank is too old or damaged to refill, take it to your area’s hazardous waste facility for disposal . Or, contact the propane company to see if they recycle old tanks. [28] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Keep propane tanks away from open flames, sparks, embers, flammable objects/materials, and heat sources. Propane is extremely flammable and can potentially cause an explosion. [29] X Research sourceThanks
- Do not use a damaged or warped propane tank, as this can increase your risk of potential harm or injury. [30] X Research sourceThanks
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Thanks
- Turn the propane valve off whenever the tank is not in use. Make sure any appliances connected to the propane are shut off, too. [32] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8Ov568aewdE?si=siBvtwuAVu1T-yFq&t=31
- ↑ https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1594.pdf
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/ways-to-estimate-how-much-propane-you-have-left/
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/ways-to-estimate-how-much-propane-you-have-left/
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/ways-to-estimate-how-much-propane-you-have-left/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8Ov568aewdE?si=siBvtwuAVu1T-yFq&t=31
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/ways-to-estimate-how-much-propane-you-have-left/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/7sL-MXg-97U?si=P7KYJ8rQ8AxVmwWM&t=41
- ↑ https://youtu.be/7sL-MXg-97U?si=Y6Aeb_175ssq4s1Y&t=72
- ↑ https://youtu.be/7sL-MXg-97U?si=ZqhVFNYSki9uEZKr&t=98
- ↑ https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1594.pdf
- ↑ https://discover.pbcgov.org/pbcfr/CRRD/Documents/Checking%20for%20LPG%20Gas%20Leaks.pdf
- ↑ https://www.mafes.msstate.edu/publications/safety-newsletters/15/20150622.pdf
- ↑ https://youtu.be/7sL-MXg-97U?si=WvbOPcnvZNbKq6Y0&t=126
- ↑ https://www.propaneiowa.com/how-much-propane-do-you-have-left/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/qX3qCTHA6DQ?si=_fWPj4lAVutKX9PM&t=14
- ↑ https://youtu.be/74l1Wgs-1TM?si=M_TdW-aSEOLFEW5F&t=93
- ↑ https://okgas.nl/en/veelgestelde-vragen/wat-is-telemetrie-en-hoe-werkt-het/
- ↑ https://www.kauffmangas.com/blog/7-signs-its-time-for-a-propane-refill/
- ↑ https://www.kauffmangas.com/blog/7-signs-its-time-for-a-propane-refill/
- ↑ https://www.kauffmangas.com/blog/11-signs-your-home-needs-a-new-propane-tank/
- ↑ https://www.amerigas.com/amerigas-blog/propane-tanks/refill-v-exchange
- ↑ https://www.kauffmangas.com/blog/how-often-should-you-refill-your-propane-tank/
- ↑ https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/standards/lp-gas/lp-gas-faq-and-interests-consumers/standards-lp-gas-faq-consumers#ItookmycylindertogetitfilledandtheyturnedmedownWhathappened-2173
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/ways-to-estimate-how-much-propane-you-have-left/
- ↑ https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/propane-handling.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/standards/lp-gas/lp-gas-faq-and-interests-consumers/standards-proper-storage-propane-containers
- ↑ https://www.yorkcounty.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=715
- ↑ https://www.mafes.msstate.edu/publications/safety-newsletters/15/20150622.pdf
- ↑ https://www.hpba.org/Consumer-Information/Barbecue-Outdoor-Living/Grill-Safety/Gas-Grill
- ↑ https://www.bismarcknd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/34906/Gas-and-Propane-Safety-BBPH
- ↑ https://www.mafes.msstate.edu/publications/safety-newsletters/15/20150622.pdf
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