How To Check Propane Tank Levels (4 Ways To Do It!)
Most people have a propane tank at their house. Whether they use it for a grill or a fire pit, propane tanks are a great tool. It can get annoying when a propane tank is empty without you even realizing it, which can ruin a fun day.
There is no transparency with the tank’s outer metal shell to tell how much propane you have left. The good news is there are different methods and tools you can use. So you might be wondering how to check propane tank levels.
To check the propane tank levels, you can put warm water on the tank and feel for the cool spot. There are propane tank gauges, scales, and a mathematical method to tell how full the tank is. All of these methods are pretty accurate, and they work.
Different Methods on How to Check the Level of Your Propane Tank
Listed are some different methods you can use to check the level of your propane tank. All of these methods below are widely used to this day.
Method 1: The Warm Water and Cool Hand Method Is the Oldest Trick
This is the easiest and quickest method to use to check the level of your propane tank. You will need to dump warm water on the tank and rub your hand along the side of the tank.
As you run your hand down the tank, you will feel a cold spot where the propane is. As the tank heats up from the hot water, the propane reacts by creating a cold spot at the head level.
Method 2: Use Your Propane Tank Gauge
Propane gauges read the pressure in the tank to determine the level of propane in the tank. Some propane tanks will come with a gauge. This gauge will tell you an accurate reading by percentage.
It is recommended that you refill or get a new tank when it is around 10-15% full. Should your propane tank not come with a gauge, you can buy one at a local hardware store.
Method 3: Use the Tipping the Scale Method
This method is a very precise way to read your propane tank levels. You will have to remove the propane tank from whatever it is attached to and weigh it for this method. Most propane tanks that are full will weigh in between 17-20 pounds.
After using your propane, the weight of the tank will decrease. With this method, it’s recommended that you think about refilling your tank when it dwindles to about five pounds.
Method 4: The Mathematical Method Is Difficult but Accurate
This is probably the most challenging method to check your propane tank level because it requires some math. Below are the steps of the equation.
- Convert the pounds to gallons. You will divide the weight of your tank by 4.2 to convert it to gallons.
- Know What is in a Gallon. One gallon of propane produces 92,000 BTU’s of energy.
- Equation → Cooking Time = # of Gallons*92,000/Max BTU Per Hour of the Grill. Most propane has about 14 -15 hours of cooking time at the highest temperature. If you cook on a lower setting, you will get a longer cooking time for the propane.
How to Know if Your Propane Tank Is Expired?
Expiration dates are not usually a big deal with propane tanks. Like most products or equipment, an expiration date is used for safekeeping. Most portable propane tanks have an expiration date of around 10-12 years.
What to Do When Your Propane Tank is Empty?
You have a couple of options. You can dispose of it and buy a new one, or you can find a local store that will refill your tank. If you dispose of it, it is critical to keep the environment in mind and make 100 percent sure it is empty.
Tips to Follow When Reading a Propane Gauge
Listed below is advice to help you when using a propane tank gauge.
- Find your propane tank’s gauge.
- The tank will never read above 80% because the tank is left with room to expand based on outside temperature changes.
- The numbers on the gauge will show the propane levels in terms of percentage.
- Get a replacement tank if your tank reads 20% or less.
- Close the lid to your gauge when you are finished.
When to Call for Propane Service
If you’re having problems with your propane, you might need to call someone to look at your propane tank. One major issue that is common is a leak which will cause an odor of gas to be coming from your tank.
If you do smell propane, it is recommended that you automatically turn the propane off. Next, find the cause of the issue for your safety.
An odor of gas could also indicate that your propane tank is empty or close to empty. If you are uncomfortable or cannot find the root of the problem, you can always call a local professional to help.
How Do You Dispose of Your Empty Propane Tank?
Everyone with propane tanks should know this is an important question because it is not as easy as just tossing it. Below are some different options for disposing of your propane tank.
1. Bring Your Empty Tank to a Propane Tank Supplier Store
Such stores as Home Depot will take your empty propane tanks to dispose of when you purchase a new one.
2. Refill Your Empty Propane Tanks
If you can re-use your tank, you can take it to a local propane tank supplier such as Home Depot.
3. Bring Them to a Local Propane Gas Company
If you have a local propane gas company, you can take it to them to dispose of the tank.
4. Check With Local Waste Management Companies
Some local waste management companies will take empty propane tanks in weekly trash pickups.
5. Locate a Hazardous Waste Facility
If your propane tank still has gas in it, you should search for your nearest hazardous waste facility. They will take tanks that are not empty.
6. Reach Out to Your Town Hall
Some towns and cities will have a local cleanup where you can take your empty propane tanks for disposal.
7. Bring the Tanks to the Local Metal Scrap Yard
Search for a local metal scrap yard as most of them will take your empty propane tanks.
Propane Tank Safety Tips
Below are some things to make sure you are using your propane tank safely
- Make sure that when you are not using your grill, you turn off the valves. This is a necessary safety measure, and it will also make sure that you are not wasting propane.
- Keep your reserve tanks at a minimum just in case.
- Don’t leave a portable propane tank in your car. If there is an extreme temperature, this could cause issues with your tank.
- Make sure to secure your portable propane tanks correctly. This will ensure that no gas leaks from the tank and that you aren’t wasting your propane.
- Ensure that if your propane tank is worn or weathered, you dispose of it properly and invest in a new one.
If You Suspect a Propane Leak
Below are seven steps to take if you suspect that your propane tank might be leaking.
Step 1: Check Your Propane Tank for Leaks
If you smell a bad odor, you could very well have a propane leak. You can check if your propane is leaking by adding soapy water to the tank’s cylinder valve. You will then turn the valve, and if bubbles form, then you have a leak.
Step 2: Reduce the Risk of Fires or an Explosion
If you suspect a leak, it is critical to reduce the risk for fires or an explosion. Do this by separating anything that can ignite a spark away from your grill.
Step 3: Shut Off the Main Gas Supply Valve on the Tank
If you smell gas, it is wise to shut off your tank’s main gas supply valve. This will stop the flowing of gas and not release any more propane. If it gets to this point, we recommend calling your propane supplier for help.
Step 4: Evacuate the Home or Building Immediately
If you can’t find the source of where the odor is coming from, you should evacuate the house or building immediately.
Step 5: Call 911
It’s always good to call 911 if you are having a gas leak issue. Fire departments can respond to gas leaks 24 hours a day.
Step 6: Stay Away Until the Leak Stops
It’s crucial that you do not return to the home or the building until the leak has stopped. It is for your safety and the safety of your family.
Step 7: Schedule a Propane Tank Inspection
Turn to your local propane inspector companies for resources on what you should do based on your situation.
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