How To Hook Up A Propane Tank To A Wall Heater (Do This!)

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

If you’re looking to use a low-cost way to heat any room in your home, then a propane wall heater would be the best way to go. When it’s installed correctly, it’s safe and economical. However, you may find yourself needing to swap out the propane tank. Therefore, it’s essential that you know how to hook up a propane tank to your wall heater.

To connect the propane tank to the wall heater, you will need to drill a hole through the exterior wall using a 2-inch drill bit. Then, feed the hose from the heater to the propane tank. Use the adapters that came with the heater to connect the hose. After the hose is fully connected, test the unit to ensure it works properly.

In this article, we will tell you how to connect the propane tank to the wall heater. Additionally, we will go over the steps for installing the wall heater as well, just in case you need them. After all, you can’t be too prepared when it comes to DIY projects.

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How To Hook Up The Propane Tank To Your Wall Heater

  • Check the rubber valve gasket of your propane tank. Before connecting anything, you’ll want to make sure that the rubber gasket is perfectly round and fully intact. Check for any cracks because the propane will leak if the valve and gasket aren’t in perfect working condition.
  • Drill a hole in the wall. Since the propane tank is outside, you will need a hole for the hose to travel through. It should be large enough to where it doesn’t compress the hose. You can do this easily with a 2-inch cutting bit.
  • Connect the hose. Now you will need to connect the hose to the valve of the propane tank. For this, you shouldn’t need any tools aside from the adapters, as you can tighten the knob of the adapter using your hand. Turn clockwise and make sure you twist as hard as possible to make sure it’s good and tight.
  • Check to make sure the heater works. Now is time for the ultimate test. Fix your propane tank to the area you want it to be in and test to make sure your heater is working. If it’s not, you’ll want to check and see how the adapters are connected to both the valve and the wall heater.

Wall Mount Ventless Heater And Propane Setup

Installing Your Wall Heater

Knowing how to install the wall heater is going to be necessary, especially if you haven’t already done this. We’ve included step by step instructions for this project below.

Step 1: Figure Out Your Location

You will need to place your wall heater in an area where you’ll still be able to attach the propane tank through the wall since the propane tank will need to be outside. In the rare event, your room is in the middle of your house; you cannot use a propane heater.

Once you find your location, you will need to park the area where the heater will be and check that the outside of the wall is also clear of obstructions. That way, the process will go a lot easier since you have a straight shot through the wall from the tank to the heater.

Step 2: Preparation And Drilling

The mounting brackets will need to be installed to hang the heater; therefore, you will need to drill some holes. Use a drill bit to get the holes started. Drill about ¼ inch into the wall with the drill bit.

The bracket should have come with hardware, which you will use to install it. Secure the bracket according to the directions that came in the package.

Step 3: Check The Level

Once you have the bracket hung, you will need to check how level it is and see how your heater hangs on it. Put the heater onto the bracket and adjust everything as needed.

Once you determined that the bracket was level, take this time to mark the area where you’ll feed the hose through the wall to connect to the propane tank. Then, take the heater off the bracket and put it somewhere where it’s not in the way.

Step 4: Drilling For The Hose

Grab a 2-inch cutting bit so that you can make a hole for the hose to connect to the propane tank through the wall. You should already have this area marked from step one.

Once you’ve finished drilling the hole, then you will need to feed the hose through it to make sure that the hole is the right size. If not, you can widen it as needed.

Step 5: Hang The Heater

Now that you’ve got the hole drilled for the hose, you can hang the heater back onto the brackets. However, this time you will need to make sure it’s secure as this is the last step you will follow for the interior wall. If you took the hose back out earlier, go ahead and feed it through the hole to the outside of the wall.

Step 6: Connect Your Propane Tank

Now is when you want to go to the outside of the wall so that you can connect the hose to your propane tank. The adapters that came with the heater will need to be used to do this; however, not all heaters include adapters.

If you don’t have any adapters that came with your heater, you can purchase them separately. Just make sure that you take down the size of your propane tank and the type of heater you have. You can get adapters at Lowes or Home Depot.

Step 7: Make Sure Your Heater Works

Of course, you’ll want to ensure that your heater works. To do this, you will need to turn the propane on the outside and then go inside to the heater, where you will press the ignition switch. Since the heater is not primed yet, you may have to press the ignition button several times until it is primed. You will know that it’s primed when it lights.

Once you see the flame, you can start changing the heater settings to get a feel for how it works. When the test is successful, you can turn the heater off until you need to turn it on without needing to prime it again.

Safety Precautions When Using A Propane Heater

  • Don’t leave the heater unattended. Propane heaters are meant to be used on an as needed basis. This means that it is not okay to leave your propane heater on all day while you’re gone to work or running errands. While this may be frustrating, the good news is that it only takes about 15 minutes to thoroughly heat the room.
  • Monitor the propane hose. Since the propane hose is exposed to the elements and other pests, you will want to check it frequently to look for any damage. We recommend checking the hose at least every three months or so, or more regularly during the wintertime.
  • Know the signs of a propane leak. No matter the appliance, if it takes propane to fuel, then you should know the signs of a propane leak. This information can save your life. It’s also essential that you know the actions to take in the event of a leak. We’ve included this necessary information below.

Signs Your Propane Is Leaking

  • A strong smell. The first indication of a propane leak is usually a horrible smell. This can be like either rotten eggs or a skunk spray scent. As soon as you smell this, you should automatically assume that you have a propane leak.
  • You go through more propane than average. When your propane is leaking, your usage will increase. If a tank lasts you two weeks, but it’s starting to last you only one, then you may want to inspect your tank and hose for a leak.
  • Your heater isn’t working as well. If your heater performance dwindles and your heater is new, this may also indicate that your propane is leaking. If the flame is weak, but you have propane left over, you need to inspect the unit.

What Do I Do If I have A Propane Leak In My Heater?

If the propane leak affects your propane heater, you will want to turn off the unit and close the propane valve. Then, call your propane company to come and inspect your tank. Keep any animals or children away from the area and keep the tank away from flammable equipment.

If the leak is within the hose, then you will need to replace the hose. You don’t have to worry about calling anyone out for a hose leak, as you can easily return it.

Important note: The protocol for propane leaks is different when it comes to other appliances or tanks. For instance, larger tanks, or ones that are underground, will need to be serviced immediately. You need to remove your pets and children from your home and call a technician. You should never try to fix a propane leak yourself of this magnitude.

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Our Takeaway

Propane heaters are great when you need to heat your room quickly and efficiently. However, connecting your propane tank to the heater can be a bit of an endeavor. By following the steps in this article, you can hook up a propane tank to your heater in no time. Just make sure the hole is big enough for the hose to fit through the wall, and all the connections are nice and tight. Good luck!

Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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