How To Unstick A Propane Tank Valve (Quickly & Easily!)

King of the Hill said it best: with propane, you taste the meat, not the heat. That pure, clean heat makes burgers taste oh, so good. In order to get that delicious flavor, you have to make sure your propane tank can give you the heat first. This means opening up the tank and connecting it to your BBQ. But, what happens when your propane tank’s valve gets stuck?

To fix your stuck propane valve, wrap a rubber band around the valve, or use a rubber glove to help with the grip. Then, twist the valve as hard as you can to loosen it. You can spray the valve with lubricant or oil to get the valve to budge.

A propane tank with a stuck valve can be a danger to others if it’s not handled properly. To know how to work with your propane tank, read about what we dug up on the topic below…

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. In most cases, propane tanks left outdoors get stuck because debris gets jammed in the valve’s area. This means that a quick wipe down will be more than enough to fix some stuck tank valves. We suggest using a wipe that is made for car interiors, since they’re gentle.

On a similar note, if your propane tank is frozen and that’s the reason why it’s stuck, warm it up using your hands or some vinegar to break up the ice around the valve, not a flame.

Is it still stuck on there? Yikes. That probably has something to do with rust. In most cases, a little bit of lubricant can go a long way when it comes to getting the rust to grind off.

A valve that’s very badly stuck won’t usually turn easily without some help. At this point, you might be better off trying to spray some WD-40 (or similar lubricant) on the valve. Wait two minutes, then use your hands to wiggle the valve back and forth. You might be able to see the rust fall off and get the shaft to loosen up.

Sometimes, there are moments where you might be “outgunned” when it comes to the stuck tank. If the tank is a tiny, dinky little thing that is meant for a single day of camping, you can usually just recycle it or return it for a new one. However, some propane tanks are pretty big and pretty expensive.

If you have a tank that you bought from a specific supplier, you might want to call your supplier to find out what you can do to get the tank unstuck. In many cases, your suppliers will send out someone who can see what the problem is. If they deem that the propane tank valve is too stuck to be functional, they may replace the tank (or tank valve) at no cost to you.

Most of the time, people choose to replace their entire tank when they have a stuck valve that’s beyond the point of unsticking. It’s easy to see why; it’s the safest move. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the only move you can make. A stuck propane tank valve can be fixed by replacing the valve, rather than the whole tank.

You can usually replace a propane tank valve and add a new one in, as long as the propane tank in question has been emptied of gas. This will involve using some tools to remove the old valve, and that’s totally fine if you’re well-versed in propane tank repair. However, we’re not going to suggest that typical DIYers do this as making a mistake can have deadly consequences.

This depends on the size of the tank as well as the type of valve you’re using. Though the exact price tag can change from time to time, getting your valve replaced will not be a heavy hit to your wallet. Most propane tank valves can be replaced for under $20, with the largest tanks costing around $40 to replace.

Along with getting the valve replaced, there’s a good chance that you may need to have your propane tank recertified. Recertifying your propane tank is a minor issue, with the process only costing between $10 to $20 for the administrative fees. This is usually only mandatory if you are working with a commercial tank, but some HOAs may also require it.

Related Questions

How often do you need to recertify your propane tank?

Propane tanks need to be recertified every 5 to 12 years in order to remain legally compliant. A tank that has not been recertified within that timeframe is considered to be potentially dangerous and will not be able to get any new propane deliveries as a result.If your tank does not pass the recertification test, the only other thing you can do is replace your tank with one that is certified. It’s the law, and it’s a primary requirement for all tank owners.

Where can you get rid of expired propane tanks?

An expired propane tank is not something you should try to throw in the garbage can. Doing so can get you fined, not to mention written up by the local municipal office. The best way to get rid of an expired tank is to call up a local supplier and ask them to pick it up. Most suppliers will do so for a small fee, or offer to exchange it for a tank that’s still good to go.If you cannot find a supplier willing to take the tank for some reason, the next best thing you can do is call up your local municipal office to find out where you can bring it. In many cases, you also may be able to drop off the tank at a local recycling plant—given that you’ve drained the tank already.

Why do tanks need to be recertified?

Propane tanks need to be recertified in order to ensure that they are safe for use. Each propane tank has a set number of years that it’s considered to be safe for use. The recertification shows how long you have, and whether or not it should still be safe to use.