How To Install a Propane Tank to Your Grill

Always have a full tank with Parker Gas!

It’s finally grilling season again! With Memorial Day Weekend just around the corner, now is the time to get your propane tank ready for the cookouts to come.

If you have a propane grill, make sure that you have enough propane in your grill tank with Parker Gas’ propane cylinder refill service, available during regular business hours at all six Parker Gas locations.

We’ve put together some grill tank tips to make it easy to always be ready for grilling.

How do I swap out my empty grill tank?

Make sure your grill is turned off and the valve on the current propane cylinder is closed before disconnecting it from the grill and replacing it with the full cylinder.

1. Turn the pressure regulator of your grill counterclockwise to unscrew it (remember, “Lefty loosy, righty tighty.”).
2. Does your grill have a restraining bolt? If so, loosen it before trying to remove the cylinder.
3. Remove the cylinder from the storage compartment.
4. Put the new cylinder inside the storage compartment and, if your grill has a restraining bolt, tighten it on the cylinder.
5. Screw the pressure regulator onto the cylinder valve and tighten it fully by turning it to the right.

We strongly recommend a simple leak test to be performed after attaching the propane cylinder. Here’s what to do.

1. Apply soapy water onto the valve of the tank and the regulator/hose of the grill.
2. Turn on the valve of the tank. If you observe bubbles, it is possible that there is a leakage or a loose connection.
3. Shut the valve. Then, ensure all connections are tight before opening the valve again. In case air bubbles still appear, it might be necessary to substitute the hose or tank.

How do I know how much propane is left in my tank?

You can determine the amount of propane in your cylinder even if your grill isn’t equipped with a meter or a scale by following three simple methods.

Weigh your tank – The cylinder’s neck has a marking that says TW (Tare Weight) and a number, indicating the weight of an empty cylinder. You can also find a marking that says WC (Water Capacity) which tells you how many pounds of propane the cylinder can hold. To determine the percentage tank capacity, weigh the cylinder, subtract the TW, and divide the resulting number by the WC.

The hot water method – To find the fill line, pour hot water over the side of your cylinder and run your hand down the metal. You will feel the point where the metal becomes cool. That is your fill line.

An external tank gauge – Local hardware and home improvement stores as well as online shops offer both digital and analog products that can determine the level of gas in the cylinder and, in certain situations, the remaining cooking time.

Can I connect my grill to my home’s propane tank?

Yes, you can! It is a great solution to always having access to propane for your grill without worrying about empty cylinders or running out of propane during a cookout.

However, the job must be done by professionals and there are some things to consider before having it done.

If you choose to connect your grill to your home’s propane tank, the tank must be fixed in that location. It is an ideal opportunity to plan an outdoor kitchen around your grill.

Another consideration is how this impacts your home’s propane supply. If you forget to shut off the supply to your propane tank, you could end up with a serious loss of propane in your home and may end up needing an emergency propane delivery.

Need propane for your grill? Come get your tank refilled at any Parker Gas location!