How to Fill a Propane Tank for Grill

Propane tanks can be exchanged at the home improvement store where you purchased your current tank or refilled at a propane dealer.

Gas barbeques are a fun, easy way to prepare delicious meals in a short period of time. Gas grills are used to cook meat, vegetables and other dishes. The propane tanks used to fuel barbeques are long-lasting and relatively easy to operate. When gas grills do run out of propane, there are a few options to get the empty tank refilled.

Things You'll Need

• Empty propane tank
• Internet connection
• Vehicle

Instructions

1. Determine if you can return your empty tank to the home improvement store or gas station where you purchased it. Many stores will offer you a new, full propane tank at a discounted rate after you have already purchased a propane tank from them previously. You also have the option of bringing your empty propane tank to a propane dealer in your area to have it refilled.

2. Use the Internet to compare prices between your two options. Decide which option best fits your needs and locate the nearest store location to your home.

3. Check that the valve connecting your propane tank to your barbeque is closed. Disconnect the propane tank from your barbeque carefully.

4. Carry the empty propane tank to your vehicle. If at all possible, transport the propane tank in the back of your vehicle, such as in the back of a truck. If this is not possible, place the propane tank in the backseat of your car. Position it in a way that it will not tip or be knocked by any other objects in your car during transport.

5. Drive your vehicle to the nearest propane dealer or home improvement store depending on which type of store best fits your needs. If you are exchanging your propane tank, find a store attendant to assist you with the exchange. If you are having your empty tank refilled, your propane dealer will inspect your tank to make sure that it is safe to refill. The bottle filler will not refill your empty tank if there is damage to the cylinder's exterior, excessive rust on the cylinder, parts are missing from the cylinder (foot ring, collar, or valve cover), the required cylinder markings are not readable or if the date of the cylinder is too old to be accepted by that propane dealership.

6. Transport your new or refilled propane tank home safely. Reconnect your filled propane tank to your barbeque.

References

• Propane 101: Propane Tank Filling