How Do I Connect a Propane Tank to a Grill?

A standard liquid-propane tank is used with a gas grill.

A 20-pound propane tank with a five-gallon capacity connects to a gas grill with a standard valve fitting. The valve on the top of the tank hooks up to the regulator and hose assembly on the gas grill, which feeds liquid propane through a pair of metal tubes attached to the grill burner or burners. Safety features such as a top-mounted shutoff valve are standard on all propane tanks. It should take you no more than five minutes to connect the tank to the grill.

Things You'll Need

• Propane tank
• Gas grill with regulator
• Rags
• Soapy water

Instructions

1. Set the propane tank on the platform marked for a gas tank below the gas grill. Some grills are equipped with two clamps to secure the lip around the bottom of the tank to the grill. Place each rotating clamp over the metal lip at the bottom of the tank, then tighten the clips with the attached wing nuts.

2. Tighten the shut-off knob on the top of the tank by turning clockwise.

3. Remove the plastic cap off the valve on the top of the tank. The T-shaped valve assembly is mounted with the opening turned to the side. The plastic cap is designed to prevent dust and debris from getting into the valve assembly and to reduce minor propane leakage from the tank.

4. Attach the black plastic regulator connector at the end of the gas grill hose to the valve on the propane tank, then turn the connector clockwise by hand to tighten. Do not use any tools to tighten the regulator connector.

5. Immerse a rag in the bucket of soapy water.

6. Turn on the gas control knob at the top of the tank by twisting counterclockwise.

7. Squeeze soapy water from the rag onto the regulator connector where it attaches to the tank valve. Look for any bubbling around the connection, which is the sign of a leak. Tighten the regulator connector or shut off the propane knob on the top of the tank, disconnect the regulator and repeat the steps until there is no sign of a leak.

Tips & Warnings

• Shut off the propane tank using the knob at the top of the tank when finished grilling. If you use the grill's burner control knobs to shut off the gas, someone could accidentally turn one of the knobs, which could cause a dangerous buildup of propane gas inside the grill.

References

• Propane 101: Propane Safety
• Info Barrel: How to Install a Propane Tank on a Gas Grill