How Can I Tell When My Propane Tank Needs to Be Refilled?

Determining the precise gas level in a propane tank requires installing a gauge.

There are several methods to tell when your propane tank needs to be refilled. If the tank is not equipped with a gauge, the easiest method is to shake the tank and estimate how much gas is left as the propane "sloshes" around inside the tank. However, shaking the tank may not be an option if the tank is too large to lift or is permanently mounted. For a precise reading, you will need to install a gas gauge on the tank.

Things You'll Need

• In-line gas gauge
• 7/8 box-end wrench
• Dish soap
• Clean towel
• Stick-on gas gauge
• Cup hot water

Instructions

In-line Gas Gauge

1. Turn the knob of the propane tank to close the propane supply valve.

2. Remove the gas-line fitting from the propane tank with a 7/8 inch wrench.

3. Screw the "inlet" side of the in-line gauge into the propane tank's nozzle with your fingers. Tighten the gauge in place on the tank nozzle with the wrench.

4. Screw the gas supply hose to the "outlet" side of the in-line gauge and tighten the hose in place with the wrench.

5. Open the tank's shut-off valve to repressurize the gas system and energize the new valve.

6. Mix a solution of 1 tsp. of dish soap to 1 cup water. Pour a small amount of the dish soap solution over the fittings, where the gauge connects to the tanks and the gas supply hose. Soap bubbles appearing on the fittings are in an indication of gas escaping. Retighten the fittings and retest with the dish soap solution.

Stick-on Gas Gauge

1. Clean the side of the propane tank thoroughly with the soap and water solution. Rinse the tank with water and dry with a towel. Be sure to remove all dirt or chemical residue.

2. Apply the stick-on gas gauge according to the manufacturer's directions.

3. Pour a cup of water, heated as per the manufacturer's instructions, over the stick-on gauge.

4. Read the level of the gas in the tank as indicated by the color change on the stick-on gauge. The spot where the color changes, generally from red to blue, is the indication of the tank's gas level.

References

• "The RV Book"; Mark J. Polk; 2007

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• You Tube: Hot to determine the fuel level in your RV propane tank