Propane: Topping Off, Storing, and Checking Your Tanks
Fill propane tanks before storm season, store them upright outdoors, check for leaks with soapy water, and know when a tank is too old to refill.
⚠ Propane tanks stay outside, standing up
Store propane cylinders outdoors, standing upright, with the valve closed, even when they're empty.[1][2][3]
- Never store or use a cylinder inside your home, or in an enclosed space like a garage, basement, or crawl space.[3][2]
- Some fire officials also rule out sheds. Check your local rules.[3]
- Keep tanks away from heat and out of direct sun when you can.[1]
- Keep spare tanks away from a grill that's running.[1]
- Never check for leaks with a flame.[3]
- Never use outdoor propane heaters, grills, or camp stoves indoors.[8][9]
Propane runs grills, camp stoves, some generators, and some home heating, and it's handy when the power is out. Tanks are simple to care for once you know a few rules about where they live and when they need a checkup.
How much do I need?
Two tanks, one date check. Keep one tank in use and one full spare. Then do the date math: stamped date + 12 years = last fill date before requalification.[4] A cylinder stamped 2016 needs requalifying before it can be filled in 2028. After requalification, add about 5 years.[4]
Top off before storm season
Florida's agriculture department advises buying generator fuels, propane included, at the start of hurricane season instead of waiting for a storm.[7] Rushes on fuel right before a storm can disrupt supply.[7]
- Fill or exchange every cylinder you own early in the season.
- If you have a large tank at the house, schedule a delivery before storms are in the forecast.
- Learn from your propane company which valves to close and where they are.[5]
Why two tanks beat one
Keep at least two separate cylinders instead of one big one. If one runs dry mid-meal, develops a leak, or fails inspection, you still have the other. Keep them apart from each other and from any grill in use.[1]
- Label which tank is full and which is in use.
- Refill the empty one as soon as you can, so you're never down to your last tank.
Cold weather, heat, and pressure
Propane sits in the tank as a liquid under pressure and turns back into gas when you open the valve.[6] The pressure inside rises as the tank warms and falls as it cools.[1]
- In cold weather: lower pressure can mean weaker flow. Keep the tank outdoors and upright anyway. Never bring it inside to warm it up.[2][3]
- In hot weather: a built-in relief valve lets out extra pressure, and that gas is flammable, so keep tanks away from heat and flames.[1]
- Always stand tanks on their foot ring. Never lay them on their side or upside down.[2]
Leak checks and inspection dates
Soapy water leak test:[3]
- Mix about 1 tablespoon of dish soap in 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
- With the appliance turned off, open the tank valve.
- Spray all the hose connections, fittings, and the hose itself.
- Growing bubbles mean a leak. Close the tank valve and replace the part, or have a qualified technician fix it.
Check the date: grill-size cylinders have a manufacture date stamped on the collar (the handle ring on top). They can be filled for 12 years after that date. After that they need requalification (a re-inspection that gets a new date stamped on), which usually lasts 5 years.[4]
Check the body: some surface rust is fine, but deep pits, a loose collar or foot ring, or a valve that won't close fully means it's time to replace the tank.[1][2]
Checklist
Mistakes to avoid
- Storing a propane cylinder in the house, garage, or basement
- Laying a tank on its side or upside down
- Using an outdoor propane heater or grill indoors
- Hunting for a leak with a lighter instead of soapy water
- Keeping spare tanks right next to a running grill
- Waiting until a storm is forecast to refill
Do this this weekend
Walk out to your tanks with a spray bottle of soapy water and a flashlight. Check the date stamped on each collar, do a leak test on whatever's connected[3], and make sure every tank is standing upright outdoors.
Gear that helps
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. We list items for why they matter, never by price or ratings. Disclosure
- Propane gearPropane tank level gaugeShows how much propane is left so you can top off before a storm.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Propane gearPropane leak detector solutionA quick bubble test finds leaks at connections before you rely on the tank.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Carbon monoxide alarmsBattery-powered carbon monoxide alarmKeeps working when the power is out, which is exactly when generator and heater CO risk goes up.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Fire extinguishersABC fire extinguisherRated for the common household fire types; keep one in the kitchen and one near the garage.Check it (opens retailer site)
Sources
- Proper Storage of Propane Containers North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Working With or Storing Propane? Requirements and Tips North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Checking for LPG Gas Leaks Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
- LP-Gas FAQ for Consumers North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Hurricanes and Propane Safety North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Propane: How Is Propane Stored and Used? US Energy Information Administration
- Storm Preparation: Have a Fuel Plan Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Generator Safety Red Cross
- Propane Heater Safety North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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