3 Steps on How to Remove Propane Tank from Grill

Worried on possible accident during removal of propane tank from grill? Follow these 3 easy steps on how to remove propane tank from grill to prevent damaging the grill and any possible disaster.

Lighting up a grill the traditional way can be expensive and more time consuming. You need to gather your fuel, light up the charcoal, tend to it so you can keep your fire pit or grill hot enough to continue barbecuing your favorite proteins and other ingredients. Plus, the soot and ash coming from trying to tend the hot coals can be quite irritating and can cause some health issues. This is why most people end up opting for a gas grill because of the convenience and ease it provides.

A gas grill usually runs on natural gas, if it is connected to your property’s gas line. Most people also opts for a less expensive, faster and longer lasting propane tank. A single tank of LPG can actually last quite a while if you do not barbecue every day. An LPG tank only costs a little bit more than a bag of coal which is definitely off-set by how quick and effortless lighting up your grill will be. So, all you need to do is turn on the grill, preheat for a couple of minutes then you are good to go.

Unfortunately, no matter how much you might want to avoid the chore, a time will come when you need to replace your propane tank. This is sometimes a dreaded part for grill owners who are a little apprehensive when it comes to attaching or detaching gas tanks to their barbecue equipment. It is sometimes a bit confusing how to remove propane tank from grill properly and you want to do it correctly to avoid damaging your gas grill or worse, hurting yourself and causing an accident.

When Do You Need to Change Your LPG Tank?

Unless your gas grill is connected to your home’s natural gas source line, you will definitely need to replace your LPG tank once it is empty. Most tanks will have a gauge which tells you if it is running on low or empty. You can also simply lift your tank and check how much it weighs since it will have no extra weight if it is empty. Obviously, if you try to light up your grill a couple of times but it does not fire up then most probably your gas tank is running on empty. So, listen to the ticking or clicking sound when you try to light your grill because that usually tells you that you no longer have fuel to ignite your barbecue.

It is also important to know that your gas tank has an expiration date. Most tanks last up to 10 or 12 years but beyond this time frame, it is dangerous to continue using the same gas tank as a source for your grill. So, make sure to check the date on your tank which is usually printed or detailed on its exterior.

Safety Tips When Removing Your Gas Tank from the Grill

As with anything pertaining to combustible items and processes, it is important to have a high regard towards your surrounding and your safety. There are some simple tips that you need to keep in mind when handling your gas grill and your liquid propane gas tank.

• Never attach or disconnect an LP cylinder, move, alter your gas fittings while the grill is in operation or it is hot.

• Inspect your gas hose for abrasion, wear and leaks before each use. Use a soap and water solution to test for leaks. Make sure you replace a faulty hose before operating with the gas tank.

• Do not store your gas tanks indoor even if you are sure that they are empty.

• Ensure that your grill is turned off or there are no open flames or too hot objects nearby when you try to disconnect or remove your propane gas tank from your grill.

• Do not place or store your detached gas tank near anything hot and never leave it unattended.

• Never use a gas tank which dented, has gouges or bulges, excessive rust, corrosion or any other forms of visual external damage. This may be extremely hazardous so have it checked by your gas supplier and replaced when necessary.

How to Remove Propane Tank from Grill

Step 1: Shut Off

Always make sure that your grill is turned off and the gas valve is turned off before you attempt at disconnecting or removing your gas tank from the grill. Simply turn the gas knobs in front of the grill to ensure that they are in the off position. After doing so, close the gas valve on the propane tank itself. The valve is usually located near the top of the tank, turn it until it says off or if your model requires it, you need to screw the valve to the right until it tightens up.

It is important that you turn off the gas valve on the tank itself because you do not want to end up carrying a leaking propane tank around. This will likely cause a fire or an explosion if you accidentally store or place it near something too hot.

Step 2: Detach the Gas Line

Disconnect the pressure regulator and safely remove the gas line from the propane tank. The gas line is usually black or translucent, attached to the top part of the tank. You need to unscrew this from the tank and be very careful because you do not want to tear or damage it. Detaching the gas line will require a little bit of force to be removed properly so, it can be easy to damage the threads or break the line.

Step 3: Remove the Gas Tank

Remove the gas tank from the compartment or away from its usual storage spot. There are some grills which attach the tank to it by a restraining bolt or screw. Just loosen this lock so you can easily get the tank loose.

Handle the tank carefully. Try to avoid dropping it or knocking it off because it might still contain a small amount of gas on the inside which can still be quite enough to be responsible for an accident such as an explosion or starting a fire.

Once your tank is free, you can now have it replaced or refilled. When transporting your tank, make sure you put it in a secure, well-ventilated location in your vehicle. Keep it upright and do not leave the tank unattended in the vehicle. It is highly suggested that you take it directly to the refilling location and not let it linger around your grill or in your garage.

Never take the tank in the store or try to place it near entrances. There is usually an outdoor return or refilling area meant for things such as these. Make sure you know where they are and wait for an employee or an LPG expert help you in handling your used gas tank.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to safely remove your gas tank from your grill, it should not be too scary to do. Just keep in mind to follow these steps or process carefully and slowly to avoid any unnecessary accidents or any damages to the grill and to the tank. You do not need to be in a hurry or be careless. Always double check step 1 since sometimes, valves and knobs might have kinks like they are too loose or defective. It might feel like they are turned towards the OFF sign but are not.

If you are still too apprehensive when it comes to detaching or handling your liquid propane gas tanks then, do not be afraid to call an expert. Gas companies usually have specialists who can come to your house and do the removal for you. They can even bring along a properly filled propane tank to replace yours safely. It is important that you do not feel bad if you cannot do this process on your own. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Finally, always make sure that you use a well-filled and properly stored propane gas tanks to hook up to your gas grill. You do not necessarily need to buy a new one because they are always safe to re-use. Just have it refilled at a designated gas distribution location.