How To Replace A Grill Propane Tank

Written on: July 10, 2023

Step-by-step instructions for changing a propane cylinder and checking for gas leaks.

Over 60 percent of American grillers use gas to cook their food, and propane is the overwhelmingly popular choice. Propane is efficient and creates a powerful, easily adjustable flame. You get minimal smoke and no chemical taste from propane, so the delectable flavors of perfectly seasoned steaks and marinated shrimp kabobs shine through.

Most freestanding propane grills use portable cylinders. When it’s time to change out a spent cylinder, the team at Delaware Propane can refill your cylinder and offer some tips on safely connecting it to your barbecue.

How do you change out the propane cylinder on your grill?

Here’s a step-by-step guide for swapping out the cylinder on a propane grill. But before you do any of these steps, ensure that your grill is turned off and your current cylinder’s valve is fully closed.

1. Generally, a freestanding propane grill’s cylinder is located behind a door on a lower compartment. To disconnect the current cylinder, unscrew the threaded pressure regulator by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Some propane grills have a restraining bolt that holds propane cylinders in place. If yours does, then loosen it to remove the tank.
3. To connect the new propane cylinder, reverse the process: ensure the valve is fully closed, place it in the grill compartment, tighten the restraining bolt (if applicable) and reconnect the pressure regulator.

Replacement propane cylinders often have a plastic safety cap over the tank valve assembly. So be sure to remove that first.

How can you ensure no leaks in your new propane cylinder?

There is a simple, do-it-yourself test to identify propane leaks on a grill cylinder. This test also checks for leaks on your pressure regulator and hose. Do this test right after connecting your new cylinder.

1. Mix a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Spray this solution onto the cylinder’s valve and the grill’s hose and regulator.
3. Open the cylinder valve and inspect all the places where the solution was applied. If you see bubbling, there could be a leak.
4. Close the valve and tighten all your connections.
5. Reopen the valve. If you still see bubbling, there is likely a leak. The cylinder, hose or regulator will need to be replaced.

Is it better to refill or exchange a propane cylinder?

In pretty much every circumstance, refilling your propane cylinder is a better deal than exchanging it at a home store, gas station or hardware store. Most people don’t let their propane cylinder run out entirely, and if you take a cylinder with a little bit of propane to a tank exchange, you’re effectively forfeiting that fuel.

At a cylinder refill station, you only pay for the fuel going in, plus you avoid the overhead and restocking fees associated with tank exchanges.

And customers in Delaware get an even better deal by refilling their propane cylinders at our office at 2443 S. DuPont Blvd in Smyrna, DE. (Open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.)

We’ll refill your propane cylinder for only $20 Monday through Thursday, and on Fridays, you get a special rate of only $15 per fill!*

Reach out to Delaware Propane with any of your gas-powered grilling questions.

*Special rate is subject to change. Contact us for details and restrictions.