Propane is a clean fuel and inexpensive, widely used for many purposes but in order to monitor the main supply levels in your tanks have to be checked. Running out of propane, especially when you are not ready for it, can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous. Lets take an example here. You wake up one morning and find out that propane has run out. Now you are deprived of heating in the cold seasons and you can;t cook. Sounds scary, right? But you don’t have to worry as there are different methods that will guide you on whether your propane tank is empty or full.
Most propane tanks, at least residential and commercial size ones, have a built in gauge. It is usually at the top of the tank. It looks similar to a car’s fuel gauge containing numbers from full (F) to empty (E). When the needle is close to “E”, you know what to do. Schedule a refill.
Portable propane tanks such as those on grills usually do not have a gauge. One positive method to know if a tank is empty or not is through weighing. Tanks generally have their tare weight, or empty weight, stamped on the side. Subtract this weight from the total weight of the tank to estimate how much propane it contains. If the difference is small, your tank is probably empty.
Propane Left = Total Weight − Tare Weight
For example, if a 20-pound propane tank has weighed 18 pounds with its tare weight being 17 pounds, then only 1 pound of the propane is left.
Another quick and easy way to use it is the “warm water” test. Pour over the side of the propane tank warm, not hot, and let it run down over the side. Then run your hand along the surface. Where the metal feels colder is the spot where the gas in the tank is still present. Propane absorbs heat making the tank feel cold where the gas is still present.
The sound test is a very quick, easy check to determine if your propane level is low. Rap on the side of the tank. An empty tank sounds hollow while a full or partially full one thuds. Not super precise, but you might get a general idea.
Flame size can be a good indicator. In case you are using propane for your stove, heater, or grill, there may be a sudden decrease in the flame size. Lower flames or struggle to maintain its operation can be an indicator that your propane tank is almost running out. But you must first determine the problem with one of the above methods.
Well, how frequently you check your propane levels depends on your consumption. For most homes relying on propane to heat their rooms during winter, it would be wise to keep looking at the gauge. In addition, if you utilize propane for grilling or other appliances, it’s a good thing to check the tank before major events or heavy usage.
If you find your propane tank empty you must take immediate action. Portable tanks can be taken to a nearby refilling station or swapped out for a full one. Residential or commercial tanks should be refilled by a professional service. Call Liquid Propane to schedule a delivery so you’re never left without fuel.
Dispensing with propane tanks is dangerous, especially when the tank is empty. Here are some safety measures to note below:
Tighten the tank valve close before unhooking the appliance from the tank. This ensures that no remnant gas escapes.
In case you smell gas, or even if you have the slightest of doubt of a potential leak, it is advised to not attempt to top it off or use it. Call for a professional to inspect the tank before using it again.
An empty propane tank too, needs to be stored in a cool, ventilated space. Do not place them in an enclosed room like a garage or shed.
If you find your propane tank empty you must take immediate action. Portable tanks can be taken to a nearby refilling station or swapped out for a full one. Residential or commercial tanks should be refilled by a professional service. Call Liquid Propane to schedule a delivery so you’re never left without fuel.
Many people believe that a propane tank is 100 percent safe when it is empty. An empty tank has but very little, if any, gas; however, leftover gas in an empty tank can be hazardous if not properly used.
Weighing a tank is a good indication, but it will give an inaccurate reading without the actual tare weight. Always know the tare weight for an accurate measurement.
Never run out of propane. We monitor your usage and top off your tank before you use up the last full tank so you always have propane.
It is essentially a real-time monitor, keeping track of the propane left inside the tank, using your smartphone app. It warns you in advance before the propane runs out so you may refill it.
Keep your tank at its full operating capacity by maintaining regular checks and servicing of your propane system. For bigger tanks, you must schedule the servicing of a professional periodically to avoid future problems.
LP Propane is the leading supplier of propane solutions to residential homes and all commercial industries, providing them with quality service and safety. Whether it is to power a home heating system or fuel the grill or to run industrial machinery-we ensure that you have a dependable supply of propane at your disposal at all times.
Monitoring your propane levels will save you from some not-so-fun, even dangerous, dead-of-night checks when you suddenly run out of gas in your tank. It really doesn’t matter if you check that gauge, weigh your tank, or do a simple warm water test; knowing just how much propane remains makes all the difference when keeping yourself prepared at all times. Funded by honest propane services from refills to maintenance, LP Propane supports you in having your home or business running efficiently throughout the whole year.
Don't wait till it's too late; visit Liquid Propane today to ensure your propane tank is always full and ready.
