How Do I Disconnect a Propane Tank from My Grill?

Written on: September 30, 2019

Summer has given us an unexpected last hurrah here in late September, which means you might be getting in a bit more outdoor grilling than expected this year.

If you find yourself in need of propane tank refill to get you through the coming weeks and into the football season, it’s a good idea to plan for that now, and perhaps to even have a spare propane cylinder on hand in case you run out during the big game.

Just be sure to swap out your propane barbecue cylinder safely! Here’s how:

Pressure regulator

  1. Make sure your propane grill is turned off.
  2. Find your propane cylinder; it may be behind a door (depending on the design of your grill)
  3. There are two parts of your grill that you will need to be concerned with: the propane cylinder’s tank valve and the barbecue’s pressure regulator (see illustration).
  4. Before you disconnect the pressure regulator, close the tank valve (turn it all the way to the right, or clockwise).
  5. Once the valve is shut, twist off the threaded pressure regulator.
  6. Remove the tank (on some propane grills, the tank is attached to the barbecue by a restraining bolt or screw; simply loosen this to remove the tank).
  7. When transporting your tank, put it in a secure, well-ventilated location in your vehicle. Place it upright and take it directly to the refilling location. Do not leave the tank unaccompanied in the vehicle.
  8. Reverse the process to reconnect your propane tank, making sure the tank valve is closed when reconnecting the pressure regulator. Replacement propane cylinders often come with a plastic safety cap over the tank valve assembly – simply remove this.

That’s it – happy grilling! And remember: always store your propane tank upright and outside your Pennsylvania home!

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