Written on: June 8, 2026
Backyard grilling is a staple for homeowners, especially across Minnesota and neighboring Upper Midwest states where we want to make the most of the warm weather.
You rely on your grill to feed your family, entertain guests, and enhance your outdoor living space. A grill that refuses to light or produces a frustratingly weak flame brings the cookout to a sudden halt.
Addressing propane tank problems quickly ensures you can get back to cooking safely and efficiently. You do not need to be a mechanical expert to solve the most frequent hiccups. A few straightforward checks will usually identify the problem.
Our team works with propane systems every single day. We want to share our proven expertise to help you handle your grill tanks with complete peace of mind, ensuring your family stays safe and your property remains protected.
When your grill acts up, the propane tank is often the culprit. By checking a few basic components, you can resolve the issue safely and quickly.
The grill will not light: If you have plenty of propane but the grill simply refuses to ignite, you might be dealing with a tripped regulator. Modern propane tanks have a built-in safety mechanism designed to restrict gas flow if it detects a sudden leak. Opening the tank valve too quickly can trick this safety device into activating.
To reset the regulator, turn off the tank valve and all the burner control knobs. Disconnect the regulator from the tank and wait about a minute. Reconnect the regulator tightly. Finally, open the tank valve very slowly to allow the pressure to equalize without tripping the safety mechanism again.
Suspected propane leaks: A noticeable smell of gas or a hissing sound means you might have a leak. Never use a flame to check for a propane leak. Instead, use the soapy water test.
Mix equal parts liquid dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution over the tank valve, the regulator, and the connection points. Slowly open the tank valve. If you see bubbles forming and growing, you have a leak. Turn off the gas immediately. Tighten the connections and try again. If the bubbles persist, you need to replace the hose, the regulator, or the tank itself.
Propane is incredibly efficient, but it requires proper handling to keep your home and family safe.
Safe transportation rules: Taking a tank to get refilled requires specific precautions. Always transport your propane tank in an upright, vertical position. Laying a tank on its side can cause the relief valve to vent liquid propane, creating a severe fire hazard. Secure the tank in your vehicle so it cannot roll or shift during transit. Do not put your tank in the trunk. Keep your vehicle well-ventilated by rolling down the windows, and never leave a full tank in a hot, enclosed car.
Safe usage at home: Always use your grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Keep the grill and the tank a safe distance away from your home’s siding, deck rails, and overhanging branches. When you finish cooking, turn off the burner controls and ensure the main tank valve is tightly closed.
Lakes Gas provides comprehensive propane cylinder exchanges all over our service area. Simply bring your empty tank to one of our exchange cabinets at a nearby retail store and swap it for a full, inspected cylinder.
Additionally, Lakes Gas partners with local businesses so they can offer on-site propane cylinder refills. You will find our frame-mounted tanks and pumps at convenient locations like convenience stores and gas stations. These stations are ideal for filling both standard grill tanks and larger tanks for recreational vehicles, or RVs.
Maintaining your home’s outdoor appliances improves your property’s value and your overall enjoyment. By understanding how to troubleshoot minor tank issues and prioritizing safe handling, you ensure your family can enjoy delicious meals all season long.
If your tank is damaged, outdated, or simply empty, visit one of our many local exchange or refill partners. Contact Lakes Gas today to locate the nearest cylinder exchange or to learn more about setting up a refill station at your business.
