How To Safely Remove A Propane Cylinder
Written on: June 14, 2021
Summer 2021 is almost here, which means the next few months will be prime time for cooking on your propane grill!
If you do a lot of grilling with propane, chances are you’re going to have to replace your cylinder at some point in the coming weeks (unless your propane grill is built in, in which case you’ll only have to schedule a propane delivery). If you do need to replace your tank, you’ll have to remove your old one.
Here’s how to do it safely:
- Make sure your propane grill is turned off.
- Find your propane cylinder; it may be behind a door (depending on the design of your grill)
- 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).
- Before you disconnect the pressure regulator, close the tank valve (turn it all the way to the right, or clockwise).
- Once the valve is shut, twist off the threaded pressure regulator.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
Need to refill a 20-lb propane grill in Michigan, Minnesota or Wisconsin? We have Swap and Go service for all our commercial and residential customers – just bring in your old tank and we’ll give you a freshly filled, safety-checked, certified propane cylinder. Click here to find a Lakes Gas location near you, and happy grilling!
