Posted: July 27, 2020

Grilling season is in full swing here in the Bay Area – which means that at some point, you will have to exchange your empty propane BBQ cylinder for a full one.

Just make sure you do it safely!

Propane Cylinder Exchange Step-by-Step

Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely removing and replacing the propane gas cylinder on your propane grill:

1. Make sure your propane grill is turned off.
2. Find your propane cylinder; it may be behind a door (depending on your grill model).
3. There are two basic parts of your grill that you will need to be concerned with: the propane cylinder’s tank valve and the pressure regulator from the barbecue (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.

Be sure to check your tank for leaks after reconnecting your tank – here’s a video from the National Fire Protection Association with some tips for how to do that.

That’s it – happy grilling!

Did you know that Allied Propane provides quick and easy propane tank exchanges at our Richmond, CA location? Stop by to swap out your empty propane tank today!