Part 1

Inspecting the Propane Tank

1.

1
Check that the propane tank has a triangular valve. Propane tanks cannot be filled
unless they have an overfilling protection device, or OPD. Look at the top of the
propane tank to find the valve used to open it. If the valve has a triangular shape or has
the letters OPD printed on it, then it’s safe to fill. If it doesn’t have have a triangular
valve, then you cannot fill the tank safely.[1]
 Some OPDs were made before they were required
to have the letters printed on them. Check the label
or wrapper on your tank if it has a triangular valve
but doesn’t have OPD printed on it.
2.

2
Look for any damage or dents on the outside of the
tank. Rotate the tank and check for any visual damage, such as
dents, bulges, or welds on the surface. If the tank has any
damage on the outside, avoid filling it since it’s less stable than
a new tank. If the tank also has a coat of rust on the outside,
don’t use it or fill it since it could be unsafe.[2]
 Cut off the label around the body of the tank
and check underneath it for rust or cracks.
Tip: If you can’t use your propane tank anymore, look for recycling services or propane
dealers to find out how to properly dispose of it.
3.
 3
Confirm that the date printed on the tank is less than 12 years ago. Standard
propane tanks you would use in a gas grill only last for 12 years before they need to be
recertified. Look around the collar of the tank, which is the raised round area
surrounding the valve, for a listed in MM/YY format. If the tank is older than 12 years,
then either replace or have it inspected by a professional propane service. Otherwise,
the tank is safe to use.[3]
 If your tank was recertified, there may be a
second date printed on the collar with the
letter E next to it. Use the most recent date
rather than the first one printed.
 Get your propane tank recertified 12 years
after the first printed date and every 5 years
after.
4.

4
Locate the tare weight and amount of propane the tank holds on
the collar. The collar of the tank will list the weight of the propane
your tank can hold as well as the weight of the empty tank in pounds.
Write down both of the numbers so you know how much propane you
should add to your tank when you fill it.[4]
 Propane in typically measured by weight rather than
volume.
Part 2
Transferring Propane from Another Tank
1.

1
Set the propane tank on a scale to weigh it. Set a bathroom scale outside and make
sure it’s zeroed out so you get an accurate reading. Put your empty propane tank on top
of the scale and read the weight. Compare the weight of the tank to the tare weight to
see if there is any difference.[5]
 For example, if your tank has a tare weight of
20 pounds (9.1 kg) and it weighs 22 pounds
(10.0 kg) on the scale, then it still has 2 pounds
(0.91 kg) of propane left.
 Make sure the scale and tank are on a flat
surface so they don’t tip over while you’re
filling.
2.

2
Connect the empty propane tank to a larger supply tank with a connector
hose. Choose a connector hose that has propane fittings on
the end and is long enough to reach between your propane
tank and the larger supply tank. Screw the connector hose
counterclockwise onto the port attached to the valve on your
empty tank until it’s hand-tight. Then use a wrench to tighten
the connection so it doesn’t leak. Connect the other end of the
hose to the port on the supply tank you’re transferring
propane from.[6]
 You can buy connector hoses and propane fittings from your local
hardware store.
 If you don’t have a propane supply tank on your property, you may
need to go to a propane dealer where they can fill your tank for you.
 If you’re filling a 1 pound (0.45 kg) propane tank, you can buy a
connector that attaches to the larger tank.
3.
3
Open the valves on each of the propane
tanks. Turn the valve on the empty tank
counterclockwise to open it and let propane
inside. Then, open the valve on the tank
you’re transferring propane from by turning it
counterclockwise. You will start to hear the
propane hissing through the connector hose
once both of the tanks are open.[7]
 4.

4
Cool the tank you’re filling with cold water to help the propane transfer. If your
tanks are the same temperature, then the propane won’t transfer between them easily.
Turn on a garden hose so a weak stream comes out of the nozzle. Set the nozzle on top
of the tank so the water runs down the sides and cools
the tank while it’s filling up.[8]
 If you’re filling an empty 1 pound
(0.45 kg) propane tank, then you can
put it inside a freezer for 30 minutes for
you fill it to make it colder.
5.

5
Close the tank valves when the tank is 80% full. Since propane expands when it’s
hot, you can only fill it up to 80% full so it doesn’t burst
when it gets hot. Calculate 80% of the tank’s capacity and
add the tare weight to find how much your tank will
weigh when it’s full. When the tank reaches the weight
you calculated, rotate the valves on both tanks clockwise
to close them.[9]
 For example, if your tank can hold 20
pounds (9.1 kg) of propane and the tare weight is 20 pounds (9.1 kg),
stop filling the tank once the scale reads 35–36 pounds (16–16 kg).
6.

6
 Open the bleeder valve on the tank you filled to make sure it isn’t too full. The
bleeder valve is a screw underneath the main valve and helps remove any excess
propane from your tank. Put on gloves to protect yourself from any liquid propane if
there is any. Turn the screw counterclockwise with a screwdriver to open the bleeder
valve. If liquid squirts out of the valve, leave it open until there’s only vapor. If gas or
vapor comes out of the valve, turn the screw clockwise to seal it again.[10]
Warning: Liquid propane is extremely cold and could cause frostbite quickly if you
touch it.
Warnings
 Propane is extremely flammable and can cause an explosion near heat sources or open
flames. Use extreme caution when you refill your tank.

 Do not overfill your propane tanks since they could explode if they get too hot.[11]
 You cannot refill propane tanks that are labeled as “single-trip,” “nonrefillable,” or
“disposable.”[12]
Things You’ll Need
 Bathroom scale

 Propane tank

 Gas connector hose

 Propane fittings

 Wrench

 Screwdriver

 Gloves