When you use propane for your gas grill, fireplace, or other appliances in your Western NY home, it is essential to keep close tabs on the tank level so that you know when it’s time to schedule a gas refill or to swap out an empty one with a full cylinder. While most barbecue tanks have a gauge to indicate the level of propane, there are a few other methods you can use to check your tank’s status before scheduling a refill.
The first way to check your gas is to simply weigh the cylinder. Most barbecue tanks will have two numbers stamped on them – the water capacity (WC) and the tare weight or empty weight (TW). Take your cylinder to a bathroom scale, subtract the TW number from the WC number, and that is how much propane is left in the bottle. This method is fairly accurate, although you should weigh your cylinder before and after each use to get the most precise measurement.
Another easy way to check your cylinder is to remove the dip tube and allow the liquid LPG to drain out. When the cylinder is completely empty, this will indicate that it’s time for a refill. However, this is a dangerous procedure and should be completed only by trained technicians. Incorrectly done, this could cause cold burns or even explosions due to the liquid LPG vapor that is released during the process.
A third way to check the status of your cylinder is to connect a hose from an empty gas cylinder to yours and see if the pressure balances between them. This is not recommended because it allows the leaking gas from the supplying cylinder to move into yours by force, causing a loss of value and contaminating your cylinder. In addition, if you leave the connections in place too long, the leaking gas can leak out of your cylinder through the vent hole and into your car or other appliances.
Finally, you can also smell your gas. Propane is an odorless gas, but a compound has been added to it that will let you know if there is a leak in your cylinder. If you notice the odor, have your tank tested for a gas leak before having it filled.
The best way to prevent a gas leak is to never carry the cylinder by the neck or grip it with anything but its molded and shaped handles that surround the valve. You should also store the cylinder outdoors and away from any gas appliances or systems that you’re using it with, and always have extra cylinders on hand to ensure that you’ll be able to quickly refill it when necessary.