how to reset safety valve on propane tank made in china

Has your propane tank valve gotten stuck yet again? This can put a serious damper if you’ve planned a BBQ, or literally anything that requires your propane tank. But here’s some good news: this article will tell you exactly how to unstick a propane tank valve.

Before we move onto the meat of the matter, you need to understand how your propane tank works. This applies to anything that runs on propane: fireplaces, water heaters, stoves, gas grills, and even RVs. Knowing how your tank operates will make it easier to troubleshoot minor issues.

A basic tank is filled with propane liquid and uses a special machine that forces the propane gas into the tank under pressure, turning it into its liquid form. It remains pressurized in the tank until the valve is released. When the valve is turned, the pressure decreases and the gas converts to vapor and escapes through the opening.

The propane gas is allowed to escape the canister under a certain pressure determined by the size of the valve. Large commercial propane tanks have multiple valves and gauges.

The main valves are the fill valves to refill the tank, a service valve to release the propane, and a relief valve. The relief valve prevents too much pressure from building up in the tank and exploding.

Tanks also have gauges that measure the level of liquid in the tanks called a float gauge, as well as a vapor recovery valve that can be used to release excess vapor in the tanks when getting it serviced.

The tanks are often closed very tightly to prevent leaks. If your propane tank won’t open after you bring it home the first time, try using a wrench or a pair of pliers. You can also unhook the tank from your stove and apply a bit of oil to the valve, before trying to yank it open with pliers.

Before you try to fix a propane safety valve (or any other tank valve), you need to identify the cause of the blockage. This will determine what you need to do to correct the issue.

The most important thing to bear in mind is that propane is highly combustible. When correcting a faulty tank valve, make sure you don’t puncture the tank and cause more damage. Safety is always a priority, so work in a ventilated area and do not light matches or lighters near your tank.

Set the propane tank on a steady, level surface. Make sure you are in a dry and cool area. Carefully check the tank for any signs of obvious damage and try to find the source of any possible leaks.

Wrap the rubber band around the outer edges of the valve to get a better grip on the blocked valve. Once you get a firm grip, twist firmly to loosen and dislodge the valve with your hand.

If this doesn’t work, spray a bit of oil or lubricant on the valve. Shake the valve back and forth to loosen it up, and then try to twist it open once again.

If the valve is still stuck, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to force it open. Grasp the edge of the valve with your pliers firmly and twist counterclockwise to open the valve. Try not to use too much pressure or as this can break the valve instead.

If your valves have rust or water damage, assess the situation. If it is still in the early stages, you can use baking soda and vinegar to get rid of the rust. However, if it is too far gone, you will need to replace the valve.

To avoid the fuss of a propane tank valve that needs to be dislodged, you can follow a few simple steps to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Don’t twist the valve closed too tightly. This might sound obvious, but people tend to close the valve really tightly, especially after a refill. Shut it tight, but don’t overdo it.

After buying a new tank or refilling your old one, smack the bottom of the tank on the ground once or twice. This will loosen the valve so you can open it more easily.

Don’t open the valve of a new cylinder rapidly as this can make it get jammed the next time. Instead, test the water and work it slowly and carefully.

If your propane tank leaks when connected, you most likely need a new valve. Check for the site of the leak by spraying soapy water at the valve, connection point, and pipes. If you see bubbles at the valve or connection, the gasket is broken and the valve requires replacing.

Soak the hose for a few minutes in warm soapy water to clean it. Use grease-cutting dish soap or something similar to break down accumulated oil and debris. Rinse the hose thoroughly under running water and allow it to dry.

The propane tank shut-off valve is your best bet during leaks if the hose or valve isn’t the one behind the leaks. The service or shut-off valve is the metallic spigot-like dial located under the tank cover and hooked to the top of the tank.

You need to use this valve to turn the gas off at the tank in the event of an emergency or leak. Always turn this valve to the right (clockwise), completely to shut off the gas.

This kind of valve is required on all large 4-to-40-pound commercial cylinders in vapor service. The OPD valve is a protective device and is exactly what it sounds like. It prevents the tank from overfilling.

Place the open jaws of the crescent wrench over the large bolt of the tank’s gas regulator. This is located at the meeting point of the propane tank and the gas regulator. Use the thumbscrew to grip the jaws around the large nut.

Then, loosen the nut with the wrench. Continue to remove the nut by hand until you can pull the neck of the regulator from the propane tank connection. You may catch a small whiff of gas as the regulator’s neck is pulled from the propane tank, but this is nothing to be worried about.

Remove the tank from the grill’s cart. In some models, you might have to loosen a safety strap. Store the empty tank in a safe and dry location, outdoors and well away from any flames.

It is perfectly normal to smell a little propane as tiny amounts can leak when the tank is in use. You can also smell the gas when the tank is nearly empty.

It is common for a propane tank to hiss. Hearing this sound is an indication that your tank is leaking so shut off all the valves and check for the location of the leak.

It is always a little scary when dealing with gas tanks, as we are well aware of the risks. However, knowing how to handle any kind of malfunctioning will make it much easier to deal with.

Once you know how to unstick a propane tank valve, you can loosen the valve or spigot without any trouble. And this will make the process of grilling much easier. Happy cooking!

If you are concerned that you or others in your family may have difficulty smelling propane, consider installing a propane leak alarm in any residence, cottage or recreational vehicle using propane-powered appliances. Special 12v propane leak alarms, designed specifically for RVs, are available from specialized retailers.

Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks and static electricity. Trust your nose; never ignore the smell of propane. Always treat it as an actual leak until confirmed otherwise.

The Canada Safety Council recommends an annual safety inspection by a qualified service technician of the entire propane system in your home, cottage, camper or recreation vehicle, including the appliances. The technician will check your system for leaks and ensure it meets all applicable operating standards and can also check your tank, piping, regulators, gauges, connectors, valves, vents, thermostats, pilots, burners and appliance controls to make sure they are in good working condition.

Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas produced when fuels are burned. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in all residences, cottages and recreational vehicles with fuel-burning appliances. Consider that some low cost detectors cause false alarms, so be sure to obtain a quality unit. Do not select a detector just on its cost. It may not be adequate to do the job that is necessary when the time comes. Special 12v carbon monoxide alarms, designed specifically for RVs, are available from specialized retailers.

I bought the Marshall auto changeover, have not installed it. Waiting for American made pigtails to go with it. I"m not waiting for the recall to happen, as we will be on the road then. My dealer won"t do it until the letter comes out. I"m sure by then there will be none available anywhere.

So I have been having an ongoing issue with a slight gas smell when I open the tank door. I have tested every joint many times, no leaks. But this time I was spraying the joints with soapy water and a fly landed on a pigtail hose. I sprayed the fly with soap, and.... The hose started bubbling. This is a 2.5 year old hose with a smooth surface- no visible cracks. But it was leaking in spiral bands most of the length of the hose. Don"t go by looks, test the hoses too.

This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

I bought a new propane tank (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-20-lb-Empty-Propane-Tank-309791/202034840) and had it filled up, then used it on two separate days to fuel a weed burner torch. Worked fine. The last use was last Sunday, just a few days ago. I went to fire up the weed burner again today and nothing came out of the tank. No gas, and no hissing sound when the valve is first opened. I can open the valve all the way and stick my nose right against the tank"s outlet and I don"t smell any gas coming out at all.

There"s clearly propane still in there because the tank"s heavy and I can both hear and feel it sloshing around if I give the tank a shake. What could be the problem?

Some folks, especially vanlifers, prefer not to have propane installed in their camper at all. These RVers rely fully on electricity for their power needs and might only use propane when using a portable camp stove outside during nice weather. Other RVers absolutely love the convenience and efficiency of propane and would refuse to own a camper without a full propane system.

This article is for the latter group. Today I’ll be walking you through some basic information about propane systems in RVs, and how to troubleshoot a system when your gas stops flowing.

At first glance, not many appliances in an RV look as though they use propane as a source of power. Most people spend so much of their time dwelling in modern houses that they just kind of assume all appliances run off electricity. This is not at all the case in most travel trailers and motorhomes.

The RV industry leans heavily on propane as a convenient and stable source of energy for powering RV appliances. What do I mean by stable? Well, RVers with propane systems are much less likely to accidently “drain” their power system by leaving an appliance on for too long.

An RV with two 20-pound propane tanks and a small solar set-up can power its appliances for weeks using the gas contained in those tanks and a trickle of energy from the sun. This is much longer than an electricity-only camper that might only last a day or two before needing a power hook-up or a bright, sunny day to recharge via solar.

Additionally, propane systems can withstand significantly colder temperatures than RV battery systems. RV batteries should not be allowed to reach a temperature below freezing, while propane systems can dip way into the negatives without a noticeable effect on the flow of gas.

Furnace:Most motorhomes and travel trailers utilize highly efficient propane furnaces as a primary source of heat. On average, an RV furnace consumes around one gallon of propane every 3 hours. This rate of consumption may be higher or lower depending upon outside temperatures, size of the RV, how air-tight the RV is, and what temperature the thermostat is set to.

Water heater:Propane water heaters have the ability to heat water rapidly and sustain a consistent flow of hot water for showers and chores such as washing dishes and clothes. An RV water heater generally has a pilot light that burns a constant but insignificant amount of propane.

Stove:Almost all older model RVs come equipped with a gas stove. Electric induction stovetops might be more energy efficient than gas models but in my opinion are not nearly as convenient or fun to cook on.

Refrigerator:RV refrigerators are typically hybrids that can run on either propane or electricity. This dual power source feature prevents food from spoiling by allowing the fridge to switch to electricity if the rig runs out of propane. If your camper then also runs out of electricity you might be in a bit of a pickle, but at least your fridge will exhaust all potential power sources before shutting off.

Laws surrounding propane usage in RVs can vary quite a bit region to region and state to state. It would take me way too long to research and compile an accurate list of propane laws in each state, so instead I’m going to tell you a couple of things to think about and focus on when you do your own research.

Driving with a propane valve open:In many parts of the USA, it is illegal to drive an RV with the propane valves open. In other parts of the country there are no laws specifically restricting it, but it is not recommended. Most veteran RVers agree that it’s safest to close all propane valves before driving.

Refilling tanks:Travel around the states for a while and you’ll probably notice that refills are handled differently throughout the country. States have varying regulations when it comes to who can refill a propane tank and how to determine a full tank.

Tank inspection: Tank inspections determine whether or not a propane tank is strong and in good enough condition to safely hold high-pressure propane gas. Having your propane tanks inspected regularly is incredibly important, and oftentimes required by law.

On one hand, propane is an incredibly useful and convenient resource, and on the other hand it is a highly flammable, volatile, and dangerous gas. Propane must be regarded with caution and handled extremely carefully to avoid dangerous and life-threatening accidents. Please keep the following things in mind as you use propane in your RV.

No amount of gas leakage is acceptable in a propane system.If you smell rotting eggs, that is a sign your propane system is leaking. If this happens, immediately evacuate the RV and if safe to do so, turn off the propane supply valve. Wait until you are safe distance (50 yards) away from the RV to use your phone and call local authorities to report the leak. Do not re-enter or attempt driving the vehicle until it has been inspected by emergency responders.

Problems with an RV propane system always strike at the worst times. Chances are, if you are realizing that your RV propane is not flowing, you are deep on some back road, camp is set up, cold drinks are in hand, and you’re hoping to get some dinner cooking. Certainly not the ideal time to discover an issue with your gas.

Well, you might not be completely out of luck if you find your RV propane not flowing. There are four components in an RV’s propane system that can cause a lack of flow. Check them out first and see if one of these parts is the weak link in your system.

Checking that the primary propane tank valve is fully open should be the first step you take troubleshooting an issue with your propane system. I know it sounds pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised at how often someone’s propane “problems” are really just from a closed tank valve.

This is the type of issue where the solution is so simple, it is easily overlooked- especially when there are multiple people preparing an RV for a camping trip. Maybe you turned the RV’s propane on the night before to let the fridge and freezer get cold, but then your partner closed the valve before you started driving.

Or you were driving with the tank valve open and when you pulled into a gas station for some fuel, the gas station attendant closed the valve up before filling your tank. This is a standard safety practice and more than likely the attendant wouldn’t bother to inform you they closed your propane valve.

Regardless of how it happened, if you find that this is your issue simply open the valve nice and slow until it is fully open, and you should be good to go.

Safety tip: A propane tank’s main valve should always either be fully open, or fully closed. Most propane tanks have a seal that is only engaged when the valve is fully open. Leaving it in a partially open position can result in a dangerous gas leak.

Inside the fitting is a spring-loaded ball valve. If gas flows rapidly or suddenly through the fitting, the valve engages and completely stops the flow of propane. The idea behind this device is that if there is a sudden, large gas leak, the system will automatically shut off the flow of propane and eliminate risk of fire or explosion.

But these devices are fickle little things, and they can be tripped by a non-emergency event such as… opening your tank valve too quickly.Seriously. Sometimes the act of opening the primary valve too quickly can trick the excess flow valve into thinking there is a leak, it panics, and shuts the system down.

While temporarily inconvenient, this is actually great news! If this is what has tripped your excess flow valve, then all you need to do is shut your main valve completely, turn off all propane-powered appliances, wait a few minutes, and then slowly reopen the main valve. You should be good to go.

If this doesn’t work, then you probably have a leak in your propane system and need to shut the primary valve immediately. An excess flow valve that continues to trip is indicative of a leak that needs to be fixed. From here your only option is to take your RV to a certified RV technician for repairs.

A propane regulator, also commonly called a pressure regulator, monitors and regulates the pressure of the propane gas as it comes out of the tank. It takes the high-pressure gas flowing out of the propane tank and lowers the pressure to a level that propane powered appliances can accept.Without a pressure regulator, most of a camper’s propane appliances wouldn’t be able to run properly.

But dealing with such high pressure all of the time is stressful, and these parts don’t always have the longest of lifespans. If a propane regulator has gone bad, it will need replacing.

It’s also safe to assume your pressure regulator is bad if you know that it has ever been frozen completely (especially in humid environments) or dunked fully in water.

Before replacing the part entirely, you can attempt to reset the regulator by following the same steps taken to reset an excess flow valve.If the regulator cannot be reset, it will likely need to be replaced (don’t worry, they’re cheap).

Not all motorhomes and travel trailers have a propane detector, so this may or may not be relevant to your rig. (Pssst… if you don’t have a propane detector, you should get one!)

A propane detector’s only job is to detect if there is a propane leak somewhere in your RV and shut off the flow of propane if it senses one. It does this via an electric solenoid valve that requires electricity to stay open. If there is no power, the solenoid valve stays closed, and the propane won’t flow.

So, checking if your propane detector is your issue is pretty easy. Does your rig have power? If not, that’s your issue. If your batteries are charged and power is flowing to the rest of your rig, check the DC fuse-block and see if the fuse associated with the propane detector needs replacing. Fuse-block looking good? Move on to the wiring heading to the detector and make sure the electrical connections are secure.

If all of that checks out, and you are 100% positive you don’t have a propane leak, then you may need to take your rig to an RV technician and have them inspect your propane detectors internal wiring.

Yes, fire extinguishers can expire, and when they do it’s very important to promptly replace them. Make sure your current extinguisher, and any replacement extinguishers are rated properly for the size of your RV and easily accessible. You, and anyone staying in the RV should know where all fire extinguishers are located and how to safely use them.

Smoke detectors, propane detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms should all be test regularly.Always have a backup stash of fresh batteries somewhere in the rig so you can replace a detector’s batteries if they go dead on a trip.

Detectors and alarms also have limited life spans and will need replacing every 5-10 years. Know when your detector’s replacement dates are and don’t push off replacing them when it’s time.

RV technicians recommend that an RV’s propane systems be thoroughly and professionally inspected once every two years. A technician will be able to go through your system, check for leaks, inspect that the individual components are up to date and in working order, and, if certified to do so, inspect and recertify old propane tanks.

If you smell rotting eggs, your propane detector is alarming, your pressure regulator has shut the flow of gas, or your excess flow valve has shut the flow of gas, you may have a propane leak.Immediately shut the primary tank valve and fully evacuate the RV.

This is a tough question to answer. Propane may seem expensive or inexpensive depending upon your specific your financial situation. At truck stops and convenience stores, refilling a propane tank costs in between $2-4. At campgrounds with refill stations, you may be looking to spend closer to $4-6 per gallon.

Propane should be respected but not feared. When handled safely and appropriately, RV owners should be able to utilize propane as a source of power for many years with no issues. But if you get careless and negligent with your propane system, you are asking for trouble.

Please be smart when operating propane-powered appliances in your rig. If you ever suspect you have a propane leak, close the primary tank valve and evacuate the rig. Call appropriate authorities and have your system inspected by a professional. Better safe than sorry.

At Smart Touch Energy, we prioritize propane tank safety. Let"s take a closer look at some of the key questions surrounding propane tank safety and how you can minimize propane tank dangers.

Propane, also referred to as liquefied gas, is a popular fuel choice for individuals and businesses. It is delivered as a liquid and pumped into a storage tank, and it will not ignite with air until the ignition source reaches at least 920°F.

Furthermore, propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas. As such, propane is easier to transport and store as a liquid than as a gas.

According to the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), roughly 90 percent of the U.S. propane supply is produced domestically. The NPGA points out that propane serves many purposes, including:

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported U.S. propane and propylene inventories hit 97.7 million barrels in September 2015 — their highest level in 22 years. This indicates the demand for propane is on the rise in the United States, a trend that may continue in the foreseeable future.

On its own, propane gas is non-toxic. It produces minimal emissions and is not harmful to soil or groundwater. It also is colorless and odorless, but many propane suppliers will add a chemical compound to give propane an unpleasant smell. By doing so, propane suppliers help alert customers if a propane tank leaks — which can be a major safety hazard.

A residential propane tank that leaks may emit gas quickly. Fortunately, the following steps will ensure you are fully prepared to handle this scenario:

When it comes to propane tank safety, it is always better to err on the side of caution. Thus, if you smell gas, you"ll want to act fast to minimize this danger. Otherwise, you may put yourself and others at risk.

In addition, it is important to note that some smell sensitivities or medical conditions could make it difficult to detect propane. In these cases, a gas detector for propane may prove to be valuable, as it will provide an additional layer of security.

Another element to keep in mind when it comes to propane tank safety is odor fade, or the unintentional reduction of propane odor concentration. One reason odor fade may occur is due to water, rust or air inside a propane tank. Additionally, odor fade may happen because the odor can stick to areas such as distribution and piping systems, as well as simply to the inside of the tank. Although this problem is rare, it may affect propane tanks that have been sitting too long before being filled.

Apply a layer of soapy water or a leak detector solution to the connection between the residential propane tank"s cylinder valve and regulator outlet.

If you discover bubbles, close the cylinder valve, tighten the connection and repeat the testing process. If bubbles continue to appear, it means there is a leak in the propane tank.

Avoid Space Heating Propane Grills or Ovens: Although space heating propane grills and ovens may seem like viable options at first, they can be dangerous.

Work With a Qualified Propane Service Technician: A qualified propane service technician can connect an appliance to a propane tank and perform the necessary assessments to ensure you can maximize the value of your appliance.

If you are ever uncertain about how to take care of a propane gas appliance, you can contact the appliance provider for extra assistance. This company will be able to address any of your concerns and questions and help you use your appliance safely.

Inspect Old Appliance Connectors:If an appliance is more than 20 years old, have a qualified service technician assess the appliance connector. If you try to do this on your own, you risk damaging the connector and causing a propane gas leak. If you work with a service technician, however, you may be able to avoid risk and bolster your appliance"s performance for years to come.

Check the Appliance Vents: Let the vents on your appliance breathe and ensure flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors. Remove any insects, bird nests or other debris from the vents. Clear the area around the appliance to ensure plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion.

Don"t Repair or Modify the Appliance on Your Own: If you attempt to modify, repair or replace an appliance connector, control, regulator or valve on your own, you risk causing a gas leak.

Propane tank safety extends beyond the tank itself, and those who focus on finding ways to take care of their propane gas appliances can manage risk like never before.

Of course, working with a qualified propane appliance service technician can help you keep your appliance in working order. This technician possesses the training and know-how needed to fix or upgrade an appliance safely.

A propane tank is complex, and you should never modify a propane tank on your own. If you believe your propane tank is defective, don"t try to modify or repair regulators, valves or other propane tank parts if you lack the proper training and expertise.

On the other hand, you may believe your outdoor appliance is problematic. Like propane tanks, outdoor appliances are intricate, so you may want to get expert help with appliance repairs.

Sometimes, the pilot light on an outdoor appliance may go out. If the pilot light goes out periodically, you should follow the appliance manufacturer"s instructions to reignite it correctly. Follow the instructions closely and review any safety warnings before you attempt to reignite the pilot light.

If an outdoor appliance"s pilot light goes out frequently, it likely indicates there is an issue with the appliance, and you should avoid the temptation to reignite the pilot light on your own. In this case, you should get expert help to reignite the pilot light.

If you try to reignite the pilot light on your own, you risk fire or explosion. Comparatively, a qualified propane service technician will do everything possible to fix the pilot light on your appliance and ensure the problem does not occur again.

Any time you have concerns or questions about a propane tankand/or outdoor appliance, reach out to your propane supplier and/or a qualified gas service technician for support. This will allow you to get the expert assistance you need and avoid putting yourself or others in danger.

If you find a propane tank leaks, you should never refill it. You’ll need to get the tank inspected by a qualified propane gas technician before it can be refilled.

It is against the law to refill a tank if it’s out of date. The most recent inspection date of a propane tank is printed on the side of the tank, and you should review this information before you try to have your tank refilled.

The law requires periodic inspection of propane tanks, and you should evaluate a propane tank at least once a month to identify any leaks. Remember, a diligent approach to propane tank safety can make a world of difference. If you allocate even a few minutes each month to inspect your propane tank, you can manage propane tank safety risks effectively.

You should never throw a propane tank away. Conversely, many municipal programs offer propane tank collection in cities and towns nationwide. Or, your propane supplier should be able to offer additional support so you can dispose of your propane tank properly.

How you store your residential propane tank is paramount. If you store your propane tank correctly, you will be able to reduce the risk of causing a leak.

Avoid Excess Heat: Heat builds up inside of a propane tank, and when this happens, the tank"s pressure relief valve may release propane. Therefore, you"ll want to keep your residential propane tank away from areas where temperatures reach 120°F or higher.

Disconnect the Propane Tank When Not in Use:A common scenario you might see is a propane tank connected to a barbecue. However, when the propane tank is not in use, ensure it’s disconnected from the barbecue or other appliance.

You should always store your propane tank outdoors and keep it in an upright position away from heat and direct sunlight. If you intend to use a propane tank that has been stored for a long time, be sure to look for signs of aging on the rubber tubing that links the propane tank to an appliance. If the rubber tubing is broken or cracked, you can replace it by purchasing new rubber tubing from a hardware store.

You should always move a propane tank in standing position. Ultimately, you"ll want to secure the propane tank with rope — not a metal chain. A metal chain could move around against the metal propane tank, creating sparks that could be disastrous. Meanwhile, rope is strong and sturdy and will help you keep the propane tank in place consistently.

When you travel, keep the windows of your vehicle open for added safety. You also will want to ensure the propane tank valve is locked and covered with a dust cap. And if the propane tank needs to be refilled, visit a filling station before you reach your final destination.

Believe it or not, running out of gas in your propane tank can be dangerous. Some of the most common problems that may arise due to an empty propane tank include:

Leaks:If the appliance valve or gas line of a propane tank remains open after the propane supply runs out, a leak may occur when the tank is refilled.

Rust Build-Up:Air and moisture can accumulate inside of an empty propane tank. This can result in rust build-up inside the propane tank, lowering the concentration of the odor of propane and making the gas more difficult to smell.

If the fuel level on your propane tank falls below 20 percent, you shouldcontact your fuel supplier for a refill. Setting up regular propane deliveries also may provide immediate and long-lasting benefits. The deliveries will ensure you"ll always have a full supply of propane on hand, so you"ll be able to use propane any time you choose.

An OPD prevents a propane tank from being overfilled. If a propane tank is overfilled, the tank won"t have sufficient space if liquefied gas expands in warm temperatures. As a result, a propane tank"s cylinder pressure will increase, which can create dangerous conditions.

Smart Touch Energy empowers customers with propane tank safety knowledge and insights. We also take the hassle out of ordering propane and help customers purchase energy products in an easy, convenient and cost-effective way.

If you’ve ever hooked up a new propane gas tank and heard a faint hissing sound, your first thought is likely to be, uh oh—there’s a gas leak somewhere. Well, this may be true. Propane tanks will often hint at a slight leak by making a hissing sound, which gets louder as you get closer to the tank. But, there are a few other possible reasons your new tank isn’t working as expected. So next time you hear the hissing and suspect you might have a leaking propane tank on your hands, follow these tips to determine the cause.

If you hear a hissing noise,tune into your sense of smell too. If you smell gas, and you’ve checked the situation is safe, turn the cylinder valve clockwise to the off position. If you are unable to turn it off, leave the area and call your local fire department. In both cases, you’ll need to have a qualified service technician check out your grill for leaks. Generally, a humming sound without the smell of gas is normal.

If you suspect there may be a gas leak from the hose or connectors, and it is safe to do so, you can use a simple test to determine the leak. Prepare a solution of equal parts water and liquid dish soap. Ensure the cylinder valve on the gas tank is closed. Either pour into a spray bottle or use a grilling brush to apply the solution along the gas hose and connections. Open the cylinder valve, and examine the hose and gas line connections for soap bubbles. These bubbles indicate a leak. If you see bubbles, turn off the cylinder valve and replace or repair the area that is leaking by contacting a qualified service technician.

The bleeder valve, also called a fixed liquid level gauge, is typically opened by the delivery person when a tank is filled with propane. If the bleeder valve is not closed entirely, or was blocked from the inside when closed but is now cleared, this may be causing the noise. To fix this, turn the bleeder valve clockwise to ensure it is closed and stop the flow of gas.

Propane tanks can build up extra pressure when they overheat due to expanding liquid in the tank. On extra hot days, the safety relief valve may open to release built up pressure in the tank. The pressure will remove the protective cap, opening the relief valve. It is crucial to not look into the relief valve or tap it with anything. You want to avoid the relief valve opening all the way. The easiest fix is to spray to tank with a water hose to cool it down, causing the relief valve to close entirely.

To set up your propane tank, remove the grill cover entirely and position grill away from flammable materials. Make sure the gas is turned off and the used tank has been removed. Turn the service valve hand wheel to the right so it is turned off, and remove the plastic cap covering the nozzle. Snuggly connect the grill’s gas line to the nozzle, and turn the coupler to the right until everything is screwed in completely. Turn the gas valve on the propane tank to open.