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How to Fill a Propane Tank Download Article Co-authored by Hunter Rising
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked
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Inspecting the Propane Tank
|
Transferring Propane from Another Tank
|
Video
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Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
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Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 438,085 times. Learn more...
Propane is stored in liquid form in high-pressure tanks, and it turns into a gas when its pressure is lowered by opening the valve. Depending on the type of propane tank you have, you may be able to fill it on your own when it’s empty from a larger supply tank. Before you fill your propane tank, be sure to check that the tank is in good condition and that filling it yourself is legal in your area. If you can fill your tank, remember to be extremely careful since propane is flammable and could ignite!
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Inspecting the Propane Tank
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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 a triangular valve, then you cannot fill the tank safely.
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 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.
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.
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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.
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 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.[1]XResearch source
Propane in typically measured by weight rather than volume.
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Transferring Propane from Another Tank
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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.[2]XResearch source
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 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.[3]XResearch source
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 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.[4]XResearch source
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.[5]XResearch source
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 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.[6]XResearch source
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 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.[7]XResearch source
Warning: Liquid propane is extremely cold and could cause frostbite quickly if you touch it.
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Question How to fill a horizontal propane tank? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You can either connect a smaller propane tank to it and use it to refill the larger tank, or you can contact a propane dealer to fill it for you. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14
Question How much does it cost to fill a propane tank? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer It varies depending on the time of year, but propane typically costs between $2 and $3 per gallon. Some companies might charge a little more to do the refill for you. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Question Where can I get a propane tank filled? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You can fuel up a propane tank at many home improvement stores, as well as at agricultural supply stores. You can also do it at some gas stations. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
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Video
Tips
Check with your local laws and regulations to see if you need a permit to fill your own propane tanks. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
If you don’t feel comfortable refilling the propane tank yourself or you have a large tank you can’t easily transport, then call a propane service near you to fill it for you. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
You cannot refill propane tanks that are labeled as “single-trip,” “nonrefillable,” or “disposable.” Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 4
Do not overfill your propane tanks since they could explode if they get too hot. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Propane is extremely flammable and can cause an explosion near heat sources or open flames. Use extreme caution when you refill your tank. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
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Things You’ll Need
Bathroom scale
Propane tank
Gas connector hose
Propane fittings
Wrench
Screwdriver
Gloves
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Co-authored by: Hunter Rising wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 438,085 times. 92 votes - 78% Co-authors: 16Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 438,085 Categories: Featured Articles | Barbecue EquipmentArticle SummaryX
To fill a propane tank, you’ll need a bathroom scale, supply tank, connector hose, and a garden hose. Start by placing your empty tank on a bathroom scale so you can measure the weight. Connect your empty tank to the supply tank with a connector hose. Once you’ve connected the tanks, open the valve on the empty tank, then the supply tank. Since your empty tank needs to cool to easily receive the propane, pour a weak stream from your garden hose on it. When your scale shows that your tank is 80 percent full, close the tank valves. Propane can expand when it gets hot, and this prevents the tank from exploding. Finally, open the bleeder valve, which is a screw underneath the main valve, which will expel any excess propane. If liquid comes out, let it run until only vapor comes out. For more tips, including how to make sure a propane tank is empty before you refill it, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Co-authored by: Hunter Rising wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 438,085 times. 92 votes - 78% Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 438,085 Categories: Featured Articles | Barbecue Equipment Article SummaryX
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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 a triangular valve, then you cannot fill the tank safely. 
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. 
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. 
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.[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.[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.[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.[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.[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.[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.[7] 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.