How Do You Tell If A Propane Tank Is Empty?

Propane is used all over the world and brings many benefits to the home. From heating food and water to powering farm equipment and more, we’d be at a loss without it in some way. So, while you’re getting ready to enjoy an outdoor BBQ, fill the balloons for the party, or even run your outdoor fire pit, think about what you’re to do when it’s time to fill your tank and where you’ll get propane delivery.

Size Matters

Tanks are always max 80% capacity. This allows the propane to safely expand and the gauge will only read 80% when you buy it new or have to fill it. Your portable propane tank size will come in 40 lb, 30 lb, and 20 lb options and is easy to refill, whether you take it to a shop or use propane delivery. Another option holds approximately 5 gallons of propane, as well. These propane tanks are used typically for patio heaters or grilling purposes. You’ll also find these size tanks being used to inflate balloons for parties.

A thousand gallon tanks are the maximum and are not portable. They’re placed above or below the ground and are between 5 ft. tall and 16 inches Long. These propane tanks are residential and are used to heat pools, as generators or whole house systems for residences or commercial use, for heating and dry cleaning, and even cooking. They’re suitable for most places 4,500 square feet or larger and are usually refilled with propane delivery, as needed.

The 100 lb tanks and up are used for a variety of purposes. They can be brought temporarily to job sites for heating purposes and they are used for washers and dryers, barbecues, fireplaces and more. These are portable, however they are moved more efficiently with help of another person and a dolly. These tanks hold roughly 25 gallons and stand 4 feet tall and 18 inches in diameter. Should you need extra support, 200 lb tanks are connected with a switchover valve. These two tanks work together so when one runs out, the other one turns on automatically. The red / green indicator tells you when the tanks are low and can easily be filled with propane delivery as well.

My Propane Tank Is Empty – What Next?

So let’s say you’re either using your propane tank for parties or cooking on the grill. There are a few ways to tell if your tank is empty.

• Most grilling tanks weigh between 17 and 20 lb and usually come with a two number stamp on the handle that tells you the water capacity and TW. You can weigh the tank on a scale and subtract the TW number from that weight. This will give you an idea of how much you have left.
• You could install an external gauge that provides accurate readings of your tank’s TW. This measures the pressure to determine your tank’s capacity.
• Lastly, a safe and simple trick is to use warm water to determine how much propane is left. Fill a small bucket with hot or warm tap water and pour the water down the side of the tank. You run your hand along the side of the tank and feel for a cool spot. The cool spot indicates the fill level.

There are many ways to use propane, and these are just a few of the most common. The good news is you can get propane delivered, no matter your specific needs.

So the next time you have an outdoor event, or you simply need a variety of colorful balloon displays, Hico Distributing provides propane delivery and a selection of high-quality balloon decor at your service. Stop by our showroom or contact us today!