Costco is an excellent store for saving money and buying in bulk. Depending on your location, some Costcos offer various services such as Optometry, Pharmacy, Oil Changes, Gas Stations, and more. So you may be wondering, does Costco offer propane services too? Can you refill a propane tank at Costco or have one exchanged?

Well, good news. Costco offers propane refilling at select locations. Out of the ~700 Costco locations, 100 offer Propane services, specifically refilling. While you won’t be able to exchange a propane tank, you can have your tank refilled at these locations, and most locations sell empty propane tanks. Almost all of these locations are located in Canada, so if you’re located in the United States, you’ll want to call your local store to confirm if they refill propane or not.

Map of Costco Locations That Refill Propane

Below is an interactive map showing all Costco locations that offer propane services.

Propane Services at Costco

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, most Costco locations do not offer propane services. Out of the 700 locations listed on their website, only 100 offer propane services. While some stores do not list propane as a service on their store details page, they may still have propane services. If you do not see your store listed on my verified locations list, it is still worth calling and asking if they offer propane services.

Membership is Required

Refilling your propane tanks at Costco is easy, but make sure you have a membership with Costco as you’ll need one in order to have your tanks refilled or purchase new empty ones. Double-check with your location before heading there to ensure they have propane available for refilling your tank.

Where Is The Propane Refill Station?

The propane refilling station is typically located outside near the gas station or Tire Depot, or somewhere in the parking lot. You can identify it by the large white propane tank, typically surrounded by red barriers, as pictured above. The propane refilling station will never be inside a warehouse, so do not take your propane tank inside.

Refilling Propane at Costco Steps

Having your propane tanks refilled at Costco is very easy. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Take your propane tank to the refilling station and give it to the attendant
2. The attendant will fill your propane tank and then hand you a slip to take to the cashier to pay, they will hold onto the tank until it’s paid, so you can do your normal shopping.
3. Pay the slip at either the Tire Center or at the normal registers, and hand the paid slip back to the attendant to receive your full tank

Make sure when you’re traveling with propane tanks, regardless if their empty, to follow basic propane transportation safety. Always make sure the valve is fully closed, and to secure the tank as well as store it in a well ventilated part of the car. Never leave propane tanks in the car for long periods, in high heat, or with the windows up. Never smoke near propane tanks.

How Much Does Costco Propane Cost to Refill?

Costco propane prices will depend on your specific location, however, most stores refill propane for ~$2.40/gal. This means if Costco fills your entire tank up, which they only fill to 15 lbs (3.7 gallons), it will cost you a total of $8.88 before tax.

Because Costco fills your propane tanks up and doesn’t exchange them, you can bring any brand of propane tank at any fill level. You will only be charged for the amount of propane you get.

How Much Do You Get?

Similar to Blue Rhino and Amerigas, Costco only fills their propane tanks to 15 lbs. While this is unfortunate, as they can legally fill it to 20 lbs, the price is still one of the best you’ll find for propane refills.

Costco Locations That Refill Propane (Verified)

Are you looking for a Costco propane refill station near you? In total, there are 100 stores that are verified to offer propane services. Below is a list of all locations that have Propane listed as a service on their location details page at Costco.com If you do not see your store on this list, it is still worth calling and checking directly with them.

Click on a state below to jump to that section, or scroll down to see all locations.

Thank you for reading, and God Bless!

During the winter propane can be a lifesaver, and it’s crucial that your propane appliances are working properly when you living in freezing temperatures. However, sometimes due to the cold temperatures, propane tanks, and systems can become inoperable or malfunction. Before you assume your propane tank is frozen, let’s go over some basic information about propane.

Can propane freeze? Yes, propane can freeze at temperatures below -306°F. However, problems with propane tanks in freezing temperatures are more likely due to low pressure inside the tank than the propane being frozen. More than likely, the pressure inside your tank has dropped significantly due to the cold temperatures, and your appliance is not receiving the proper amount of gas to operate.

While propane is one of the best sources of fuel to use in cold temperatures due to its physical properties and is often recommended for off-grid generators, it does have some issues that can arise in cold weather. Let’s go over some of the properties of propane and why it’s a great fuel source for cold temperatures and some of the issues that can arise as the temperature drops in the winter months.

Propane Properties & Why It’s Unlikely It’s Frozen

Before we go into too much detail about propane tank problems in freezing temperatures and how to resolve them, let’s go over some basic properties of propane.

• Freezing Point: −188 °C; −306 °F
• Boiling Point: −42°C; −44°F
• Pressure at 70°: 124 PSI

As you can see, the freezing point of propane is roughly -306°F. The coldest ever recorded temperature on earth was -129°F. So if you’re having issues with your propane tank, it’s not because it’s frozen.

Unlike other fuels such as gasoline and diesel which can thicken as temperatures drop, propane does not. However, as the temperature drops the pressure inside your tank can drop dramatically. Let’s go over how much this can change and how to check the pressure inside your tank.

Propane Tank Pressure & How to Check

While the propane inside your tank is not freezing, what’s actually happening, is the pressure inside your tank has dropped drastically due to this colder temperature, and your appliance isn’t getting enough fuel to operate. As mentioned above, at 70°F, the typical temperature inside a propane tank is roughly 124 PSI. Go down to 32°F and the pressure inside drops to approximately 50 PSI, and at 0°F, just 25 PSI.

Additional factors such as how full the propane tank is, what BTU rating the connected appliance is, and the length of the hose or piping, and you could easily drop below the required pressure to operate your appliance.

How to Check Propane Tank Pressure

If you need to know how much propane you have, there are multiple ways of determining how much propane is in your tank. However, when it comes to knowing what the pressure of the propane in your tank is, there aren’t many options available.

Your main option is to refer to a propane pressure chart, which can tell you the pressure of propane vapor at given temperatures. Below is a basic chart I made for temperatures between -44°F and 120°F.

Your other option is to connect a propane fuel gauge to your tank. However, these typically only tell you how much propane is in your tank, but they measure the pressure to determine what the fill level is. You can buy pressure gauges that measure PSI or WC, however, I haven’t found one that readily connects to ACME connections.

Frozen Propane Regulator

While pressure inside your tank can be one reason your propane appliance is not working, another issue could be your propane regulator freezing. While this doesn’t freeze due to frozen propane, water vapor can get inside your propane tank and accidentally make its way into your regulator where it can then freeze, causing the diaphragm inside to freeze shut.

If you live somewhere where it drops below freezing often, your propane supplier probably already adds methanol into your tanks before winter to help reduce the chance of this occurring. However, if you’re traveling from somewhere warm, you may want to ask about having methanol added to your tanks, or swapping them for ones that have it.

If your propane regulator is frozen, you can always pour hot water on it, or use small hand warmers to defrost it. Take a look at my article on how to fix a frozen propane regulator for more information and details on this.

The best step you can take to reduce the chances of running into propane-related issues during winter months is to winterize your propane tanks ahead of time. Let’s go over some of the options available.

Winterizing Propane Tanks

There isn’t much that needs to be done in terms of winterizing your propane tanks. Most temperatures will be warm enough to provide sufficient pressure inside the tank for your appliances to work, however, there are some steps you can take to ensure you do not run into any low-pressure issues.

Firstly, make sure your propane tank is at least 30% full. Secondly, make sure to keep your propane tank covered to avoid being in direct contact with snow and frost, either with a specialty propane tank cover, or even just a blanket. Make sure when closing and opening the valve, you only hand tighten or loosen the valve and connections. Depending on where you live and what size propane tank you have, your local propane supplier may add methanol into your tank to reduce water moisture from freezing.

Here’s a video of maple syrup producers using a small bath of lukewarm water to help maintain the temperature of their propane tank as they use it.

If you’ll be in extremely cold temperatures such as below zero, there are some additional steps you can take, such as using propane tank warmers. While these can be a bit pricier, they will allow your propane tank to stay adequately warm enough to operate properly. this 20 lb propane tank warmer you can get on Amazon made by PowerBlanket will keep your propane tank around 90F, giving you full pressure inside your tank.

Along with keeping the tank itself warm, it’s a good idea to have some extra hand warmers laying around in case you run into issues with your regulator freezing up.

In Closing

Hopefully, I’ve answered any questions you have about propane freezing and what you can do to avoid any propane tank issues with winter. Some quick facts to recap:

• Propane can freeze but at temperatures below -306°F
• If you’re experiencing issues with your propane tank in cold weather it’s most likely pressure issues and not freezing
• While the propane inside your tank is most likely not frozen, water vapor can freeze inside the regulator

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments.

Thanks for reading and God Bless!

Ever wonder if you can lay a propane tank on its side? Well, whether it’s a 20 lb propane tank or a 100 lb propane tank, the propane inside is mostly in the form of a liquid and is kept at high pressure (typically between 100 and 200 psi). Because of this liquid propane, it’s important to keep your propane tanks upright at all times. Let’s go over why.

This liquid propane sits at the bottom of the tank, while the gaseous propane vapor floats in the top portion. When a propane tank is being used the liquid propane boils creating more propane vapor which floats and then exits through the top of the tank out of the valve. If the propane tank is oriented horizontally instead of vertically, the valve could become submerged in liquid propane rather than propane vapor. If the valve were to open, liquid propane would come out of the tank instead of propane vapor.

You should never lay a propane tank on its side because the liquid propane inside the tank would be in contact with the valve opening, which could potentially leak. Liquid propane vaporizes to 270 times its liquid volume, meaning even spilling a small amount can produce a large amount of propane gas as it boils. Liquid propane is also extremely cold and can cause frostbite.

You should never lay a propane tank on its side unless it was specifically manufactured to operate horizontally. If you’re not sure if your propane can operate horizontally, click here.

Let’s go over in more detail what happens when you lap a propane tank on its side, and why should never do so. I’ll also go over what propane tanks can lay on their side, and how to safely transport propane tanks.

What Happens When A Propane Tank Is On Its Side

Before I go over why you shouldn’t lay a propane tank on its side, let’s go over how propane tanks work and why liquid propane is dangerous. Since the main reason laying a propane tank on its side is dangerous is because of the possible exposure to liquid propane, it’s important to understand some basic details about how it could leak out and what can happen if you come in contact with it.

How Propane Tanks Work

Propane tanks work by maintaining a high level of pressure in order to keep the propane in its liquid form, allowing much larger quantities of energy to be stored. When an appliance is connected to a propane tank, the higher pressure inside the tank forces vaporized propane out of the valve and through the regulator/hose and into your appliance where it is burned.

When the appliance is using this vaporized propane, the pressure inside the tank decreases. As the pressure inside the tank decreases, the propane begins to boil and becomes a vaporized gas which then maintains the pressure inside the tank. Even after you turn your appliance off, the liquid propane inside your tank will continue to boil until the pressure equalizes and no more vapor can form inside the tank, typically this is between 100-200 PSI depending on temperature.

Below is a video demonstration of what is happening inside your propane tank as it operates.

Propane Leaks – Vertical vs Horizontal

Propane vapor is extremely flammable, and a gallon of liquid propane contains roughly 91,000 BTUs. Typically, if a propane leak were to occur while the tank is standing vertically, only a small amount of gaseous vapor would be released since the valve is at the top of the tank and only in contact with propane vapor.

However, if a liquid propane leak were to occur due to the propane tank laying on its side, a much larger amount of potential energy would be released since the valve would be submerged and liquid propane would leak out.

Since propane boils at -44°F, if the ambient temperature is above this it will boil and create gaseous propane vapor, otherwise, it will remain a liquid. When propane boils, it expands to 270 times its liquid volume, so as you can see, a liquid propane leak can release a lot more potential energy and create a very dangerous situation.

To get a visualization of how much a liquid can expand when vaporized, imagine you have a gallon of water. If you were to boil that gallon, and store all of the water vapor in gallon jugs, it would take 1,321 gallons to contain all of the vapor.

Dangers of Liquid Propane

Along with the obvious dangers of propane being extremely flammable, liquid propane is extremely cold. If you are exposed to it and get in on your skin, you will most likely get frostbite damage.

When liquid propane boils, it creates propane vapor. This vapor is actually heavier than air, so if there is a leak, the liquid propane will produce a large amount of propane vapor that can go undetected as it sits on the floor. In an enclosed space, this can create the potential for fire hazards and explosions. This is why you should never store propane tanks on their side, as a propane leak could easily go undetected.

While it’s not advisable to store or have your propane tank on its side, if you tip your propane tank over or hold it sideways, liquid propane won’t just come pouring out as long as there isn’t a leak. This is because of the Overfill Protection Device on your propane tank, which is the valve on the top of the tank.

However, if the OPD malfunctions, there is damage to the device, an open connection, or the safety relief valve was to open, liquid propane could escape the tank. And if you have a regulator/hose connected, you could get liquid propane inside the regulator causing it to freeze. Check out my article on how to fix a frozen regulator for more information on that.

Let’s go over more details about the OPD valve so you have a better idea of how it works.

Propane Tank Overfill Protection Device (OPD)

The Overfill protection device or OPD is the top valve on a propane tank, it contains the main handwheel for opening and closing the flow of propane out of the tank, as well as multiple other features.

Mainly, it has a bleeder valve for manually purging the tank, a safety relief valve that automatically triggers when the pressure inside the tank gets too high, and a long float device that goes inside the tank and stops the tank from being overfilled. You can see these parts (excluding the float device that’s inside the tank) in the picture below.

When laid sideways, the hose that connects to the bleeder valve will become submerged. The bleeder valve is typically used when filling propane tanks to signify when the tank is at 80% capacity, or full, and usually only has vaporized propane in it. If the bleeder valve were to be open or loose, liquid propane could leak out of this hole.

Similarly, the safety relief valve is a safety feature that activates when the pressure inside of the tank exceeds a certain amount. If this were to happen while your propane tank is sideways, you could experience liquid propane trying to exit the safety relief valve. This could potentially trigger if the tank were to be left in a hot car, or the tank was full and the ambient temperature increased.

Now, while you shouldn’t ever lay a propane tank on its side or transport a propane tank sideways, this does not apply to all propane tanks. Some propane tanks are actually manufactured to operate horizontally.

Horizontal Propane Tanks (Okay On Their Side)

The only time you should lay a propane tank on its side or transport a propane tank horizontally is when the tank was manufactured to operate horizontally. Propane tanks that are mounted on their side look different than typical vertical cylinders, as the valve is off center and the frame around the top of the tank will look different than a vertical one. These propane tanks can typically operate vertically or horizontally. If you’re unsure which propane tank you have, review the image below. However, chances are you have a standard vertical tank and horizontal tanks are a lot less common.

Depending on how you are using your propane tank, you may want to purchase a horizontal propane tank. These tanks can usually be mounted to RVs or trucks and may be easier for you to transport safely.

Horizontal propane tanks typically cost more than vertical ones, and will mostly need to be refilled and cannot be exchanged. Flame King makes a 20lb horizontal propane tank which you can find on Amazon. It comes with a gauge and can operate both horizontally and vertically, making it very versatile. You can also reach out to your local hardware store or propane supplier to see what horizontal options they have available and what the costs associated with them are.

Transporting Propane Tanks

The main reason I actually wrote this article was when I had to google a question about transporting propane tanks, and saw a lot of questions about if you can transport propane tanks horizontally.

Some of the larger sizes, such as 100 lb propane tanks can be difficult to transport vertically due to their size, so you’d assume you could transport them laying down, however, you should still transport these vertically. You’ll need to find a way to secure the tank vertically in the bed of a truck or rear cabin.

Always make sure to follow propane transport safety guidelines like having the windows down and all valves closed and any appliances disconnected. Below are some tips for transporting propane tanks, but for more details on transporting propane tanks check out my article on how to dispose of propane tanks which goes into more detail on this.

When transporting a propane tank make sure to:

Always:

• Always transport propane tanks vertically and make sure they are secured
• Always ensure the valve is fully closed, and nothing is attached to the tank
• Always keep the tank in a well-ventilated space, preferably in the bed of a truck
• If you have to transport the tank in the passenger area of a car, place it in the backseat and secure it with a seatbelt and have your windows rolled down

Never:

• Never leave the tank in a hot car. If it gets too hot it can trigger the pressure relief valve, which will fill your car with propane
• Never transport propane tanks on their side
• Never smoke near propane tanks (see video below)
• Never transport propane tanks in the trunk of a car

Failure to follow these safety tips when transporting can lead to serious injury or even death.

In Closing

Let’s go over some of the basics from this article:

1. Propane tanks should never be laid on their side
2. Only propane tanks manufactured to operate horizontally can lay on their side
3. 100 lb propane tanks should not lay on their sides, even when being transported
4. The reason you can’t lay them sideways is the danger of liquid propane leaking
5. Exposure to liquid propane can cause frostbite, and release large amounts of propane vapor

Hopefully you found this information informative, and if you have any comments or questions please feel free to reach out.

Thank you and God Bless!

Is your propane tank not opening or are you experiencing issues opening the valve (also referred to as handwheel) on the top of your tank? Just filled your propane tank and it’s not working? Let’s go over some of the common reasons this happens and how to fix them.

Typically, if your propane tank valve is not opening, it’s because it was over-tightened or due to debris or rust it’s stuck. To fix a propane tank that won’t open, apply some oil, such as WD-40, to the valve stem and use a rag or rubber glove to get a better grip to open the valve. You should never use a wrench or tool to attempt to open a stuck valve, as this could possibly damage the valve. If you are unable to loosen the valve, you may need to replace the OPD valve or exchange the entire tank for a new one.

Let’s go over some of the common reasons your propane valve can get stuck, how to prevent this from happening, and other reasons your propane tank may not be working.

Fixing A Propane Valve That Won’t Open

As I mentioned above, the most common reason your propane tank valve might not open is likely due to it being over-tightened. However, other reasons such as debris or rust buildup, the valve being frosted over, and your tank being too old could cause issues with opening the valve.

Valve Is Overtightened

Whether your propane tank was overtightened the last time you used it, or came like that when you got the tank, you’ll just need to loosen the valve so you can open it.

Using a lubricant such as WD-40 or another type of oil, you can lubricate around the stem where the handwheel valve has threads going into the tank. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then try opening the valve. If you still have issues opening the valve, try using a rag or rubber glove to get a better grip on the valve to open.

Never use any tools such as a wrench to try and force the valve open, and never use a hammer or other hard object to try and hit or “knock loose” the valve. If you damage the valve or break it, this could lead to serious injury.

Debris or Rust Build Up

If you live somewhere with a lot of dust or where it rains a lot, your tank may get covered in debris or form rust around the valve. If debris gets stuck in the valve threads, this could cause it to get stuck. Try using a rag with soapy water to clean around the valve, or using a hose to spray any dirt or grime off the valve stem.

Similarly, try cleaning off any rust to loosen the valve. Using rust removal spray can help break down any build-up allowing you to turn the valve. Depending on how severe the rust is, you may want to exchange the propane tank for a new one for safety reasons. Rusted propane tanks are not safe and should be carefully monitored for further damage and replaced as soon as possible.

Frozen Propane Valve

If you live in a cold climate there is always the possibility of water freezing around your OPD valve causing it to freeze shut. Try warming up the valve area with warm water, thermal hand warmers, or by using a hair dryer on its low setting.

Never use a torch or flame to try and melt ice on a propane tank, and never expose propane tanks to extreme heat. To prevent frost build up keep your propane tank valves covered and if you can, keep them out of the extreme elements as best you can.

Old Propane Tank

If your propane tank is old it can lock up as well. Propane tanks should be exchanged for a new one or recertified after 12 years of their manufactured date. You can locate the manufacturer date on the propane tank near the top, it will be represented by a 4-digit number such as “11 20”, which represents November 2020.

If your propane tank is older than 12 years of the manufactured date, you should have the tank exchanged for a new one. Read my article on how to dispose of propane tanks to see where and how to get a new one.

Propane Tank Valve Open But No Gas

If your experiencing issues with propane not coming out of your tank, there can be a handful of reasons why. Sometimes it can feel like your propane tank is full but no gas is coming out. This can be as simple as the propane tank actually being empty, or a safety feature has reduced the flow of propane. Most likely, if your propane tank is full and the valve is open, but you are not getting gas, it is because the regulator has triggered its low-flow safety feature.

Let’s go over how to figure out what the issue is and resolve any propane tank issues.

How to Check If Propane Tank is Empty or Full

The first thing to check if you’re having propane issues is that your tank is not empty. Refer to my article on how to check if your propane tank is empty, where I go into further detail on ways to check.

But the quickest way to determine how much propane is in your tank is to pour some warm water on the tank and feel for where the temperature changes. If this is near the bottom of the tank, chances are your propane tank is almost empty.

You can also place your propane tank on a scale to determine the total weight. An empty propane tank weighs around 18 lbs and when full, weighs between 33-38 lbs, depending on how full the propane supplier fills the tank. For example, Blue Rhino and Amerigas only fill 20 lb propane tanks to 15 lbs, see my article on how many gallons of propane are in a tank to read more on this.

Your propane tank will have its tare weight listed on the neck ring, near where the manufactured date is. Typically it’s 17.7 lbs. So you can simply weigh the entire tank and deduct the tare weight to calculate how much propane you have.

Propane Low Flow Safety Features

If your propane tank is full, and you are able to turn the valve on, but you are experiencing issues with a weak flame, low flame, or your appliance isn’t working properly or even starting, there is a chance one of the safety features has triggered.

All regulators have an overflow protection mechanism that triggers if an excess flow of propane is detected. Sometimes you can accidentally trigger this and until you reset the regulator you won’t have an adequate flow of propane.

If your propane tank shuts off during use, chances are you have a leak, something is wrong with your appliance, or a connection is loose. If there is a leak, it will cause the regulator to restrict flow to the appliance and activate a “low-flow” mode. When this is triggered, propane is not fully restricted, but the flow is dropped significantly to give you time to turn off the propane tank and fix the issue.

To fix an issue where the low flow safety features have triggered, which can be identified by hearing an audible “click” come from the regulator, and weak or low flames, you’ll need to reset the regulator. If you notice this continually happening, you should first turn off your appliance and propane tank and examine your setup for signs of damage.

Check for Damaged parts

Damage to the propane tank, valve, regulator, hose, or appliance can cause issues with your propane tank not working properly. While it may seem common knowledge to look at your propane tank for signs of damage, since that is what typically moves around the most, it’s important to also look at the connections between your propane tank and regulator, as well as the hose and regulator themselves.

Even though you may not have touched these pieces, extreme weather and time can affect the rubber parts of regulators and hoses. Inspect the inside of the connection between your regulator and valve for any broken O-rings, as well as signs of rust or cracks.

Animals and insects are attracted to the scent of propane and can bite through propane hoses, and even after you turn a propane tank off the hose between your appliance and regulator still contains propane. If an animal were to create a small hole in the hose, it could be what is accidentally triggering the low-flow safety feature.

Resetting Your Propane Regulator and Connections

If you’ve triggered the low-flow safety feature in your regulator you’ll need to reset it to fix this issue. As I mentioned above, this can easily happen and sometimes you may not notice you’ve done so, causing you to experience weak or low flames, or have your propane tank shut off during use. This can easily happen the first time you install a new appliance or regulator/hose as the hose is empty, and when you open the propane valve an excess flow of propane enters the system. Your regulator may think you have a leak and restrict the flow of gas.

To reset a propane regulator follow these easy steps:

1. Turn off the appliance and close the propane tank valve fully
2. Disconnect the appliance regulator or hose from the propane tank
3. Reconnect the regulator/hose to the propane tank
4. While the appliance is still off, slowly turn the propane tank valve on
5. Turn on the appliance

When operating any appliance with propane, you should always first turn the propane tank on before turning the appliance on. And when you’re finished, you should always turn the appliance off first then the propane tank. This will ensure you do not accidentally trigger the low-flow safety features.

How to Prevent A Stuck Propane Valve

By properly maintaining your propane tank you can avoid having your propane tank valve get stuck later. Proper maintenance and storage are key to safe propane use and will help you avoid running into issues with the tank.

Propane Tank Maintenance

Maintaining your propane tank can be as simple as routinely checking the tank for signs of damage, keeping your propane tank clean from debris and dirt, and ensuring your propane tank is full.

Any signs of damage to your propane tanks such as rust, corrosion, dents, or broken/missing parts mean you should get a new propane tank. Propane tanks are typically white to allow them to reflect the most amount of light to reduce how hot they get, so it is important to keep your propane tanks clean so they can stay cool. Similarly, having a full propane tank allows the tank to maintain temperature better, and reduces the chances of pressure dropping too much in cold weather.

Propane Tank Safety and Tips

Propane is one of the safest residential sources of fuel, since it is clean burning, has an indefinite shelf life, is stored in extremely protective tanks, and can only be used when the correct connection is made. However, propane is extremely flammable and you should always practice caution when handling or using propane.

Always:

• Always keep propane tanks vertical
• Always check your connections for signs of damage or leaks
• Always store and use propane tanks outside in well-ventilated areas
• Always have your LP systems checked regularly, especially when used for homes and RVs

Never:

• Never smoke near propane tanks or have them around open flames and ignition sources
• Never use tools to tighten the connections on propane tanks, or try to adjust the OPD valve
• Never use propane indoors or use propane heaters while you sleep

Propane Tank Storage

Propane should always be stored outdoors and in a well-ventilated area, as well as stay somewhere cool and shady. When propane tanks are overheated, they can build up pressure and potentially open the safety relief valve causing propane gas to spew out. If you live in an area that experiences snow or rains often, consider buying a cover for your propane tank to keep it out of the elements.

When not in use, propane tank valves should always be fully closed. Never store propane tanks near open flames or sources of ignition, and if your propane tank comes with one, cover the service valve when not in use.

Replace Your OPD Valve or Propane Tank

If you’re unable to turn the valve on your propane tank by following these tips, unfortunately, you will need to have your valve or tank replaced. If your valve is stuck on a smaller-sized propane tank, it is recommended to have the whole tank exchanged. However, for large household-sized tanks, you’ll want to reach out to your propane supplier to get information on having a new tank valve installed or having a technician come take a look at it.

Take a look at my article on how to dispose of propane tanks for more information on how and where to do so. Depending on the size, as well as your location, you may be able to simply leave it at a propane tank exchange cage or you’ll need to contact a hazardous waste site or local propane supplier.

Hopefully, you found this content helpful, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out.

Thanks for reading and God Bless!

Are you hearing a hissing noise when your propane tank is connected? Worried you might have a propane leak? Let’s go over how to determine the cause of your propane tank hissing and how to fix the issue.

If you hear a hissing noise coming from your propane tank, it could be a sign of a leak, normal operation, or an over-pressurized tank. It’s important to figure out what the cause is as you do not want to assume everything is okay when you could potentially have a leak or over-pressurized tank, possibly leading to a dangerous situation. It can be normal to hear a slight hissing noise from your propane tank, as long as you do not smell gas. If you hear a loud hissing noise and also smell gas, you have a propane leak.

Let’s go over what is normal to hear, what causes a propane tank to hiss, how to fix it, and what to do if the hissing or humming noise continues.

Is It Normal To Hear Hissing From A Propane Tank?

With some appliances, depending on the BTU output, it may be normal to hear a slight hissing or humming noise coming from the propane tank. However, for the most part, you should not hear any hissing noise coming from your propane tank.

What Causes a Propane Tank to Hiss

The main reason you will hear a hissing noise coming from your propane tank is that there is a large volume of propane flowing through the valve and regulator. This may be normal, or it could be a sign of a leak, the safety relief valve has opened, or the bleeder valve wasn’t properly closed. Below is a picture of a propane tank connected to a regulator with a hose attached, most likely the hissing noise you hear will be coming from one of these locations.

Let’s go over the various possibilities, starting with what normal sounds you might hear from your propane tank.

Normal Propane Tank Sounds

Some of the sounds you might hear during normal operation are a slight humming noise, which is the propane moving through the hoses, regulator, and appliance burners. You may also hear the sound of propane hissing when you first connect a hose, or when you disconnect the hose. This is normal and should not worry you. When disconnecting the hose, you may also smell propane and hear a quick swooshing sound which is also normal.

When you first turn on your propane tank that is connected to an appliance, you may also hear a “clicking” sound. This is your regulator moving, which is normal. Because the regulator works by allowing a specific pressure of propane to pass around a diaphragm, it can sometimes make a wobbling or pulsating noise.

If however, you hear a clicking sound and are also experiencing a low flow of propane or issues starting your appliance, you may have accidentally triggered the low-flow safety feature. Read how to reset your regulator below.

When moving your propane tank around, you may hear a swishing noise, this is because the propane inside your tank is a liquid.

To ensure the sound is not being caused by a leak, you should test for a possible leak at one of the connections to your propane tank and appliance. Let’s go over how to test for that.

Testing Your Propane Tank For A Leak

While a slight hissing noise may be normal, what you do not want to hear is a continuous hissing noise when the connected appliance is turned off. You also do not want to smell any gas. Because propane is odorless, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs is added to help detect leaks. If you hear a hissing noise accompanied by a strong smell of rotten eggs you have a propane leak and need to immediately fix this.

To test for a propane leak, first, make sure all connections to the propane tank are tightened and that you do not smell any gas. Make sure when tightening the regulator to your propane tank you hand tighten and never use a tool to tighten the connection, as you can accidentally overtighten it or break an O-ring.

While smelling for propane is one way, the best option is to use a gas detector.

Using A Gas Detector

To test for a leak you can use a handheld gas detector or a bubble-forming spray that helps detect propane leaks like this Camco gas-detecting spray on Amazon. You can also use a mixture of water and dish soap, however, the specialty sprays work a lot better. Spray onto any connections as well as around the valve and look for signs of bubbles forming.

You should always perform this when connecting a new appliance, and you should perform this when the connection is complete and the appliance and propane tank are both off. It’s also good to test this once the appliance and propane tank are on and running.

If you see any bubbles you have a leak and need to disconnect your regulator/hose and inspect them. Look for a broken O-ring (small black rubber circle) or other signs of damage to the connection. Reconnect the regulator/hose and test again. If you are still finding a leak you’ll need to have the hose, regulator, or propane tank replaced.

Handheld detectors are great, but I find the spray to be more helpful as you can visually see exactly where there is a leak. But if your connection is hard to reach, or can be difficult to see, a hand-held gas detector like this one from Amazon can be helpful as it has light-up LEDs and an audio alarm that tells you when it detects a leak.

If you’ve ruled out the hissing sound isn’t normal, and you don’t have a leak, let’s go over some of the other possibilities. While these possibilities are a lot less likely, it’s still good to rule these out.

Safety Relief Valve Opens (Over-Pressurized)

If your propane tank is overfilled or is experiencing an overpressurization due to an increase in ambient temperature, the safety relief valve (sometimes referred to as the pressure relief valve) can trigger. When this happens, there will be a steady flow of propane gas coming out of the safety relief valve opening. This is located directly opposite where you typically connect your appliances.

This can create a dangerous situation. If your propane relief valve opens make sure there are no open flames or ignition sources nearby. To help relieve pressure, spray the propane tank with a hose to help cool it down.

Make sure it is not located in a hot location. Once the safety relief valve equalizes pressure, it will close on its own. Never adjust the safety relief valve, or try to close it if it’s open, and never try to look inside the valve opening.

Take a look at this video of a safety relief valve operating after the temperature rose and the tank was overfilled, causing the pressure inside the tank to increase and activate the relief valve.

Bleeder Valve Is Not Tightened Fully

If you had your propane tank refilled instead of exchanged, there is a chance that whoever filled the tank opened the bleeder valve when filling the tank and didnt close it fully when finished. While this is very unlikely, it’s still a possibility. Refer to my photo above of where to locate the bleeder valve on a propane tank.

To determine when a propane tank is full during the filling process, a serviceman may either calculate how much propane to fill by calculating weight, measuring pressure, or by opening the bleeder valve and waiting for excess propane to come out of its relief hole.

If the propane tank was filled this way, there is a chance the bleeder valve was not fully closed after servicing and may need to be tightened. Typically you just need to tighten it with a flat-head screwdriver.

How to Fix a Hissing a propane Tank

As I mentioned above, the cause for a hissing sound is either normal or a potential sign of a leak somewhere. If you’ve tested for a leak and can’t find any, and do not smell propane while hearing the hissing noise, chances are it’s normal.

However, if you detected a leak or you’re smelling gas (a rotten egg smell) you can follow a few simple steps to resolve this.

Reset Your Regulator and Connections

The easiest fix to a hissing propane tank is to just turn everything off and then reconnect everything. Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Turn off the appliance and close the propane tank valve fully
2. Disconnect the appliance regulator or hose from the propane tank, and inspect the hose or connector for signs of damage. Animals can be attracted to the smell of propane and might have bitten the propane hose, creating a leak.
3. Reconnect the regulator/hose to the propane tank
4. While the appliance is off, slowly turn the propane tank valve on
5. Check for leaks using propane leak-detecting liquid around any connection point
6. Turn on the appliance and check for leaks again

Hopefully, this should fix any hissing sound you hear.

Test Another Appliance or Propane Tank

If you’re still getting a hissing noise, try using a different appliance to see if something is wrong with the regulator or hose from that appliance. If you’re in an RV, remove the propane tank from its case and try connecting it directly to a small bbq or burner to test.

You can also check the same appliance with another propane tank if you have a spare available.

If You’re Still Hearing Hissing

Lastly, if you’re still having issues you may need to get a new propane tank as you could have a damaged OPD valve. Contact your local propane supplier about exchanging the tank you have.

If you’re hearing this with an RV or a whole home setup, you may need to reach out to a certified technician to have them review your LP system to rule out any other potential issues. You should have your LP system routinely inspected to ensure there are no leaks and nothing is damaged on an annual basis.

Check out my article on how to dispose of a propane tank for information on how and where to do so, as the answer can vary depending on the size and how you get your propane.

Thanks for reading and God Bless!

You might run into a situation where you no longer need a propane tank and do not want to exchange it, but want to completely get rid of it. Whether the tank is partially full or empty, you cannot put them in your regular trash. Propane tanks are considered hazardous waste, so most recycling centers will also not accept them. To dispose of or recycle a 20 lb propane tank, you can take your old propane cylinder and leave it next to a Blue Rhino or Amerigas exchange cage. It’s as simple as that.

Why am I writing this article? Because when I searched this question before I moved and needed to get rid of some extra propane tanks laying around, I was getting a multitude of various answers with most of them saying “get it exchanged” or “refill it”. Well, I don’t want it exchanged, I am trying to get rid of it!

And I was surprised to find out that it can be as easy as leaving it at an exchange cage since most websites stated I had to take it to a hazardous waste material site, which is a lot more effort on my part since there is a Blue Rhino exchange cage near where I live.

Leave Your 20 lb Tank Next To An Exchange Cage

I don’t know why most websites can’t give a straight answer on this, but almost every propane supplier’s website simply states “leave it at our display and we’ll take it”. It’s as simple as that.

Here is what Blue Rhino says about leaving propane tanks at their exchange cages:

If you have a propane tank that you don’t want, place your old tank beside a Blue Rhino display and we’ll take care of the rest. – Blue Rhino

And here is what Amerigas says:

Exchanging your old propane tank for a refilled one is the easiest way to dispose of it, but if you need to get rid of it for good- you can also just drop it off at most propane refill or exchange locations. – Amerigas

So next time you need to dispose of a 20lb propane tank, just find your nearest Blue Rhino or Amerigas exchange location and leave it next to the cage. Even if your tank is not from these suppliers, they will still recycle the tank for you.

On top of that, when researching this I learned that both Blue Rhino & Amerigas will exchange competitor tanks for a new one too, not just their own, which I thought was pretty cool.

This is great if you have a tank nearing its expiration date and you need a new tank to replace it. However, be aware that both Blue Rhine & Amerigas only fill their propane tanks to 15 lbs of propane, or roughly 20% less than what the legal safety limits allow. Read my article on how many gallons of propane are in a tank to learn more about this, and why they do this.

For larger sizes such as 40 lb and 60 lb tanks, you’ll want to contact the tank manufacturer, a local propane supplier, or your local hazardous waste disposal site.

Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites

Because propane tanks contain flammable gas and can be dangerous to human life and the environment, they are considered hazardous waste materials and cannot be disposed of in your regular trash or taken to standard recycling plants.

You can search online for “hazardous waste disposal” to find your nearest center. Sometimes your city or small local businesses will hold monthly or semi-regular hazardous waste recycling events where you can drop these types of items off. It’s still beneficial to call ahead or look at their website to make sure they will accept propane tanks.

As I mentioned above, while you can drop off your 20 lb propane tanks at a local propane exchange cage, anything larger will need to be disposed of at either a hazardous waste disposal site, or you’ll need to contact the tank manufacturer or a local propane supplier.

For large, whole-home propane tanks, such as 500 gallons tanks, you’ll want to get in contact with your propane supplier.

Disposing of Propane Tanks Larger Than 20lbs

While recycling 20 lb propane tanks is a breeze, disposing of propane tanks larger than that can be more of a hassle. Depending on the size and how it’s serviced, you’ll either want to contact your propane supplier, the manufacturer of the tank, or your local hazardous waste disposal center.

For propane tanks under 100 lbs, you can typically just take them to your local hazardous waste disposal center. Make sure to reach out beforehand to confirm they will accept it and clarify the size of the tank.

For propane tanks larger than 100 lbs, such as 500-gallon tanks, reach out to your current propane supplier about disposing of the tank for you. This will typically come with some fees associated with the preparation and removal of the tanks, however, it may be your only option.

Disposing of Camping Propane Tanks and Smaller Sized Bottles

A lot of the small propane bottles you can buy for camping, such as those little 1lb Coleman propane canisters are single-use only, and cannot be reused. These bottles are not designed to the same specifications as refillable tanks and can be dangerous to refill, and will need to be disposed of after using them.

While you can dispose of 20 lb tanks at an exchange cage, they will not take your camping propane bottles. To dispose of 1 lb camping propane tanks you will need to take it to your local hazardous waste disposal center.

Federal law actually forbids transporting disposable cylinders if refilled, which can carry a penalty of up to a $500,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment (49 U.S.C. 5124).

Transporting Propane Tanks In Your Car

Transporting propane tanks can be dangerous if done incorrectly or without caution. When possible, avoid transporting propane tanks inside the passenger area of a car.

Make sure to follow a few safety tips when transporting propane tanks, even if they’re empty.

Always:

• Always transport propane tanks vertically and make sure they are secured
• Always ensure the valve is fully closed, and nothing is attached to the tank
• Always keep the tank in a well-ventilated space, preferably in the bed of a truck
• If you have to transport the tank in the passenger area of a car, place it in the backseat and secure it with a seatbelt and have your windows rolled down

Never:

• Never leave the tank in a hot car. If it gets too hot it can trigger the pressure relief valve, which will fill your car with propane
• Never transport propane tanks on their side
• Never smoke near propane tanks (see video below)
• Never transport propane tanks in the trunk of a car

Failure to follow these safety tips when transporting can lead to serious injury or even death.

For example, take a look at this video of a news channel reporting an incident where a woman lit a cigarette in her car which caused an explosion. Apparently, they were transporting a propane tank that was connected to a bbq and it was leaking propane into the passenger area.

When Should You Recycle Your Propane Tank

You should recycle your propane tank if it is near its expiration date. While propane tanks do not list the exact date they expire, they list the date they were manufactured. You simply need to add 12 years to this date to figure out when you should recycle your propane tank or have it recertified.

The date will be listed as four numbers, for example, you can see in the picture above of my propane tank the numbers listed are “11 20” meaning the propane tank was manufactured in November of 2020. This means I would need to recycle or have the tank recertified by November of 2032.

The easiest way to recertify a tank is to simply exchange the tank for a new one, as the propane supplier will pick it up and have it recertified for further use, or recycled if they deem it uncertifiable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disposing of Propane Tanks

Can I throw an empty propane tank in my regular trash?

You should never throw propane tanks away in your house trash or recycling. Always properly dispose of propane tanks by either leaving them at a propane exchange cage where allowed, contacting a local propane supplier, or taking it to a hazardous waste disposal site.

How do I know if my 20 lb propane tank is empty?

There are multiple ways to tell how much propane is left in your propane tank, the easiest way is to pour hot water on the tank and feel where the temperature changes. The most accurate way is to find the tare weight on the propane tank and then weigh the entire tank.

Deduct the tare weight from the total weight to determine how much propane is left in the tank.

How do I empty my propane tank all the way?

To safely empty your propane tank, either connect it to an appliance and have it run until the gas is gone or you can also open the bleeder valve. However, opening the bleeder valve is not ideal as it releases propane directly out of the tank and can create a dangerous situation.

The bleeder valve is mostly used for the filling process where it is opened during filling to allow the pressure inside the tank to release while liquid propane is filling the tank.

Can I put propane tanks in my car?

While you can transport propane inside your car, you’ll want to make sure to follow simple safety tips. Most importantly, secure the propane tank with a seatbelt in a vertical position and ensure the valve is fully closed and that your windows are rolled down to allow ventilation.

If your propane tank overheats it can open the pressure relief valve, causing propane to fill inside your car, potentially leading to an explosion. Propane tanks should never be left somewhere where the tank is exposed to heat over 120°F or in areas that are not ventilated.

Do propane tanks expire?

Propane tanks are certified for 12 years of service. After which they need to be recycled or recertified. If your propane tank is nearing its expiration date, simply have it exchanged.

Hopefully, that answers your question on how to dispose of propane tanks, and if I didn’t answer something please feel free to reach out.

Thanks for reading and as always, have a great day and God Bless!

Looking for an Amish store near you? Did you know you can find Amish stores or similar stores in other parts of the country other than the northeast? Use this map below to locate one near you. Amish stores offer great discounts, typically on bulk items, as well as other handcrafted items. You also get the satisfaction of helping a local and independent store when you visit an Amish store.

Map of Amish Stores

The stores are great for finding homemade foods such as produce, jams, breads, and fresh dairy products. You can also find other homemade items such as furniture, art, toys, tools, and more.

Below there is a list of Amish stores or similar stores located in the United States that I could find. I’ve also tried to list as many phone numbers as I can so you can call ahead to ensure you can get what you need.

Who Are The Amish?

The Amish are a group of mostly traditionalist Christians and mostly live in the northeast of the United States. Roughly 25% of the Amish population lives in Pennsylvania and a similar amount in Ohio. The Amish believe in self-sufficiency and traditional methods, over the convenience of modern technology. They tend to live in rural areas and mostly make a living through agriculture and manufacturing goods. The Amish are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and homemade goods.

When visiting Amish country, make sure to look out for Amish ran businesses and stop in to support them. You’ll be sure to leave with some wonderful food, quality goods, and a great story.

Have more questions about the Amish? I wrote an FAQ about the Amish below.

Amish Stores by State

Below is a curated list of Amish stores throughout the US. Click on the state below to be taken to those listings, or view the interactive map above.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Amish

What Language Do The Amish Speak?

The Amish community speaks a dialect of German, called Pennsylvania Dutch. While it is not in itself a different language, it can be difficult for an English speaking American to understand. Most Amish communities do learn American English in order to communicate with the outside world.

Do The Amish Pay Taxes?

Yes, the Amish community pays taxes, however, they typically do not pay social security taxes.

Do The Amish Vote?

While they are allowed to vote, it is rare for the Amish to vote in large elections, as they tend to separate themselves from the world. However, the Amish may vote in local elections if it may affect their community.

Can Amish Use Medicine or Go To The Hospital?

While the Amish typically only use traditional methods of healing and natural remedies, in certain situations, they will use modern medicine and visit hospitals when necessary. The extent to which they use modern healthcare varies from community to community.

Do The Amish Marry Outside Their Community?

It is rare for the Amish to marry or date outside of their community, and if they do, it usually ends with being excommunicated from their family and community.

What is Rumspringa?

Rumspringa is a rite of passage all Amish adolescence go through when they turn 16. They are given more freedom and allowed to leave the community, as well as decide whether to be baptized into the church or deciding to leave the community. During this time, dating is encouraged in the hopes the individual will find a mate. Rumspringa is often referred to as an event, however, Rumspringa is the period between an adolescent Amish life when they decide to be baptized or not. Most Amish make their decision within two years, however, some can take longer.

Let’s get straight to the point, helium is not flammable and it does not explode, however, the high-pressure tanks it’s stored in can rupture causing an explosion. Helium is an inert gas, meaning it does not react with other elements. So while the tanks themselves can explode, the gas inside will not catch fire or create a large fiery explosion. So why do people think it is flammable?

A lot of it comes down to misconceptions and assuming that because it is a gas it must be flammable or can create massive tnt like explosions. It’s also stored in large cylindrical tanks that feature safety labels, making it look similar to what you might see other flammable gases stored in, such as acetylene, propane, or hydrogen.

Normally I wouldn’t write an article about helium as it is not a power source or used as a fuel however when researching other flammable gases for my article on the temperature of propane torches, I kept coming across the question of people asking if helium is flammable or if helium tanks can explode.

My goal with this post is to educate you on helium, its flammability, its variety of uses, and to help dispel some common misconceptions about it.

Is Helium Flammable?

Helium is an inert gas of the noble family of gases, meaning it is not flammable and does not react with other elements. While it is stored in pressurized tanks that can present safety hazards such as explosions, the gas itself is not flammable.

You can find videos of balloons bursting into a large flame, or large party decorations creating large fires, however, these are usually balloons that have actually been filled with hydrogen and not helium. In some countries, hydrogen can still be used for filling balloons, and instead of purchasing helium tanks, homemade hydrogen reactions will be performed inside pressurized tanks. Sometimes the amount of material placed in the tanks is too much, creating an over-pressurized tank that can rupture creating a large fiery explosion.

Here is a video showing the difference between popping a balloon filled with helium vs hydrogen.

So while hydrogen and helium can sometimes be used for similar purposes, such as filling balloons, they are very different. Hydrogen should never be used for filling balloons, as it is extremely flammable and can create dangerous situations.

Can Helium Tanks Explode?

While helium itself is an inert gas and is not flammable, when stored in a high-pressure tank it can create an explosion if the tank ruptures, similar to a balloon popping. Unlike other flammable gases, the explosion is caused by the rapid expansion of the gas being released, and not through a chemical reaction by oxygen and an ignition source.

If a helium tank were to explode, it would not create a large fireball or create a fire hazard. However, due to the large amount of energy being rapidly released, it can still cause significant damage to anything around it.

It is important to always follow safety procedures when handling helium tanks and to always review the safety labels and any manuals that come with them.

Helium Uses

Because helium is lighter than air and inert, it is commonly used for party balloons due to its high safety. However, that is not its only use. Helium is an extremely versatile element due to it being a gas, non-reactive, and it does not become radioactive.

Due to its physical properties, it is used in the medical field such as in MRI machines and laser eye surgery tools, it’s used as a tracer gas to detect leaks in commercial products, and it’s even used with rockets by NASA and other space industries. It can be found in nuclear reactors, and as well as equipment used by the military.

How Helium is Made

While helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, making up large portions of stars, it is actually quite rare on Earth, and its presence wasn’t discovered on Earth until 1895. It’s also not renewable, so our supply is limited, and we currently cannot produce helium efficiently. All helium that we currently use is naturally made and extracted from natural gas.

75% of the global helium supply is produced in the United States, and 40% of the total supply used in the US is stored at the Federal Helium Reserve, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, located near Amarillo, Texas.

Helium occurs naturally and is created underground through the radioactive decomposition and decay of certain elements like uranium and thorium. Helium production is mostly a byproduct of purifying natural gas to produce a more efficient and clean burning fuel.

Natural gas goes through multiple processes starting with pretreating which removes impurities that might solidify, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other hydrocarbons. Afterward, the natural gas is separated into its main components through a process known as fractional distillation. Here, methane and nitrogen are separated leaving a mixture of gases that contain a high percentage of helium. During this process, the helium is removed and further purified.

Safety with Helium and Helium Tanks

While helium is not flammable, it is important to always follow safety procedures and review the instructions and safety labels. Tanks should always be secured and stay in a vertical position unless designed to be horizontal. Tanks should be kept away from heat sources and kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

When transporting helium you’ll want to make sure to securely tighten the tank down, and not allow the tank to be overheated. It is also advisable not to transport helium in the passenger area of a car, and should always be kept in a well-ventilated area.

Some of the major safety concerns with helium are:

• Risk of the tank exploding
• Risk of suffocation due to inadequate ventilation and oxygen displacement in an enclosed space
• Risk of asphyxiation due to inhaling
• Risk of a gas embolism when inhaled

For the most part, helium is safe to use and handle, but you should always follow basic safety procedures and be familiar with pressurized gases.

Conclusion

While helium may not be flammable, pressurized tanks can explode if damaged or exposed to too much heat. Always follow safety precautions when dealing with helium and read the safety labels.

Hopefully, you’re familiar with helium now and understand its flammability as well as its ability to explode, and any misconceptions around it have been answered. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments, and as always:

Thank you and God Bless!

Propane is one of the most common gases you’ll find available to use, and since propane torches burn at around 2,000°C or 3,600°F they are extremely versatile. Not only can you use propane torches to start fires or use them in the kitchen, but because of their high heat, you can even solder, cut metal, and braze metals together. Welding is typically not recommended with propane torches however, as it produces a brittle and weak weld when compared to oxy-acetylene.

Depending on what you are trying to achieve, you might find another gas more appropriate for your needs. Some other gases to consider are butane, MAP-Pro, and acetylene. While each of these can be purchased relatively easily, some may require more specialized equipment to work and may not be suitable for your needs.

What Temperature Does A Propane Torch Burn At?

Propane torches burn at roughly 2,000°C or 3,600°F with ambient air. If mixed with oxygen to create an oxy-propane torch, temperatures can reach as high as 2,800°C or 5,100°F.

How Long Does A Handheld Propane Torch Last?

A typical handheld propane torch last will last 1.5 hrs with a standard 14oz propane bottle. A typical Bernzomatic 14oz propane bottle contains roughly 0.9 lbs of propane, and a typical Bernzomatic torch has around 13,000 BTU/hr output. However, because you are typically not using the torch at its maximum setting, they can last closer to 4 hours of continuous use at a lower setting. Utilizing a larger tank with a hose connection you can use the torch a lot longer.

See my article on how long propane tanks last to see how long you could run your propane torch for, as well as how to determine how full your tank is. That post also has a calculator where you can enter any propane tank size and BTU output to determine how long it will last for you.

Common Fuels for Gas Torches

The most common types of gas you’ll come across for torches as I mentioned above are going to be propane, butane, MAP-Pro, and acetylene. Depending on what task you are working on, you might choose one over the other, as each has their own pros and cons. Let’s go over some details about each one below.

Propane

Propane is the most common and readily available gas. You can find it being used for heating homes, fueling BBQs, providing power to generators, and many other applications.

Propane burns at around 2,000°C or 3,600°F, except when oxygen-fed, where it can reach temperatures upwards of 2,800°C or 5,100°F. Propane contains around 2,500 BTU per cubic foot, giving it one of the highest BTU outputs per volume when compared to other common fuel types. It is also one of the least expensive fuel types, making it a great choice for everyday jobs.

Butane

Butane, similar to propane, is one of the most common and readily available gasses you can find, however, it is typically only used for smaller applications and is usually only connected to micro flame torches or small, portable camp stoves.

Butane burns at 1700°C or 3,100°F, making it the least ideal for heating items up. But if you just need something to start a fire with or for soldering, this will work perfectly. Because butane is usually used with more precise flames, it is also ideal for smaller jobs like soldering and shrink tubing wire.

MAP-Pro (Not MAPP)

MAP-Pro gas is another common gas available but is usually only found at hardware stores, and is not used for residential heating or other energy production systems like propane. MAP-Pro should not be confused with MAPP gas, which is not commonly available anymore.

MAP-Pro is a mixture of propylene and propane and burns at around 2,100°C or 3,800°F in ambient air, and at roughly 3,000°C or 5,400°F when combined with oxygen.

While it may only burn ~100°C hotter than propane, it has a much higher rate of heat transfer, meaning it can get metal hotter much quicker than propane would in the same amount of time. MAP-Pro is great for jobs that require high heat and high intensity. However, due to its cost, propane may be a better option as it outputs a similar amount of heat, but at a lower BTU, roughly 10% lower.

Acetylene & Oxy-Acetylene

Acetylene is the least common gas available compared to these others and is only used in specific situations where you need extreme heat, such as welding or cutting metal. Roughly 20% of all acetylene produced is used for industrial welding and cutting.

Acetylene burns at a temperature of 2,200°C or 4,000°F, and when combined with an oxygen tank to produce oxy-acetylene can reach temperatures as high as 3,300°C or 6,000°F, making it the hottest commonly available gas.

Oxy-acetylene is commonly used for welding and cutting steel, however, air-fed acetylene torches are not and are typically used for jobs similar to that of a propane or oxy-propane setup. Some may prefer using acetylene in enclosed spaces, such as crawl spaces, since acetylene is lighter than air whereas propane is denser than air.

Acetylene is most commonly found as an oxy-acetylene configuration where the oxygen and acetylene mixtures are changed depending on the job being performed.

MAPP vs Map Pro

MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene propane) is no longer produced, as the last plant in North America that manufactured it stopped production in early 2008. Its replacement, Map-Pro gas is slightly similar, however, it does not have the same chemical composition.

It can be confusing that both fuels start with MAP, as MAP-Pro is essentially a very different mixture, and does not share the same qualities as MAPP gas. MAPP gas was widely used as an alternative to Acetylene as it burned much higher than propane, but less than Acetylene torches, whereas MAP-Pro only produces around 10% more BTUs than propane, and 14% less than that of MAPP.

What Temperature Do Other Fuels Burn At?

Below is a chart that shows the temperature at which different fuels burn at. I have included both the ambient air temperature as well as the oxygen-fed temperature, where applicable.

What Can Propane Torches Melt?

Depending if the torch is using an oxygen-fed system, propane torches can range from 1,900°C-2,800°C and can melt just about all metals. However, just because the highest temperature of an oxy-propane torch may be 2,800°C does not mean it can melt metals with a melting point below that, as there are many factors involved, such as the thickness of the metal, the torch being used, and the type of tip. Because metals disperse heat quickly, the propane torch needs to create more heat than can be dispersed, as well as stay above the melting temperature.

Below are some of the metals that can easily be melted by propane torches, however, the higher the melting point, the easier it will be to melt with an oxy-propane torch. Any metal that has a melting point above 1,100°C will be a lot easier to melt with an oxy-propane torch or an oxy-acetylene torch.

List of Metal Melting Temperatures

When using a propane tank, it is typically recommended to open the valve all the way, however, it is not required. Depending on the tank’s valve and regulator, only opening the valve slightly may result in reduced output or your appliance not operating, but for the most part, it should not cause any issues.

Many people believe if you only open a valve part-way, it will reduce the amount of propane coming out of the tank, and save gas. However, the regulator is what controls the amount of gas flow and not the valve. Since the gas is at such a high pressure, even opening the valve slightly will allow enough gas to exit the tank and into the regulator which then restricts the flow of propane to operating pressure.

Depending on the tank’s fill level, the ambient temperature, the type of valve attached, and the regulator flow rate, not opening the valve all the way can potentially reduce the amount of gas exiting the tank. But in most situations, the valve will not control the rate of flow of propane, and should not be used as a means of regulating how much propane is being used.

Propane Tank Safety Features

Propane tanks come with a handful of safety features, namely the OPD shut-off valve, the safety relief valve, and the regulator. Other features such as the foot ring and neck ring won’t stop a leak, but they do help prevent tip-overs or potential damage to the tank and the valves.

People assume that due to safety features, the valve needs to be opened fully. However, the OPD valve (Overfill Prevention Device) safety features only activate when being overfilled or the tank is tipped over. Similarly, the safety relief valve and regulator are not affected by the shut-off valve being fully opened.

OPD Valve

The OPD Valve (Overfill Prevention Device) ensures that propane tanks do not overfill, as well as shut off gas flow if the tank tips over. Similar to how a toilet fill valve stops when an internal float reaches a certain level, the OPD valve has a small floating device inside the tank that will cause the valve to shut when it reaches a certain level. This float will also trigger if the propane tank is tipped over. Propane tanks are only filled to 80% capacity, so for example a 500 gallon tank will only hold 400 gallons of usable propane. Take a look at my article on how many gallons of propane are in a tank to determine how much usable propane you have, as well as the total BTU capacity.

OPD valves will also only allow fuel to exit the tank when the correct and complete connection is made. When nothing is attached to the tank, OPD valves will not allow gas to escape even if the valve is turned.

Safety Relief Valve

The safety relief valve is a part of the main shut-off valve and will trigger if the propane tank has too much pressure inside. Propane is under intense pressure inside the tank which allows the propane to stay in liquid form while the rest of the tank is gas. The gaseous propane is what travels through the regulator/hose and into your appliance.

If a propane tank heats up, the gaseous propane in the tank will expand, increasing the pressure and potentially creating a dangerous situation. When this occurs, the safety relief valve will automatically open on its own to release the pressure within the tank.

This is one reason it is important not to transport propane inside the passenger area of a car, and to also ensure your propane tank is always kept somewhere in the shade and away from heat sources, as well as stored in a well-ventilated area. If the safety relief valve triggers due to the tank being too hot, it can fill the passenger area with propane gas, or inside the space it is being stored. This is why propane tanks should never be stored indoors.

Propane Regulator

The regulator is not actually a part of the tank, but it plays a crucial role in the operation of propane tanks and any appliance connected to them. Without a regulator, propane gas would be leaving the tank at whatever pressure the gas is inside. Because each appliance requires a specific pressure of gas to operate, a regulator will restrict the flow of gas. This works both ways, so if for example, the hose were to be cut when an appliance is connected and turned on, the regulator would restrict the flow of gas, allowing you to turn off the propane tank with minimal leaking.

Sometimes however, you can accidentally trip this safety feature unknowingly, and cause your appliance to receive a low flow of propane which in turn causes weak flames or makes your appliance inoperable. This is usually caused by opening the propane valve while the connected appliance is already on, such as having a gas grills burner dial turned up.

This causes a free flow of propane through the hose and triggers the low-flow safety feature, which you can sometimes hear click when it engages. To fix this, you can simply reset the regulator.

Resetting the regulator is as simple as turning off the appliance connected to the propane tank, closing the propane tank valve all the way off, and then slowly opening the valve again.

Do You Need To Turn Off The Propane Tank After Using

After you finish using your propane tank whether you’re grilling or using it for a heater, you should always completely turn off the propane valve to avoid possible fires or explosions. It might seem more convenient to leave the propane tank on, however, this can lead to potentially dangerous situations.o

For example, let’s say you leave your propane tank on when connected to a bbq for convenience. If one of the burner knobs is accidentally turned on the grill will begin to fill with propane gas. All it takes is for an ignition source to light the propane to create a potential fire or explosion.

Therefore, it is important that when no longer in use, you always completely close the propane tank valve.

Additional Propane Safety Tips

When working with propane tanks, you should always use caution and follow a few safety tips:

• Always handle propane tanks with care
• Regularly inspect the tank, hose, and regulator for any damage
• Propane tanks should always remain vertical, so make sure to secure them properly if you are transporting them
• Never smoke near propane tanks, and keep them away from heat sources
• Avoid keeping the propane tank in the passenger area of a car, and always store them in well-ventilated spaces.
• Always check for leaks when connecting an appliance. You can use specially made gas leak detecting spray, or use a mix of dawn soap and water to look for bubbles forming.

Hopefully, I answered any questions you had about completely opening or closing the valve on a propane tank. If you have any questions or comments please reach out and let me know.

Thank you and God Bless!