How To Replace Your Grill Propane Cylinder

Know What to Do Before the Time Comes for a Replacement

If you spend any time at a grill throughout the year, you are going to find yourself with an empty propane cylinder at some point. Once you hit that point, you are going to need to replace this cylinder in order for your grill to be operational and usable.

Knowing how to properly replace your grill’s propane cylinder not only allows you the luxury of being able to continue using your equipment for cooking purposes, but it is also a matter of safety. A homeowner can run into all sorts of issues if they attempt a replacement by simply winging it.

Since knowing how to swap out an old or empty propane cylinder is so important, let’s review how to do so in the safest way possible.

How Long a Grill’s Propane Cylinder Will Last

When using a 20-pound cylinder (which is typical for the majority of grills), a homeowner can get between about 18 to 20 hours of grilling done if using a medium-sized grill. Cylinders of this same size can fuel a large grill for about 10 hours of cooking.

Most propane cylinders officially expire at the 10-year mark and should be replaced at this point.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Replace a Propane Cylinder

When the time does come to replace your propane cylinder, Sierra Propane recommends following the below tips to help ensure a safe replacement:

• Wear some protective gear such as goggles and gloves to stay clear of any remaining gas that may be lingering in your cylinder.
• Check your cylinder for signs of a propane leak (this will smell like rotten eggs) or other damage such as dents.
• Turn your grill completely off and shut the valve on your cylinder.
• Take off your grill’s pressure regulator by turning it to the left.
• Loosen the restraining bolt on your cylinder (if your grill has one).
• Take out the cylinder from your grill’s storage compartment.
• Put your new cylinder in your grill’s storage compartment.
• If your grill has a restraining bolt, tighten it around the new cylinder.
• Place the cylinder’s pressure regulator on the valve and tighten it.
• Conduct a thorough test for gas leaks before you do any cooking on your grill.

Propane Services from Sierra Propane

If you need propane for your Arizona or New Mexico home or business—whether you use the fuel for your propane cylinder or to power a backup generator—Sierra Propane is whom you should contact! We can deliver clean-burning, energy-efficient fuel directly to you! Additionally, we sell and lease propane tanks in a wide range of sizes that our experienced technicians can install on your property.

On top of all that, we offer:

• Complimentary safety, gas, and leak testing.
• A wireless propane tank monitoring option.
• No-fee tank leasing for your first year.
• A convenient propane cylinder refill and exchange program where we can set up a portable propane tank or refill station at your place of business.

Contact Sierra Propane today and let us know how we can help with your home or company’s propane needs.