How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Grill Propane Tank

Some people appreciate the swap-and-go convenience of a propane cylinder exchange. But savvy customers love the ease and the savings they get by refilling their grill tank. After all, when you exchange a grill tank, you basically give away whatever propane was left in the tank you drop off. When you refill your propane cylinder, you only pay for what you add to the tank.

But how long does a propane grill tank last? And how do you know it’s time to replace it? Check out our guide to caring for your portable propane cylinders.

Age Matters

You can refill your tank an unlimited number of times, but it needs to be recertified after 12 years, and every five years after that. Not sure how old your tank is? It should be easy to check: Look for the date stamped into the collar or handle of the tank. It will be a month and a year, like 04/23. When it’s been recertified, it will get a new date stamped on—it will have a letter before the date, such as A, B, C or D, or a sticker with the date.

Generally, a propane cylinder with excessive rust, dings or dents will be rejected for refills and for recertification. Since 2002, all portable cylinders are required to have a valve that prevents overfilling. If your tank doesn’t have this feature, it is well beyond any recertification date and should be replaced, pronto.

Safe Handling

The best way to extend the life of your propane grill tank is to handle it with care. Always keep tanks upright, whether they’re empty or full. Propane can leak from a sideways tank.

Having a backup cylinder is smart, but always store tanks outdoors, out of direct sunlight, and at least 10 feet from your house. Never keep them indoors or in a garage, carport, shed or sunporch.

Check for leaks at the end and the start of the season. Do a careful inspection, looking closely at the valves, tank body, and the connector hose. Check your tank outside in a bright, well-ventilated space and far from any open flames or other ignition sources. You can also check for leaks by spraying the tank with a non-abrasive liquid soap. If bubbles appear around the valve or the hose, make sure they’re closed tight and spray again. If you continue to see bubbles, or see them anywhere on the body of the tank, it’s a sign that you have a leak and you should bring the tank to us for disposal.

Time to Replace?

When it’s time to replace your old portable cylinders, make sure to do it properly. While a propane grill tank is metal and looks a lot like a can, you cannot put it in with your other recycling. If the cylinder is not completely empty of propane gas, it could explode when it is run through the various machinery at the recycling center. This is the same reason that you can’t just put it in your regular trash.

Consult the public works department or hazardous waste management office to ask where and how to dispose of old tanks.

If you come to Admiral for your refills, we’ll let you know if it’s time to replace it—and we can handle disposing of your old tank properly. We accept most sizes for recycling—and we’ll let you know where you can take any cylinders we don’t accept. Typically, one-pound tanks should go to your local hazardous waste or recycling center. They cannot be left curbside, and must be completely empty. These tanks come with a key to allow you to release any remaining propane before dropping it off.

Easy Refills

Admiral makes it easy to refill your tanks at our Blountville and Greeneville locations, or exchange for our propane at multiple other locations across the Tri-Cities area.

We offer propane tank refills for a variety of sizes, including 20-pound cylinders most folks use for grills, patio heaters, and mosquito traps, up to 100-pound cylinders.

Ready to fire up the grill? Contact us to learn more about our propane refill stations today—we’ve got a convenient location near you.