How Do I Safely Remove A Propane Cylinder From My Grill?
May is National BBQ month—time to get out and cooking on your propane grill!
If you’ve already been enjoying flame-broiled goodness from your grill this spring, you might soon need to replace or refill your 20-lb. propane cylinder. Just be sure to do it safely!
Removing A Propane Cylinder From A Grill
Need a quick refresher? Here’s how:
- Make sure your propane grill is turned off.
- Find your propane cylinder; it may be behind a door (depending on the design of your grill)

- There are two parts of your grill that you will need to be concerned with: the propane cylinder’s tank valve and the barbecue’s pressure regulator (see illustration).
- Before you disconnect the pressure regulator, close the tank valve (turn it all the way to the right, or clockwise).
- Once the valve is shut, twist off the threaded pressure regulator.
- Remove the tank (on some propane grills, the tank is attached to the barbecue by a restraining bolt or screw; simply loosen this to remove the tank).
- When transporting your tank, put it in a secure, well-ventilated location in your vehicle. Place it upright and take it directly to the refilling location. Do not leave the tank unaccompanied in the vehicle.
- Reverse the process to reconnect your propane tank, making sure the tank valve is closed when reconnecting the pressure regulator. Replacement propane cylinders often come with a plastic safety cap over the tank valve assembly – simply remove this.
Transporting Your Propane Cylinder Safely
Thinking about safety doesn’t end once your propane cylinder is disconnected! If you’re transporting a propane cylinder for refilling, always:
- Transport it upright (with the valve on top) in a secure position to prevent rolling
- Close and plug the cylinder valve
- Place the cylinder in a well-vented area inside the vehicle
- Refrain from leaving the cylinder alone in a hot vehicle; go straight to your propane dealer and straight home when you pick it up.
Keep your outdoor cooking season going with propane cylinder refills from Admiral Propane at our locations in Blountville (Tri-Cities Area) and Greeneville, Tennessee!
You can also get our propane at:
- A & L RV, 4503 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN
- A & L RV, 3269 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN
- EG Trailer Sales, 4421 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN
- Greene Farmers Co-op, 1414 W. Main St, Greeneville, TN
- K.O.A., 425 Rocky Branch Rd, Blountville, TN
- Old Creek General Store, 6700 Hwy 212, Marshall, NC
- South West Tractor, 7601 Nickelsville Highway, Nickelsville, VA
- Trailer King Sales & Service, 4081 Hwy 11E, Bluff City, TN
Happy grilling!