Cylinders awaiting use should be stored in a well ventilated area away from heavy traffic. Propane cylinders stored upright should be placed on a flat surface such as concrete or other non-flammable material that will not collect water. Cylinders that are stored in places that such as damp grass or mud risk exposing the cylinder to conditions that may cause rust and/or pitting that may render the cylinder useless. Storing any propane container indoors is not advisable. It is recommended that a propane bottle be stored outside on a firm surface and away from any source of ignition.

Propane bottles are usually transported in the back of a truck and more often than not, they are unsecured and free to roll around. Transporting unsupported bottles exposes them to potential damage such as dents and possible harm to the valve. Ensure that cylinders are secured prior to transporting them. In the case of a 20 pound or 30 pound bottle, a milk crate can be used to keep cylinders upright and protected from most damaging effects of transportation.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to identify a propane leak is by the smell. A smell like rotten eggs or skunk spray indicates you may have a propane leak.  If you smell a leak, even faintly, or hear a hissing noise near your tank, turn off the valve.

The Water Test: 

• Fill a small bucket with warm to hot tap water.
• Pour the water down the side of the tank.
• Run your hand along the side of the tank and feel for a cool spot.

The top of the cool spot is the fill level of the tank (it’s cool because liquid propane inside the tank absorbs heat from the water, which makes the metal wall of the tank cool to the touch).

Weight:

Most propane grill tanks come with two numbers stamped on the handle – the water capacity (“WC”) and “Tare Weight” (TW – the weight of the tank when it’s empty). Most grilling tanks weigh about 17 pounds when empty and hold about 20 pounds of gas.

To measure how many pounds of propane are left in your tank, simply weigh it on a scale and subtract the TW number. For example, if a tank weighing 27 pounds has a TW of 17 pounds, there’s about 10 pounds of gas left – a little more than half a tank.

Install an External Guage: 

External propane tank gauge options include:

• Inline pressure gauges install between the gas line from the grill and the cut-off valve on the tank, measuring pressures to determine how full the tank is.
• Analog propane scales look like luggage scales and are pre-set to take your tank’s TW into account.
• Digital propane tank scales provide a digital readout of remaining cook time and gas fill percentage. Some even come with smart phone apps.