Propane

How to Refill Your Propane Tank

Propane is a clean and reliable fuel source that can power your fireplace, outdoor grill, water heater, cooking range and many other appliances. Since your propane cylinder will eventually run out, it’s essential to understand how to transport it to a station and refill it safely.

The Process of Refilling a Propane Tank

Follow these steps when refilling your gas cylinder.

Turn Off the Valve

Turn off the tank valve to prevent any propane left in the cylinder from leaking out.

Load the Cylinder in Your Car

Place the tank upright in the back seat of your car. To prevent movement, cushion the cylinder with a towel or put it in a cardboard box. If you’re using a truck, be sure to secure the tank so it doesn’t slide backward and forward or side to side.

Keep Your Windows Down

Open your windows for ventilation in case the valve opens during transport.

Visit a Refill Station Near You

Drive to the nearest propane refill station.

Unload Your Tank

Remove your cylinder from the car and place it near the refill pump.

Ask for Assistance

Find an attendant to help you refill the cylinder. They’ll inspect the tank for safety and then refill it for you.

Make the Payment and Place the Tank in Your Car

Once the attendant has refilled your cylinder, pay and load the full tank back into your car. Keep it upright and cushion it as before.

Take Your Cylinder Home

Drive back home and store the tank in a well-ventilated place.

Best Practices

It’s essential to observe these best practices before, during and after refilling a propane cylinder to stay safe:

  • Store the propane cylinder outside in a dry, well-ventilated, shaded area several feet away from your home.
  • Turn off the valve when you’re not using your propane appliances.
  • Allow an expert to refill your tank, as they have the knowledge and experience to do it correctly and safely.
  • Know the correct weight of your cylinder at full capacity to avoid underfilling or overfilling it.
  • Frequently wipe dust and debris off the tank to extend its life span.

Choose Foster Fuels for Reliable Propane Refills

At Foster Fuels, we run various propane refill stations for small cylinders in Central Virginia. A trained and experienced technician will inspect and refill your cylinder at one of our stations while keeping safety in mind.

Foster Fuels is a full-service fuel provider with over 100 years of experience in the industry. We have licenses to operate in 48 states.

Check out our refill station locations to plan your visit in advance. You can also contact us online for other services like propane tank delivery and installation.

Bailey Klocko

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Bailey Klocko