how to turn on propane tank

The first step in hooking up an external propane tank to an RV is installing an extend-a-stay kit to your vehicle’s propane tank. Twist the valve in the direction of the "Open" arrow. As with all procedures dealing with RV propane tanks on your motor home, it is essential when opening the LP valve that you take care not to rush the process or damage any of the components. Go to the furnace, and turn the knob on the control panel to the Off position. Generally, the bigger the propane heater, the more heat and carbon monoxide it'll make. Setting: The higher the setting the more propane your fire pit will use. If a tank is still serviceable, you may be able to recycle the propane tank — sometimes for money. to turn on a propane tank and it was done very slowly. Find the words "Open" and "Close." Don't touch it, but put your hands near it to feel if there's any heat coming from it. The regulator valve is installed by screwing it into the propane tank valve. Find the control knob on the pressure regulator connected to the propane tank. This article has been viewed 11,678 times. Propane (also called LPG—liquefied petroleum gas— or LP gas) is a widely used fuel. The propane tank valve is mechanical, like anything else it could be faulty. Turn off the furnace, and test the pressure. A reader has shared that in older Roadtreks the propane tank is under the driver's seat floor with access to the fill and gauge is under the flip up step. If there is ever a problem, you will be able to turn it off and stop the flow of gas quickly. That includes being able to turn off the gas easily whenever needed. This is a statement propane cylinder users sometimes make following the exchange or re-filling of their bottle. This valve is normally covered by a hinged dome. Purchase and Install an Extend-A-Stay Kit. Once it fails, it must be replaced as there’s no way to repair it despite what you might read on the internet. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Continue to twist until the valve stops moving. After you shut the heater off, it will be very hot for 7 to 8 minutes. wikiHow's. To turn off LPG gas cylinder, turn the round valve handwheel located on top of the cylinder clockwise until snug by hand only (don't over-tighten). The pilot is … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 11,678 times. Inside the tank the liquid propane is highly pressurized. We recommend that you turn the tank valve one turn (360 degrees), light up, and then use smaller turns for a higher flame. The components of the heater will have been damaged and it will be dangerous to use the heater. 7.5 hours to 11 hours. Open the valve all the way. Get a propane heater that's the right size for what you need it for. By using our site, you agree to our. Turn on the propane tank by using the knob on the top of the tank. For most propane tanks, you'll need to turn the knob counterclockwise until it won't turn anymore to turn the tank on. Generally, propane tank valves are turned on when they are twisted counterclockwise. Never use the heater in an area where combustible elements are in the air. It is transported and stored as a very cold liquid, and can cause a “freeze burn” or frostbite if it contacts the skin. If you have just connected a fresh tank, you should check the connections for leaks using soapy water. The hose line is attached to the propane tank with a gas hose pressure regulator valve. To turn on the propane there is a valve located behind a cover right in the middle over the bumper. Last Updated: October 29, 2020 2 The normal procedure is to turn the tank on and then turn the grill controls on, but doing this with a tank equipped with an excess flow device will sometimes cause the "check valve" to prematurely activate. Connecting an External Propane Tank 1. When one tank is completely empty, an RV propane tank switchover valve will close that tank and then open the full one, allowing the gas pressure in the line to stay at the recommended level. Here are a few of those regulations: Tanks under 125 gallons water capacity: Bring it to a professional repair person or buy a new one. Do not force the valve after it has stopped. After the 15 to 20 minutes have passed, test the heat by placing your hands around the head of the propane heater. Reasons to shut off gas to your home: You smell gas and/or suspect a leak. A professional writer since 1994, Eva Talent was trained as a journalist by the U.S. Army. In its natural form, propane … However, it is important to note that leaving a propane heater running will empty your fuel tank pretty quickly. To use it properly, make sure both propane tanks are turned on, then switch the lever to one tank. If you have difficulty removing the valve cap, put on a glove. Don't touch the mesh screen with the flame, hold it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from it. Each word is accompanied by an arrow that denotes the direction the handle must be turned to achieve the desired result. Make sure to double check every burner is off. If the heater isn't working, never try to repair it yourself. On your propane tank, twist the propane tank shutoff valve clockwise until it is totally closed. You should only use the heater indoors in a large space with plenty of air and ventilation. If you're asleep and the heater is still on, you could end up unconscious. If you are sure that the valve is closed, but can't be turned counterclockwise, use a penetrating oil, applying liberally at the point where the valve/knob shaft goes into the valve. Her press releases are frequently featured on the websites of the Department of Defense and the Army. The regulator controls the pressure of propane coming from the tank to appliances. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Check the tank for any propane leaks or other obvious signs of damage to the tank. But, the one thing to consider on a propane tank valve is the amount of pressure that valve is holding back. In fact, there are many federal, state and local ordinances and regulations that must be observed at all times. Feel the side of the tank. However, working with propane is dangerous and you should always follow the proper safety procedures when doing so. How to tell if your propane tank is expired. Two of the most common issues with propane are leaks and regulator failures. Open the lid of your tank to reveal the shut off valve. The propane tanks are easy to shut off. Turn the shut off valve to the right (clockwise) to stop the flow of propane. Turning propane tanks on and off is part of normal operation. The liquid propane is turned into a gas inside a tank or a cylinder. Propane helps you live comfortably wherever and however you want. Larger heaters are better for heating large warehouses or building sites. A single BTU is the same as the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature … Do not force the valve after it has stopped. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you have more than one tank, turn them all … Another element to keep in mind when it comes to propane tank safety is odor fade, or the unintentional reduction of propane odor concentration. Buy a replacement regulator if you need to at the local heating store. To turn the gas cylinders on (to open gas cylinder valve), turn the valve handwheel anti-clockwise 2 or 3 turns (do not open hard against the stop). Propane tanks or LP gas cylinders are used to fuel outdoor fireplaces. There is a valve at the top of the tank that is like the one on your barbeque, just turn the valve until the gas shuts off. To turn off the gas at your tank, start by opening the lid of the tank to reveal the shut-off valve, then turn the shut-off valve to the right, or clockwise, to stop the flow of propane. Locate and turn off the pressure regulator. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. At some point in change of year, Roadtrek moved the tank and access to the back of the van. These heaters are perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. If you wake up and you've been breathing the carbon monoxide for some time, you'll be in a state of confusion. Your tank has shifted positions after a storm or natural disaster. Essentially, this is a “tea” that will fit between coaches and propane coaches. The top of the cold indicates where on the tank your propane level starts. Generally, propane tank valves are turned on when they are twisted counterclockwise. When … If run on the highest setting a 20-pound tank will run for approx. Make sure the knob is turned to the "Off" position. The nozzle on a propane tank has "Open" and "Close" settings. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more propane videos. Locate the control knob on the pressure regulator that's connected to the propane tank. Propane tanks and natural gas lines are both “fuel sources” for gas grills. BTUs measure energy. Large propane heaters emit between 10,000 and 45,000 BTUs in 1 hour. Talent holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan. Go and take a look at your tank and find out where this valve is located prior to a problem. Additionally, leaving an electric heater on runs the risk of burning or frying an element should your tank somehow become empty. Make sure the knob is turned to the Off position. Many customers who leave their fuel source “on” do so as a matter of convenience. Tip: Above all, keep a backup at the ready. The placement of a propane tank is not something decided upon lightly. At some point, however, every propane tank, cylinder, or bottle will reach the end of its useful life. Proper propane tank disposal is something every propane user should be familiar with. Small propane heaters can create up to 5000 BTUs in the space of an hour. Use the British Thermal Unit (BTU) measurement on the side of the propane heater to determine which size is best for you. Premium systems do all the switching automatically for you, but more value priced systems require that you close off one tank and open the other one yourself. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The Valve Is Open But No Gas Comes Out. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The glove will allow you to use more force without damaging your hand. A recertified tank is good for 5, 7, or 12 years, depending on the method and type of recertification. When the tank runs out of fuel, the pilot light on the heater goes out, and to get the heater working again, you have to re-light it after you change the tank. Step 2 % of people told us that this article helped them. Some RVs have two propane tanks instead of one. RVs with this type of set up will often have an RV automatic dual tank changeover LP propane regulator. It will be cold to the touch where there is propane. The propane is fed to the fireplace via a gas hose line. BTU Output: the higher the BTU the more propane it uses. Examine the valve on the propane tank. To light the propane heater, all you need is a propane tank and matches or a lighter. The simplest way is to inspect the collar or handle area of your propane tank. Turn the valve to the "Closed" position when the propane tank is not in use. Turn the valve on the propane tank one full turn counter-clockwise. Place the propane tank on a steady, flat surface. Fill a cup with hot tap water and pour it down the side of the tank in question. Propane isn't supplied through the gas lines, so to use a propane heater, you have to connect it to a tank. In fact, it is safer to do this. References. First, open the hood on your grill to ensure gas isn’t building up inside. 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