After reading this article, you will be able to safely and efficiently disconnect a propane tank without any help. It is important to safeguard yourself, family and friends.
Intro
Whether you are grilling for thanksgiving luncheons or preparing something for Sunday afternoon, use your grill carefully. The BBQs we love so dearly can go horribly wrong with one mishap regarding connecting or disconnecting tanks. These propane tanks need proper connectivity. Without adequate connections, disconnecting might be the least of our problems.
These propane tanks need proper connectivity when setting up, which centers on using manufacture approved valves. When valves go missing or become old, some people resort to using clips. These are not safe in any way, shape, or form. Learn how to remove propane tank from grill safely to avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital. Sticking to manufacture recommendations is crucial to maximizing safety and grill performance. Let us all enjoy safe merry-making with healthier meals on safely installed and removed tanks.
So how do we disconnect our propane tank for a fun-filled afternoon as opposed to visiting the clinic?
Disconnecting Instructions
There are a few steps to disconnecting propane tanks worth noting. Some might seem like no-brainers, but it is necessary to be as careful as possible in the heat of the moment. Not taking your time to remove an empty tank can be as dangerous as if it were a full one.
- Turn off the grill
This is not something you’d usually miss out on, but it is a crucial step before unhooking anything. Be sure to turn off the grill to ensure no gas whatsoever is emanating from the nozzles. These switches are usually right in front of you, but it is easy to forget when rushing to make time for the BBQ.
- Find the propane cylinder
Locate the propane cylinder before proceeding to drag it away from the grill. Chances are it’s screwed or bolted onto the grill for stability. Do not unscrew it just yet; we need to know where it is located to begin locating all hinges, bolts, regulator connections, and, of course, valves. Before jumping to unhook it, though, be sure to shut off all valves.
- Close the tank valve
Again, this might seem like common sense, but it might never come to mind when in a rush. Be sure to locate the nozzle or corkscrew located between the tank and piping. It usually connects the tip of the tank to the gas pipe. This can be turned slowly until it comes completely loose. The idea is to use hands, not pipe wrenches or pliers, or any other tool.
- Disconnect the pressure regulator
Usually in the form of a round object, that comes between the gas pipe and the tip that connects to the grill. This regulator needs to be disconnected carefully otherwise, a new one needs to be sourced. It makes for better and more efficient functioning of the grill; without it, people resort to clips.
- Remove the tank
Use a wrench or pliers to unhook or unscrew it before removing it slowly from its location. This process is just as crucial as the setting up process. Gas grills offer several advantages over electric, but they need more care too.
- Transporting tanks
For the most part, propane tanks should be carried in a location where it encounters little shaking. It means it is safer to place between cushions, crates, and other items that can hold it firmly in place. It sounds like the best position would be between back seats.
However, this needs to take into account free-flowing air. It is risky placing an opened (unhooked) gas tank in an enclosed environment.
- Replace the tank
Of more importance is how to replace a tank, rather than how to remove a propane tank from a grill. This step requires utmost keenness, from transporting it to hooking it back up. Simply apply the same procedures on how to remove propane tank from grill safely. Work backward to transport a new tank safely back to the grill, with limited shaking. Wait a few minutes before replacing the tank for the gas to settle in the tank.
How to Remove a Propane Tank from the Grill
Keenly pay attention to the steps listed above to carry out the safe removal of a propane tank from a grill.
Turn off the gas
Find applicable nozzles and turn off the gas supply to the grill. This is usually a small step, taking a few seconds to locate the shut-off valve before proceeding to disconnect gas lines.
Disconnect the gas line
Learning how to disconnect the propane tank from a gas grill is important. Turn the nozzle slowly to loosen the tank and disconnect it from the gas line. It eliminates the risk of roughly pulling it off when in a hurry.
Remove the tank
Do not hurriedly pull off the tank from its housing or where it sits. There could still be a nozzle or bolt that needs unscrewing. Lightly take it off where it sits, and reverse these steps when replacing tanks. Also, it is necessary to change a tank from time to time, so we’ve found one of the best, according to the reviews.
Final thoughts
Avoid using tools to remove propane tanks from your grill unless the manufacturer stipulated or necessary. There is no need for wrenches or screwdrivers while removing gas tanks or unhooking the same. Most of the steps require finesse as you can easily shut off valves, much like you would your kitchen taps. These steps are meant to be carried out while in a hurry. They might be necessary even when the main grill man isn’t in the house. In case you’re into camping, probably you need propane fuel to be always with you to avoid unpleasant moments, here we’ve found a valuable set of 6.
Finding the right grill also facilitates easier setup and removal after that of propane tanks. There are newer grills providing easier ways to maneuver around propane tank setups. Feel free to use the guidelines mentioned above on how to disconnect a propane tank from a grill. The chances are that with whichever grill you are privileged to have, manuals and other instruction materials went out the window long ago.