To read a propane gauge, look for the circular dial located on the top of your tank, usually under a protective dome. The numbers on the gauge represent the percentage of propane in the tank, not the number of gallons. A needle points to the current percentage.
Key Points to Remember
- It’s a Percentage Gauge: The numbers on the dial (from 0 to 100) indicate the percentage of propane in your tank. For example, a needle pointing to 50 means your tank is 50% full.
- The 80% Rule: Propane tanks are never filled to 100% capacity. They are filled to a maximum of 80% to allow for the liquid propane to expand as temperatures rise. Therefore, a gauge reading of 80% means your tank is full.
- When to Refill: You should plan to order a refill when your gauge reads 20-30%. Letting the tank level drop below this point significantly increases the risk of running out of gas, which can be a costly and inconvenient problem. An empty tank requires a professional to perform a leak test before it can be refilled, adding time and expense.
- Reading the Gauge:
- Carefully open the protective dome on top of your propane tank.
- Locate the circular gauge.
- Read the number the needle is pointing to. This is your current propane percentage.
- Close the dome to protect the gauge from the elements.
How Much Fuel is in My Tank?
| Tank % | 57 Gallon | 120 Gallon | 250 Gallon | 325 Gallon | 500 Gallon | 1000 Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 3 | 6 | 13 | 16 | 25 | 50 |
| 10% | 6 | 12 | 25 | 33 | 50 | 100 |
| 15% | 9 | 18 | 38 | 49 | 75 | 150 |
| 20% | 12 | 24 | 50 | 65 | 100 | 200 |
| 25% | 15 | 30 | 63 | 81 | 125 | 250 |
| 30% | 17 | 36 | 75 | 98 | 150 | 300 |
| 35% | 20 | 42 | 88 | 114 | 175 | 350 |
| 40% | 23 | 48 | 100 | 130 | 200 | 400 |
| 45% | 26 | 54 | 113 | 146 | 225 | 450 |
| 50% | 29 | 60 | 125 | 163 | 250 | 500 |
| 55% | 32 | 66 | 138 | 179 | 275 | 550 |
| 60% | 35 | 72 | 150 | 195 | 300 | 600 |
| 65% | 38 | 78 | 163 | 211 | 325 | 650 |
| 70% | 41 | 84 | 175 | 228 | 350 | 700 |
| 75% | 44 | 90 | 188 | 244 | 375 | 750 |
| 80% | 46 | 96 | 200 | 260 | 400 | 800 |
How To Turn Off Propane Tank
Turning off your home’s propane tank is a critical safety measure, especially in an emergency like a suspected leak, a natural disaster, or if you need to perform maintenance. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you safely shut off your residential propane tank.
Important Safety Note: If you suspect a gas leak (you smell the rotten-egg odor of propane), do not use any electronics, including cell phones, and do not operate anything that could create a spark. Evacuate everyone from the house immediately and call your propane company or 911 from a safe distance.
Step 1: Locate the Shut-Off Valve
- The shut-off valve is typically located on the top of the tank, under a protective dome or lid.
- This valve is often a round knob or a screw-type handle, and it may be colored red or yellow.
Step 2: Turn the Valve Clockwise
- To turn off the flow of gas, you will need to turn the valve handle to the right, or clockwise.
- The phrase “righty-tighty” is a good way to remember this.
- Continue turning the valve until it is fully closed and you feel it tighten. This will stop the flow of propane from the tank to your home.
- If you have multiple tanks, be sure to turn off all of them.
Step 3: Call Us!
- After you have safely turned off the tank, the next crucial step is to call Colby & Gale
- National safety codes require that a qualified professional inspect your system and perform a leak test before the gas can be turned back on.
- Never attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. A professional will need to ensure the system is safe and relight any pilot lights on your appliances.
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