Troubleshoot Common Grill Tank Issues

Get your propane grill ready for your next cookout.

As you start tackling your spring cleaning checklist, don’t forget about your propane grill. After months of sitting unused, your grill may need a little attention before it’s ready for backyard cookouts again.

If you didn’t give your grill a deep clean before storing it, now is a great time to do it. Scrub the grates and cooking racks, wipe down the heat plates, empty the grease trap, and remove any leftover debris from inside the grill.

Once everything is cleaned up, try lighting the grill to make sure it’s working properly. If the burners don’t ignite, the issue may be related to your propane tank. For grillers in the greater Flagstaff area and across Northern Arizona, here are a few common grill tank issues — and how to troubleshoot them.

Why Won’t Your Grill Ignite?

If your grill won’t light, several common issues could be to blame:

1. Clogged burner ports. Food residue or other grit can block burner holes. With the grill off, carefully clean the ports using a brush or toothpick.
2. A faulty igniter. If your grill’s ignition system uses batteries, try replacing them. If the igniter still doesn’t spark, it may need repair or replacement.
3. Blocked venturi tubes. Spiders and insects sometimes nest inside these tubes, especially if the grill has been idle for a while. A small bottle brush can help clear them out.
4. No propane reaching the grill. First, check that the propane cylinder valve is fully open. If it is, your tank may need a refill.

How Can You Tell if Your Grill Tank Is Empty?

Some grills include built-in tank scales that estimate how much propane is left in the cylinder. If yours doesn’t have one, there are a few easy ways to check your fuel level.

• Weigh the cylinder. The neck of the tank includes markings labeled TW (tare weight) and WC (water capacity). After weighing the tank, subtract the tare weight and divide the remaining number by the water capacity to estimate the fuel level.
• Use the hot water test. Propane absorbs heat. Pour warm water down the side of the cylinder and feel the metal. The point where the temperature shifts from warm to cool indicates the approximate propane level.
• Attach a propane tank gauge. External gauges are inexpensive and easy to install on your tank valve, giving you a quick reading of remaining fuel.

How Do You Check for a Propane Leak?

Whenever you connect a propane cylinder to your grill, it’s a good idea to perform a quick leak test.

1. Mix a 50/50 solution of dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution on the cylinder valve, regulator, and hose connections.
3. Open the tank valve and watch for bubbles.
4. If bubbles appear, gas may be escaping. Close the valve and tighten connections.
5. If bubbling continues after tightening, the hose, regulator, or cylinder may need replacement.

Why Is Your Grill Tank Hissing?

If you hear a hissing sound from your propane cylinder, it usually means the internal pressure has become too high. Propane tanks include a built-in pressure relief valve that automatically releases gas if pressure rises beyond a safe level.

When this happens, the tank may briefly hiss as excess pressure escapes. If you hear this while grilling, turn off the grill and allow the tank to stabilize. Once the pressure returns to normal, the valve will close, and the sound should stop.

Convenient Propane Refills from Superior Propane

If your grill tank is empty or nearly so, Superior Propane makes it easy to get back to grilling. We operate 11 propane refill stations throughout the greater Flagstaff, Williams, Prescott and Sedona region, giving Northern Arizona homeowners convenient places to refill their propane cylinders.

Refilling your tank is also typically less expensive than exchanging it for a new one, making it a smart option for frequent grillers. Whether you need a quick BBQ cylinder refill or propane for other outdoor equipment, our refill stations are right nearby.

If you’re a griller getting ready for your next cookout, stop by one of Superior Propane’s refill locations and get your propane tank topped off quickly and affordably. And feel free to contact us if you need help locating your nearest fill point.