Certain questions pop up for us multiple times a week (sometimes more than once a day). Among our northern Arizona customers of Superior Propane, one of the most common questions is, “Why isn’t my propane tank full after delivery?” While our drivers and customer service team are always happy to address this for you, we thought it was time to explain this frequently encountered topic in detail.
The short answer? It all comes down to safety, and we’ll break that down for you below.
Aboveground propane tanks are never filled to 100% of their capacity because that little bit of empty space keeps you safe. Propane is stored as a liquid in your tank, and like most liquids, it expands when it gets warmer. This means if a propane tank were filled to the brim, there wouldn’t be room for that expansion, which could result in dangerous pressure buildup.
This safety precaution is why propane providers only fill tanks to 80% of their total capacity. For example, if you have a 120-gallon propane tank, it can hold about 96 gallons of propane at any given time. A 500-gallon tank is typically filled with about 400 gallons. This “80% rule” minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures your propane tank works safely and efficiently.
Please bear in mind, we only ever charge you for the gallons going into the tank, not the empty space.
Staying on top of your propane levels is simple with the gauge located on most tanks. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to reading it:
Want to be able to check your tank levels without having to go outside, or even be at your home? Superior Propane offers a wireless tank monitor option. This handy device attaches directly to your tank and tracks levels for you in real time. Our team gets notified when it’s time for your next delivery, so you never have to worry about running out.
Although safety limits your tank’s maximum fill level, it’s also crucial to avoid letting your levels drop too low. We recommend keeping your tank at no less than 20% full. When your tank falls below the 20% level, you’re at risk of losing access to propane entirely, which can disrupt your home or business.
Residents and businesses across Flagstaff and northern Arizona count on Superior Propane to make propane easy and stress-free. Whether you need residential heating fuel, bulk deliveries for your restaurant or farm or even assistance with propane tank installations or repairs, our family-run company is here to help.
From the safety of our 80% fill standard to ensuring you have enough propane during the coldest months, we’ve got you covered. Contact Superior Propane today to learn more about our services or ask how to enroll in our “Keep Full” automatic delivery plan.
Get in touch with our team today to become a customer and start getting the best, most reliable propane delivery in the region.
