Understanding Your Propane Tank | Heintz's Propane LLC - Central Michigan's Hometown Provider of Propane Gas, Propane Tanks, and Propane Services.

Propane Tanks Components

Propane tanks like many of the other mechanical appliances in and around your home can appear technical and confusing to many. As with any mechanical device in your home a propane tank can be dangerous if tampered with.

We will give you a summarized break down of your tank so that you understand it's functionality and the legalities that go along with the tanks.

First and foremost a propane tank may not be refilled unless it is manufactured, tested, inspected and tagged in accordance with the law. There are local and national regulations that must be adhered to.

All tanks sold and leased by Heintz's propane are inspected and certified. They have a data tag showing ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) certification. If the data tag or stamping is removed or tampered with then the tank cannot be filled by our techs.

You will notice that your propane tank consists of multiple parts. These parts assist in the compression, regulations, and delivery of the propane to your household appliances. You will notice a safety relief valve on top of the tank. This valve prevents too much pressure from building up in the tank.

At the top of the tank is also a larger threaded valve. This is the fill valve that the tech will attach the refill hose from the truck to. These valves are made from brass in order to prevent corrosion. There is also another valve that the tech will attach a second hose to. This valve is called the vapor return valve which allows excess air pressure to escape the tank during refilling.

You will also notice 2 gauges attached to the valves. The first is the dial gauge which measure the volume of propane in the tank. The second gauge measures the percentage of remaing fuel in the tank. A full tank consists of 80% as a percentage of the tank must remain empty for air.

You will also notice that the valves and gauges are covered. This cover is in place to protect the components as they are the "life line" of your tank and the safe delivery of fuel to your home.