You can tell how much propane is left in the tank by checking the gauge if it has one such as on large propane tanks.
Or for smaller propane tanks you can weigh the tank, tap it or pour hot water down the side of the tank.
To weigh the propane tank to determine how much propane is left in the tank start by finding the tare weight of the propane tank or empty weight which is stamped on the handle of the propane tank.
Then weigh the tank on a bathroom scale or other scale and then subtract the tare weight from the total weight.
To check the propane tank for propane by tapping, gently tap on the side of the propane tank with your hand or use a tool.
If there's a high pitched pinging should then the tank is full or has some propane and if the sound is a low pitched sound then the tank is empty.
You can also pour hot water over the tank.
Turn the propane tank valve off and disconnect the tank if possible.
Then pour hot water down the side of the propane tank and feel the tank.
If the propane tank is full of propane the propane tank will feel cool and if it's arm then the propane tank will be empty.
An external gauge can also be installed on your small propane tank which can help you determine how much propane is left in the tank.
If your propane tank runs out you should turn off the propane tank valve by turning the valve clockwise.
Then shut off any and all appliances that use propane and if it's a whole house propane tank contact your propane delivery service to have them come and refill it if you can.
Before refilling the whole house propane tank the propane delivery driver should inspect the system to ensure no leaks are present.
If you're using a small portable propane tank such as a 20 lb propane tank or 100 lb propane tank.
Simply turn the propane appliance off and the tank valve off and then disconnect the hose when ready to have it refilled and take it to a propane refill place to have it refilled.
Then hook the propane tank back up when it's refilled and purge the lines of air and relight your appliances.
Any appliances that have pilot lights on the propane will go out when the propane tank runs empty so the appliances should be turned off before the propane tank is refilled and turned back on.
If a propane tank runs empty your stove, furnace, grill or any other appliances on propane won't work and the flame will go out.
If the propane tank runs empty it can also cause air in the system if you have a whole house propane tank and you will often need to purge the air out of the lines.
It's important to keep a check on the propane tank and have it refilled before it gets empty.
For a whole house propane tank the pressure imbalances can sometimes lead to leaks when refilled and may lead to fires and explosions.
When a propane tank is empty it can also cause moisture and air to enter the tank and cause rust which can weaken the tank and cause leaks.
If you have pilot lights on furnaces, stoves etc they may not relight as good and take awhile to be lit again.
To avoid running out of propane in your home or business propane tank you should setup a regular delivery schedule where your propane dealer will deliver propane on a schedule to ensure you don't run out.
Also regularly check the propane tank fuel gauge and don't let the propane tank drop lower than 20 percent.
If you're using smaller propane tanks such as 20 lb to 100 lb bottles then running out of the propane in the tanks is not as big of a deal.
The appliances, grill etc will simply fail to light or the flame will go out.
You can then shut the propane tank valve off, disconnect the hose and take the propane tank to be refilled.
Then purge the air out of the line by turning on the valve and the appliance until you smell a bit of propane.
Then light the appliance.