How to Refill a Propane Tank: Step-by-Step Guide
Refilling your propane tank is faster and cheaper than exchanging it, and the process is simpler than most people expect. Whether it's your first time or you just want to make sure you're doing it right, here's everything you need to know.
Before You Go: What to Check
Before loading your tank into the car, take a quick look at it:
- Check the expiration date. Propane cylinders have a manufacture date stamped on the collar (the metal ring around the valve). Tanks must be recertified 12 years after manufacture and every 5 years after that. If yours is past due, most refill stations will refuse to fill it — call ahead if you're unsure.
- Check for damage. Look for rust, dents, or damage to the valve. Heavily rusted tanks should be retired, not refilled.
- Make sure the valve is fully closed. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops before transporting.
Transporting Your Tank Safely
Propane cylinders should always be transported upright and secured so they can't roll or tip over. Keep them in the trunk or truck bed rather than inside the passenger cabin. If you must transport inside the vehicle, crack a window — propane is heavier than air and can accumulate near the floor if there's a small leak.
Never leave a propane tank in a hot, enclosed car. Temperatures inside a parked car on a summer day can exceed 130°F and cause the pressure relief valve to vent.
At the Refill Station: Step by Step
- Pull up to the refill area. Most dedicated propane dealers and many hardware stores have a designated refill area, often near the back or side of the building. Look for signage or ask inside.
- Let the attendant handle the fill. At most stations in Texas and New Mexico, a trained attendant fills the tank for you — you don't touch the hose. This is the law in many states for public safety.
- The attendant checks your tank. They'll inspect the date stamp, check for visible damage, and confirm the valve type. OPD (Overfill Protection Device) valves — required on all tanks manufactured after 1998 — have a triangular handwheel. Older tanks without OPD may be refused.
- The tank is filled by weight. Professional refill stations fill by weight, not by pressure. A 20-lb cylinder gets exactly 20 lbs of propane. The attendant places it on a scale and stops the fill at the rated capacity.
- Pay and receive a receipt. You'll pay per gallon for the amount pumped. A full 20-lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons — at $3.50/gal that's roughly $16.50 for a full tank. Much better than the $25–$30 you'd pay at an exchange kiosk.
After the Fill: Quick Safety Check
Before leaving, confirm the valve is closed tightly. Many stations apply a plastic safety cap over the valve — keep it on during transport. When you get home, do a quick leak check before connecting the tank:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with water
- Brush the soapy water on the valve connection area
- Open the valve slightly — if you see bubbles, there's a leak
- Close the valve, tighten the connection, and retest before use
What If the Station Refuses to Fill My Tank?
Refill stations can legally refuse to fill tanks that are expired, damaged, or lack an OPD valve. If your tank is refused:
- Expired tank: Take it to a certified propane dealer for recertification (usually $5–$10), then get it filled
- No OPD valve: Your tank is pre-1998 and needs to be replaced. Old tanks are often accepted at exchange programs or hazardous waste facilities
- Damaged tank: Retire the tank — don't use it
Find a Refill Station Near You
Use our directory to find propane refill stations across Texas and New Mexico. Browse by city — Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces — or view all locations on the interactive map.
Also see: Propane Exchange vs Refill: Which Is the Better Deal? and How to Store Propane Tanks Safely.