If your home relies on propane for heating, hot water, or appliances, knowing how to check your propane tank gauge is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner.

Running out of propane can mean:

• No heat in the winter
• No hot water
• Appliances shutting down
• Potential system restart fees

The good news? Checking your propane tank level is simple — once you know what you’re looking at.

This guide will walk you through how to read a propane tank gauge, what the numbers mean, when to schedule propane delivery, and what to do if your tank gets too low.

Where Is the Propane Tank Gauge Located?

Most residential propane tanks — especially 250-gallon, 500-gallon, and 1,000-gallon tanks — have a built-in gauge located under the tank dome lid.

To find it:

1. Go to your outdoor propane tank.
2. Lift the metal dome cover on top.
3. Look for a small, round dial with numbers and a needle.

This is your propane tank level gauge, often called a “percentage gauge.”

How to Read a Propane Tank Gauge

Unlike a gas gauge in your car, a residential propane tank gauge does not show gallons. Instead, it shows the percentage of propane in the tank.

Most gauges display numbers like:

• 80
• 60
• 40
• 20

These numbers represent the percentage of capacity remaining — not the percentage of usable tank volume. An 80% reading on your propane tank gauge means the tank is full, as propane tanks are only filled to 80% for safety.

For example:

• A 500-gallon propane tank filled to 80% capacity holds about 400 gallons of propane.
• If the gauge reads 40%, you have roughly half of that available, and it’s time to start preparing for a refill.
• If the gauge reads 20%, it’s time to schedule a refill.

Why Is 80% the Maximum Fill Level?

You may wonder why propane tanks are only filled to about 80%.

Propane expands and contracts depending on temperature. Leaving 20% empty space allows for safe expansion during warmer weather.

So if your tank reads 80% after a delivery, that means it’s considered “full.”

When Should You Schedule Propane Delivery?

A common rule of thumb in propane delivery service is:

Call for a refill when your tank reaches 30%.

Waiting until 20% or lower increases the risk of running out — especially during colder months when propane usage rises.

Factors that affect how quickly you use propane include:

• Outdoor temperature
• Home size
• Insulation quality
• Number of propane appliances
• Frequency of use

If you rely on propane for home heating, usage can increase significantly in winter. Monitoring your propane tank level weekly during peak season is a smart practice.

What Happens If You Run Out of Propane?

Running out of propane isn’t just inconvenient — it can create additional steps before service can resume.

If your propane tank reaches 0%:

• Pilot lights may go out.
• Appliances may need to be restarted.
• The system may require a leak check before refilling.

Many propane companies require a safety inspection before turning gas back on after a complete run-out.

This is why regularly checking your propane tank gauge is so important.

Types of Propane Tank Gauges

Most residential tanks use a mechanical float gauge. It works similarly to a toilet tank float — as the propane level drops, the float lowers and moves the needle.

Some homeowners also have access to:

1. Remote Propane Tank Monitoring Systems

These digital monitors transmit tank levels directly to your propane company for automatic scheduling.

2. Smart Propane Tank Monitors

Aftermarket devices that connect to your smartphone to track propane usage.

How Accurate Is a Propane Tank Gauge?

Standard propane tank gauges are reasonably accurate but not perfect. They provide a close estimate of remaining fuel.

Factors that may affect gauge readings include:

• Extreme temperature changes
• Mechanical wear over time
• Slight float calibration differences

If your gauge appears stuck or inaccurate, contact your propane service provider for assistance.

How Often Should You Check Your Propane Tank?

Best practice recommendations:

• During winter: Check once per week
• During moderate weather: Check every 2–3 weeks
• Before vacations: Always check before leaving

If your home relies heavily on propane for heating, water heating, or cooking, more frequent checks may be necessary.

Additional Signs Your Propane Tank May Be Low

In addition to checking your gauge, watch for:

• Weak heating performance
• Appliance issues
• Yellow or flickering flames (should be blue)
• Unusual cycling of heating systems

These signs can indicate low propane levels — or another issue that should be evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Propane Tank Gauges

Does cold weather affect propane levels?

Cold temperatures don’t reduce the amount of propane in the tank, but they can increase usage significantly.

Can I rely only on my indoor propane appliances to know when I’m low?

No. Appliances may stop working suddenly if propane runs out. It’s better to monitor the gauge.

Is it safe to check my propane tank myself?

Yes, as long as you do not tamper with valves or fittings. Simply reading the gauge is safe.

The Bottom Line: Stay Ahead of Your Propane Supply

Learning how to check your propane tank gauge is simple — and it can save you from unexpected interruptions in service.

Monitoring your propane tank level regularly ensures:

• Reliable home heating
• Uninterrupted hot water
• Smooth appliance performance
• Fewer emergency deliveries

If you’re unsure about your tank level or have questions about propane delivery our propane delivery team is happy to help. Contact us today to schedule your next propane delivery or to learn more about keeping your home supplied safely and efficiently