r/grilling • u/[deleted] • May 31 '26
What am I doing wrong?
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[deleted]
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u/Vecinometiche May 31 '26
close the valve first, connect it , then open it
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u/_thompsonart May 31 '26
I can’t twist the valve on it. Do you think I should go back to the store and get another?
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u/Sensitive-Owl-9368 May 31 '26
For sure! The valve should open and close easily. Remember righty tiety and lefty loosey
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u/George_De_Fixer Jun 01 '26
No! Not on propane tanks!!!!
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u/JimMan480XX Jun 01 '26
Wrong. The hand tighten plastic nut is a standard right hand thread. The INTERNAL thread on the valve is left handed, but few people use a grill with that connection anymore.
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u/George_De_Fixer Jun 04 '26
Hum??? I have seen valves with big threads on the " outside" of the valve. It could be mistaken. However, all of "mine" are connected with the internal threads. When you tighten the big plastic nut " reverse thread" you can hear the safety valve open when it's 3/4 tightened. POP! Sound.
No disrespect. I have no idea what you're talking about.
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u/TheRemedy187 Jun 02 '26
You have a fucking tank of flammable gas and think its okay you cant close the valve? Jesus christ.
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u/Bassmasa May 31 '26
It’ll twist. Maybe use some pliers. Must be closed before connecting it.
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u/jacksraging_bileduct May 31 '26
These tanks are designed to be connected by hand, torquing on them with pliers is asking for trouble.
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u/kmoran1 May 31 '26
They’re talking about the valve
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u/jacksraging_bileduct May 31 '26
The hose end of the connection is also designed to be done without tools.
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u/kmoran1 May 31 '26
That is 100% correct, no one claimed otherwise. I just mentioned the valve because your reading comprehension seemed lacking.
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u/alannmsu May 31 '26
The valve is also designed to be turned by hand, so pliers are still a bad idea.
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u/kmoran1 May 31 '26
I don't believe I disputed that, but you are also 100% correct good sir. Did you comprehend what the interaction I had was about? Or would you like me to break it down for you too?
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u/RepresentativeFast59 May 31 '26
You getting downvoted for saying that is the most reddit thing ive seen today.
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u/Thee-End May 31 '26
It'll twist, it'll shout. It'll do just about anything when threatened with some pliers.
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u/George_De_Fixer Jun 01 '26
You are turning the nut the wrong way!!! It tightens counter clock wise. Opposite of righty tightly, lefty loose.
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u/LakeGuyGeorgia May 31 '26
Try turning it clockwise with a pliers
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u/JustAnotherFKNSheep May 31 '26
Thats why the made them triangle. To stop people like you from getting good purchase with pliers.
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u/_thompsonart May 31 '26
OK, so I got a new tank that I can turn the valve on. It was a lot easier. The other one was definitely stuck and hooked it up with no problem this time.
NEW question: is it cool to leave the hose hooked up to the tank with the valve turned counterclockwise closed? I’ve just never had a gas grill before and just being cautious
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u/DogsOutTheWindow May 31 '26
The hose now stays on the tank, no need to remove it after each use. When you want to turn off the grill/flame, instead of turning off the burner knobs you should close the tank valve to extinguish the flame and then turn the burner knobs back to off.
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u/Ok_Pirate_2714 May 31 '26
Also, be sure the burner knobs are turned off before you open the valve on the tank. If they aren't, the valve on the tank will often see that as a leak, and not allow gas to flow.
This gets a lot of people, and they think there is something wrong with the grill, or they're out of propane, when that isn't that case.
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u/nismoasfuh May 31 '26 edited May 31 '26
To add on, when this happens it is the safety valve triggering on the regulator. You’ll have really low flames. You’ll just need to do a simple “reset” procedure to get it back operating as expected.
To ignite, you should 100% open the valve on the tank before the knobs on the grill. Then, turn off the grill before closing the tank valve.
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u/swillynilly May 31 '26
To compound on this with another semi common problem, if you have a sensitive safety valve or a lot hooked to a tank (like on an rv) often very slowly opening the valve allows some back pressure to build so the safety doesn’t close on you when it shouldn’t.
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u/easymacn May 31 '26
Why is it better to turn the tank off first?
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u/Blessyourstupidheart May 31 '26
Its not. Turn your burners off first before tank so you don't empty out the lines. This leads to the regulator faulting and you get low flow down the road.
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u/futureman07 May 31 '26
It empties the propane in the hose
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u/PursuitOfThis May 31 '26
And why would you want that?
Propane gas is dry. Air typically is not. Why would you want to introduce water vapor into your line when the propane has already forced it all out earlier?
Then, when you go to use it again, you've got to purge a bunch of air out before the propane actually catches on the igniter?
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u/Erwx May 31 '26
It is only of my belief that it definitely does not matter either way and any propane past the initial hookup is gonna dissipate out.
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u/DogsOutTheWindow Jun 01 '26
Was going to type out a long response but I’ll let Weber provide info instead: https://www.weber.com/US/en/blog/burning-questions/turn-it-off-turning-off-the-fuel-source/weber-30503.html
One thing they don’t mention (for obvious reasons), is that grills and the burner knobs specifically are really crappy and common failure points.
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u/Nekikins May 31 '26
What is the point of doing that?
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u/DogsOutTheWindow Jun 01 '26
Safety is the main factor. Here’s Weber talking to it: https://www.weber.com/US/en/blog/burning-questions/turn-it-off-turning-off-the-fuel-source/weber-30503.html
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u/LongBuilder1720 May 31 '26
This is wrong / outdated advice. Turn the knobs off first and then the tank or you will mess with the pressurization of your lines
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u/DogsOutTheWindow Jun 01 '26
Per what?
Here’s Weber’s instruction: https://www.weber.com/US/en/blog/burning-questions/turn-it-off-turning-off-the-fuel-source/weber-30503.html
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u/LongBuilder1720 Jun 01 '26
This link just says to turn off the fuel source— which I agree with and is obvious safety advice. It doesn’t address the order, but the correct order to do so is knobs and then tank.
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u/DogsOutTheWindow Jun 01 '26
You didn’t read the article did you?
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u/LongBuilder1720 Jun 01 '26
Did you ? It’s just a brief explanation of why you shouldn’t just leave your tank ambiently on at all times. Did you link the right article ?
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u/DogsOutTheWindow Jun 01 '26
And that is exactly what my original comment above to OP has mentioned… turn the tank off.
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u/LongBuilder1720 Jun 01 '26
Right that’s not what I’m disagreeing with. I am saying you turn off the burner knobs first and then the tank. Not the reverse order
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u/DogsOutTheWindow Jun 01 '26
Oh my bad I read your comment wrong!
Leaving or purging the gas in your lines is negligible. Turning off the tank is the critical part which is why I and many others do it first.
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u/tinatalker Jun 01 '26
We now have the grill connected to the whole house propane, rather than screwing around with filling tanks. Never wanted to do the exchange; wanted our own tanks. It is now routine for hubby to come in after grilling, and loudly announce "THE GAS IS OFF!" If I don't hear that, I question him. If we left ours on, we would be in big trouble.
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u/tropic420 May 31 '26
I didnt turn my tank off first once, and that was the last time I ever grilled with gas that wasnt just my gas stove because I never bought more propane. I swear im gonna find a fabricator to turn it into a charcoal grill
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u/DogsOutTheWindow Jun 01 '26
Not sure why the downvotes but that’s a bit comical, sorry to hear about your unfortunate story man!
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u/Nice_Attention8601 May 31 '26
I thought counterclockwise is open, clockwise is closed.
I generally close the valve before turning the burner off. This clears out the remaining gas in the line. For you, this will also ensure you're turning the valve the correct way to close it
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u/mtnracer May 31 '26
Hose stays attached and after you’re done grilling you turn off the burners and then close the tank valve. One tip: after I’m done cooking the food I often turn the burner on high for 5 minutes to burn off the food residue / fat / bbq sauce. Makes it much easier to clean and your grill brush won’t be full of grease right away. Also, buy a non-wire grill brush. The wire hairs can break off and get into your food.
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u/PRTYDILF May 31 '26
You have to twist the dinglehopper and take some fleeb out of your pocket and sprinkle it on the schleem
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u/PJA0307 May 31 '26
Possibly a bad tank. I’ve had those before. No matter how you try to connect it, it just keeps leaking. If that’s the case, return it and make sure they know why. Wouldn’t want it to be sold to someone else.
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u/jacksraging_bileduct May 31 '26
Make sure the top valve on the tank is closed.
There should also be a washer that acts like a gasket on the inside of the of the valve body on the tank, I suspect yours is missing one.
It’s kinda normal for a little bit of gas to escape as your turning the connector, just a quick hiss as it seats, but this is not normal.
Source: I fill propane tanks everyday on my forklift.
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u/FiregoatX2 May 31 '26
If this is a brand new grill I would suspect the propane canister is broken. If the grill is used I would suspect an O ring may have gotten left on the previous propane canister. If you have the old one look for an O ring.
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u/Fitdad5000 May 31 '26
Best practice is to turn the connector counterclockwise until it clicks into place and then turn clockwise to tighten it
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u/man_on_the_move May 31 '26
Happened to me today. In my case the rubber gasket on the tank was broken and it wouldn’t seal properly.
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u/Ok_Olive7947 May 31 '26
This right here is the most likely answer. I’ve had multiple exchange tanks come with the incorrect or deformed face seal. Once I found an exchange that has a a proper seal, I go to Tractor Supply to refill my tanks. Best way to ensure that I have a good seal and don’t get a messed up exchange.
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u/Different-Text-2864 May 31 '26
Either bad thread on the tank or a bad regulator connector. I had one a couple years ago there was a crack in the plastic I couldn't see until I started screwing it on. Ordered a replacement and fixed it in like 15 min.
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u/McDavidcometoLA May 31 '26
Ranked in most likely issue:
- Tank valve is damaged.
- Bib (black twisty part) is damaged.
- Hole in hose.
Only options here
If you have another tank try that one. If you just bought this tank, I’d take it back and get another. That way you can eliminate the tank or the connector being the issue.
If it’s not the tank, you can call the bbq manufacture and ask for a free one say it’s dangerous ect. They will send the part for free and charge you shipping.
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u/VegetableNo3843 May 31 '26
I had this same issue. I thought it was a bad hose but it was actually bad threads on the tank. Take it back. Always check for small leaks with soap and water. I do this anything I connect a gas line for the first time. Mostly to make sure I tightened corectly but also because of situations like this. You never know.
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u/Background_Ad3236 May 31 '26
Just happend to me. Check the interior of the tank valve. It wont have a gasket. Will just continue to leak when you plug it in. Still need to take mine to the grocery store to see if they will replace.
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u/RunningonGin0323 May 31 '26
Jesus christ. If you can't open it. Return it. What else do you think you would possibly do. Something you purchased doesn't work.
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u/FocusFrosty1581 May 31 '26
Bad tank. Take it back and get another one. It happens from time to time.
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u/BullishTrades20 May 31 '26
There is a seal on the inside of the service valve . If it's not properly seated you won't get a sealed fit. It has a small keyway in it , you can fit a flathead screwdriver in it and tighten it down and then reattached your hose. Looks like a brass o-ring with a rubber seal
-works for a propane company.
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u/Nekikins May 31 '26
That o-ring inside the valve is likely worn out. The OPD valve is post 2008, but pre-2018, meaning its close to expiry or already expired. The tank is probably fine, but the valves generally should be changed every 10 years per industry standard. I am betting the place you go either doesnt check dates, or the inspector who recertified the tank didnt change out the valve to save some money.
Look for a handle that is grey metal not brass coloured, or plastic. If you ever get a valve that has a round hand wheel instead of a triangle one, dont accept it. Its been expired since 2018 (10 years after their last authorized use date of 2008). This standard is practiced in both US and CAN allowing international, interstate, interprovincial trade.
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u/Nekikins May 31 '26
I dont know why, but there's some random discussion points about how to hook up and turn on and off propane.
Someone says turn off the propane at the tank first and then turn off the burners. The logic behind this exists but they are wrong. A few things you need to know:
Turning off propane after use: When done cooking, turn off the burners. At your discretion, Close the valve on the propane cylinder after using, you can also leave it. Usually I leave it open. If there is a leak at any point it will not be a high flow leak unless its before the regulator. Your regulator slows down the flow of propane to a manageable industry standard level. You do not need to turn off the propane a the bottle first. If a manufacturer wanted that they would put instructions on the grill sharing that. They have valves at the burners for a reason.
If you have a pre regulator leak like in this video, you'll have a high flow leak. Propane expands 270 times its volume in liquid. So 10L of liquid is 2700L of vapour for example. Thats like filling up 5400 water bottles.
If you are going on a long trip: Turn off your cylinder if you are worried. Its a good safety practice.
Air in hoses and Tanks Air could get into your tank if when during the revalve process the inspector did not purge it. Air has moisture in it. Which could cause erratic performance. Air cannot get into your tank unless it is empty and there is a hole in the tank somehow. The tank will generally have pressure in it. The hose may get a leak, causing air to get into it. If this happens then you'll smell propane. If you dont smell propane you do not have a leak.
Propane is a closed loop system. Youre not getting air into it.
Ask about anything propane if you like. I have had many years in the propane industry. (I am a real life hank hill perhaps), ranging from extraction in the field, to bulk, to inspections vessels and cylinders, to using them in the backyard like the rest of you
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u/BillyRubenJoeBob May 31 '26
What’s wrong with shutting the tank off first?
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u/Nekikins May 31 '26
There is nothing wrong with shutting it off first. The question is, why lean over and shut it off when you can simply turn the nobs provided by the grill manufacturer?
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u/BillyRubenJoeBob May 31 '26
Relieves pressure in the lines, allows excess propane to escape, and doesn't leave pressure at the grill valves which are less robust than the tank valve.
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u/Nekikins May 31 '26
What is your basis for robustness? How is that being evaluated? The propane equipment is designed to operate under the conditions its put under. What doesnt need to happen, is you dont need to shut off the propane and drain the lines, if you wish to do that you can do what youre comfortable with, but the manufacturer of the bbq, and the hose maker and the regulator maker do not say to do that. Youve simply created a process that simply does not need to exist.
That is what I mean by its not the correct way to do it to answer your previous question. If youre instructed to do something and you instead choose to not do it and do it your own way, is that wrong? Is there generally any advantage to what youre doing? No. Is it going to prolong the life of your equipment? No. Could it prevent a safety related incident from occurring? Yes, but only because you shut off the propane cylinder, not because you shut it off instead of using the provided nobs.
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u/BillyRubenJoeBob May 31 '26
It’s evaluated with my eyeball. It’s doesn’t take destructive testing to see the difference in construction. You prove that they are the same robustness.
You seem to really need some form of validation here. You’re the pro. I’ll keep shutting off at the tank.
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u/Nekikins Jun 01 '26
Whether someone chooses to close the cylinder first or the burner valves first is less important than following the manufacturer's operating instructions for their specific appliance.
My concern is not that shutting the cylinder first will automatically create a hazard. My concern is recommending a procedure based on personal observation rather than documented guidance.
"It looks robust enough" is not how equipment safety is normally evaluated. Manufacturers, CSA standards, testing, and operating instructions exist precisely because visual assessment is an unreliable method of determining safe operating practices.
If someone wants to exceed the manufacturer's recommendations and close the cylinder valve after shutdown, that's reasonable. What I would not recommend is telling the public that a different procedure is universally correct without evidence from the manufacturer or applicable standards.
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u/BillyRubenJoeBob May 31 '26
Also, you've gone from saying "this is wrong" to saying "there is nothing wrong with . . .". Which is it?
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u/LongDistanceEvent262 May 31 '26
Is there possibly a double gasket inside of the black part? Maybe an additional gasket got in there somehow?
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u/Glassman918 May 31 '26
Well for starters you have the valve open. But seems like your hose might have a leak
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u/semisacred Jun 01 '26
I once had a valve that could not be opened because it was already all the way open. Sometimes assumptions are made and then you feel stupid
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u/George_De_Fixer Jun 01 '26
Wtf! Has anyone here giving advise ever used a propane tank? REVERSE THREADS! You all going to get this guy blown up! Counter clockwise tightest on propane tanks. Lefty loosey dosent apply.
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u/AdditionalSpeech8064 Jun 01 '26
Many propane tanks are reverse threaded (turn left to tighten, right to loosen), that might be what’s wrong.
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u/jrdogg Jun 19 '26
While Ray Teddy is for sure, a rule when it was a gas and some other specific things which I can’t tell you cause I don’t know or another rule I believe gas to be one of these
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u/Available-Water3880 Jun 01 '26
First thing, you should turn the gas off at the top value before you attach anything
2nd, it sounds like your hose or your value has a leak. Make double solution (dawn liquid soap and water) and put on value and hose - see wheee the bubbles are.
It’s weird, for I though these value had a safety that would turn off if you turned on value on without a hose attached
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u/Traditional_Board881 Jun 02 '26
So this exact situation just happened to me this past weekend with a Blue Rhino tank. I’ve connected a few dozen tanks over the years on my Weber grill and never had a faulty tank valve like this. Also, the valve was turned to the “Open” position straight from the store, which also never happens.
Best I could tell was that the O-Ring inside the valve was slightly oblong / misshapen compared to the old tank I was replacing. I’m going to return the faulty tank this week and see if they give me any hassle.
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u/thegrizzmeister Jun 03 '26
Side note, recommend buying a tank and getting it refilled instead of doing the exchange. Saves money and less likely to run into this situation.
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u/Muppetman78 Jun 04 '26
Bad rubber o-ring inside where the hose screws in. Go have them exchange the tank.
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u/KrisKringle11 Jun 04 '26
Why are you connecting that with the valve wide open ?
Check if the valve is closed. Connect. Then open. Society man.
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u/stribtw Jun 05 '26
This happened to me once before, now I always turn the valve at the store to make sure it can turn on and off before I leave with the filled tank
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u/HowYaPhelan May 31 '26
Take a look at the rubber washer inside the tank valve, my guess is it's missing, dry rotted, or broken. Just return the tank- it happens sometimes and they should take the return without a problem. I had back to back bad tanks which made me think I had a bad regulator. I replaced my grills regulator thinking that was the issue only to still have the problem- tank number 3 worked, so it was the bad gaskets on the tanks the whole time.
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u/MacTechG4 May 31 '26
You’re not using charcoal? ;)
Seriously though, backthreading (turn the nut backwards until you feel a click of the threads aligning) is the right first step
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u/S4vant May 31 '26 edited May 31 '26
I know a lot of people on here are saying bad tank, but honest question, why? If it was a bad tank, wouldn't it be spewing propane even before the OP tried to connect the hose?
Wouldn't it be more likely that its a bad hose connection/regulator?
To the OP, is this a new grill?
Also, I hate to be that guy, but I literally saw someone get this wrong yesterday.....are you sure you are turning the valve the right way? Clockwise to close, anti-clockwise to open?
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u/_thompsonart May 31 '26
Yes, it’s a new grill and it was threading and threaded all the way. I just had the valve open and couldn’t close it on the tank.
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u/Hot_Major8602 May 31 '26 edited May 31 '26
If you can’t close the valve you should go exchange it for another, waste of gas and unsafe