How to Know When Your Propane Gas Tank is Empty

It can be hard to determine if a propane tank is empty upon inspection. For this reason, the manufacturer of the propane tank will stamp a weight onto the top of the container indicated by a "TW," or tare weight. This is the weight of the tank once it is empty and makes it easy to determine how much propane is left within the tank.

TW Weight

1. Locate the "TW" weight printed on the top of the collar of the propane tank. This is the weight of the propane tank when it is empty.


2. Place the propane tank onto a standard scale and make note of the weight displayed.


3. Compare the weight of the tank with the TW weight printed on the collar of the tank.


4. Determine if the weight of the tank is more than or equal to the TW weight. If the current weight of the tank is more than the TW weight, then the tank is not empty. An empty tank should be the same weight as the TW weight.


5. Replace the tank when it is empty with a full tank at a local propane exchange spot near you.


6. Weigh the full tank, and make note of the weight when the tank is completely full. This will help you to gauge how much propane is left in the tank in the future.

Hot Water

1. Turn on the water on a standard water faucet and turn the spout to set the temperature of the water to hot.


2. Fill a large cup with hot tap water. 


3. Pour the cup of hot tap water over the top of the propane tank.


4. Place hands on the sides of the propane tank at the top and slowly slide down the sides of the tank. The empty part of the tank will feel hot where the water has touched it.


5. Determine where the tank feels cool to the touch. This is the area of the tank that still has propane inside.