How to Check for Leaks in Your Grill Tank

Written on: September 29, 2025

Troubleshooting Common Gas Grill Problems

It’s game day! The burgers are seasoned, the chicken wings are marinated, and the crowd is ready for kickoff. But just as you fire up the grill, you hear a strange hissing sound or notice your flames aren’t what they should be. Nothing ruins a fall football cookout faster than a grill that won’t cooperate—or worse, a leaking propane grill tank.

Is It a Leak?

If you hear hissing near your propane cylinder, immediately shut off the gas and extinguish all flames. On a hot, sunny day, that sound could be the pressure-relief valve doing its job as propane expands. It will close automatically once pressure returns to normal—you can help cool the tank by spraying it with water from a hose.

If the hissing continues or happens when it’s not particularly warm, it may be a leak. Here’s how you can check safely and easily:

• Combine equal parts dish soap and water in a small container or spray bottle.
• Make sure all the burner knobs are in the OFF position, but leave the propane tank valve open.
• Brush or spray the soapy mixture onto the valve, regulator, and hose connections.
• If you see bubbles forming, that means gas is escaping. You’ve found a leak.
• Immediately close the propane cylinder valve. Do not use the grill until the problem is fixed.
• Tighten loose connections if possible, then retest.

If bubbling continues, disconnect the tank, move it to a well-ventilated area, and let it empty completely. Once it’s empty, return it to your propane provider. Never attempt to transport a leaking cylinder.

More Troubleshooting Tips

If the flames from the burners are orange or yellow, something is clogging the burner. Spiders, dust, and leaves are the usual culprits. Make sure the grill is cool, then clean the burners thoroughly. After cleaning, run the grill on high for about 15 minutes to burn off any lingering debris.

Weak flames usually point to a regulator issue. Try turning everything off—including the propane cylinder—and disconnect the regulator. Wait five minutes, then reconnect it and slowly open the cylinder valve. Wait another minute, then relight the grill.

No flame at all? That’s usually an igniter problem. Battery-powered igniters may just need new batteries. For piezo igniters (the type without batteries), try lighting the burners with a match. If that works, check for cracks in the ceramic tube or loose wires. If you still can’t get a spark, you may need professional service.

Out of Propane?

This is the easiest problem to fix: Dale Gas offers safe and convenient tank refills at our Dale, WI location. It’s always smart to have a spare cylinder on hand. And ask about cylinder refill specials!

For cylinder refills or propane deliveries for your home, find out why families and businesses in Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano Counties, WI, trust Dale Gas for all their propane service needs. Contact us for more information and hours.