Posted: February 2, 2026
Running out of propane is more than an inconvenience. A runout can result in leaks and requires us to perform (and charge you for) pressure testing. That’s why it’s so important to know how to monitor the propane level in your tank. But knowing how the weather and temperature can affect your tank reading is important too.
The good news is that checking the gauge on your propane tank is almost as easy as reading the fuel gauge in your car. Here’s what you need to know.
On an above-ground propane storage tank, you’ll find the gas gauge right at the top of the tank, usually under a lid or dome. If you have an underground tank, the gauge is near the fill pipe. The gauge looks a lot like a speedometer, with numbers going around the edge and a single pointer. The numbers indicate what percentage of gas is in your tank.
Remember to always call for a delivery before your tank falls below 20%. That gives us time to schedule a delivery before your tank gets too low. When your propane supply falls below a certain level, you can lose pressure in the lines, which can lead to problems with equipment.
If you check your gauge right after a delivery, it’s important to know that it won’t read 100% full.
Propane, also called LPG or liquid propane gas, is transported and stored in a liquid form. Liquids expand when heated, but liquid propane expands much more rapidly than many other liquids — nearly 17 times more than water when heated the same amount.
For safety reasons, an above-ground propane tank, which is exposed to the sun, is considered “full” at about 80% to provide a cushion against the pressure that builds up inside the tank. Underground tanks are typically filled to about 85% because they are insulated.
This so-called “80% rule” is especially important in warmer climates where liquid propane expansion can occur year-round. You may also notice that your tank appears fuller in hot weather. When in doubt, call for a fill-up.
If you don’t want to worry about checking your tank gauge and wondering when to call, automatic delivery is a great option. We use a state-of-the-art system to predict your usage and schedule on-time deliveries.
Wireless tank monitoring is ideal for customers with less predictable propane usage who still want the convenience of automatic delivery.
Our wireless tank monitoring service transmits your propane level via cellular technology so you can track your tank level in real time. When the gauge reaches a preset level, you can receive an alert through the app and notify us that you need a delivery — or allow the system to alert us automatically so we can schedule a delivery for you.
Whether you choose automatic delivery, wireless tank monitoring, or will-call service, we believe in old-fashioned customer service. We’re always happy to take your call and answer any questions.
Contact us today to order propane or become a customer.