Posted: July 13, 2026

Common Issues with Grill Tanks

Tips for when your grill runs into trouble

Picture this: it’s a beautiful spring or summer day here in East Texas, and you’ve got a backyard full of hungry people. You step up to the grill with hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks that are ready to be cooked, but your grill simply isn’t cooperating. What do you do?

Hopefully, you have the knowledge and experience to fix whatever may be going on with your grill or grill tank so that your outdoor hang can carry on. This is way better than the alternative: empty stomachs and sending your guests home.

In case you need a refresher to help keep you out of this bind, Buster Brown Propane has compiled a list of some common grill tank issues and how you can go about fixing them.

Your Grill Tank Is Hissing

A noticeable hissing sound from a propane cylinder can mean that your tank is relieving pressure buildup through its pressure relief valve.

Solution: Disconnect your propane cylinder from your grill, move it to a well-ventilated area, and leave it there until the pressure has finished venting. Once pressure stabilizes, the hissing should stop. If it doesn’t, your grill tank may have a leak.

Your Grill Won’t Ignite

There are multiple reasons why a grill won’t ignite:

1. Your burner ports may be blocked or clogged with food residue. Turn your grill off and clean the ports using a brush or toothpick.
2. Propane can’t reach the grill. Make sure the valve on your propane cylinder is completely open. If it is, the cylinder may need more fuel so that it can reach your grill, or you may need to switch out your old cylinder for a new one.
3. The igniter won’t spark. If you have a grill with an ignition system that uses batteries, swap out the old batteries for new ones. If your igniter still won’t spark, it may need to be looked at by a professional or replaced.
4. The venturi tubes are blocked. These tubes can easily become blocked when bugs nest in them. This is especially true if your grill hasn’t been used in a little while. You can use a bottlebrush to help clear them out.

A Fuel Leak

Propane is considered to be a safe fuel, but there is always the chance that your propane cylinder will leak. Grill tanks should regularly be inspected for leaks, and a quick leak test should always be performed after you connect a propane cylinder to your grill.

Solution: Testing for a propane leak is pretty easy. Just spray water that has been mixed with dish soap onto your propane cylinder valve, grill hose and regulator. If you see bubbles around the tank valve, you likely have a leak.

Corrosion or Rust on Your Grill Tank

Rust that forms on the exterior of a grill tank can compromise safety and tank integrity.

Solution: If you are only dealing with light surface rust, this can usually be cleaned off with a wire brush and some rust-resistant paint. If your tank has deep corrosion and dents, it very likely needs to be replaced.

Buster Brown Propane Can Refill Your Grill Tank

Homeowners here in the East Texas area can count on Buster Brown Propane for the fuel they need to keep their propane cylinders full. Just bring your grill tank to one of our offices during regular business hours, and we’ll fill it up for you.

Contact Buster Brown Propane today to learn more about the convenient propane cylinder refill services that we offer.