My propane tank ran out — what do I do first?

Close the valve at the tank, turn off any propane appliances at their controls (do not relight them), and call your propane supplier. Do not attempt to bleed the system, light a pilot, or transfer fuel from another cylinder yourself. The supplier needs to perform a pressure / leak test on the system before fuel is reintroduced — that is required by NFPA 58 §6.5.4 after any out-of-gas event because air may have entered the lines.

How fast can a supplier deliver in an emergency?

Same-day delivery is common during business hours if your supplier covers your ZIP — typically 4–24 hours from the call. After-hours and weekend emergency delivery is available from many dealers but carries a surcharge ($150–$400 per emergency call is typical) plus the per-gallon delivery cost. In severe weather or during regional propane shortages, lead times stretch and emergency premiums climb.

Why does the supplier have to do a leak test before refilling?

When a propane tank empties below normal operating pressure, atmospheric air can backflow into the system. NFPA 58 §6.5.4 requires a pressure / leak test before propane is reintroduced, because relighting a system that contains an air-fuel mixture risks an uncontrolled combustion event. The test takes 15–60 minutes once the technician is on-site; it is not optional.

Can I use a backup grill cylinder to keep heat on?

No — at least not as a workaround for the bulk-tank system. A residential propane heating system runs at a regulated low pressure that is incompatible with the high-pressure connection on a 20 lb cylinder, and the lines were sized for the bulk tank. Tampering with the regulator or hooking up an unauthorized cylinder bypasses the pressure-test requirement and is unsafe. A standalone portable propane heater run from its own dedicated cylinder is fine for a single room while you wait.

How do I avoid running out next time?

The two reliable answers: (1) switch to automatic delivery so the supplier monitors your tank using degree-day data, or (2) read the percent-full gauge weekly during heating season and call for a refill before the gauge drops below 25–30%. The 25–30% threshold gives the supplier a 2–5 business-day delivery window without you running out.

Emergency Propane Delivery: What to Do When You Run Out

You opened the gauge and the tank is empty. Here is how same-day and after-hours propane delivery works, what to expect on the call, and what has to happen before fuel can flow again.

You opened the tank gauge and it's at zero. The furnace stopped firing overnight. Your supplier is closed for the weekend. What now?

First, the immediate steps

Close the supply valve at the tank. Turn the handwheel at the
tank fully clockwise.
Turn off the controls on every propane appliance. Furnace
thermostat down. Hot-water heater control to "off" or "pilot."
Range and oven knobs to off. Fireplace key valve closed.
Do not relight pilot lights. Do not bleed the lines. Do not
connect any other fuel source.
Call your propane supplier. If you do not know who serves your
tank, the supplier name is on the regulator hood, on the tank
itself, or on your last delivery slip.

Why you can't just refill and relight

When a propane tank empties below normal operating pressure, atmospheric air can backflow into the lines. NFPA 58 §6.5.4 requires a pressure / leak test before propane is reintroduced:

“When a container has been allowed to be emptied below normal operating pressure or service has been interrupted, the system shall be tested for leakage before being placed back into service.”
NFPA 58, §6.5.4 (Leak check after out-of-gas event, 2024 ed.). View source

The reason is straightforward: relighting a system with an air-fuel mixture in the lines risks an uncontrolled combustion event.

This is why your supplier won't let you refill the tank yourself, and why a return-to-service after a runout takes a service technician on top of the delivery driver. The leak test typically takes 15–60 minutes; the technician confirms the system holds pressure and then relights every appliance per manufacturer instructions.

Same-day vs. after-hours

Most fuel dealers operate two delivery modes for emergencies:

Same-day, business hours. A regular delivery, expedited. Lead
time is typically 4–24 hours from the call. May or may not carry an
expedite surcharge depending on supplier policy.
After-hours emergency. Weekend, holiday, or overnight delivery,
with both a delivery and a service technician. Surcharge is typical
($150–$400 emergency call fee plus per-gallon fuel cost). Not every
dealer offers this — confirm before you need it.

In severe regional weather (ice storm, blizzard) or during a regional propane shortage, same-day lead times stretch to 1–3 days even in good conditions. Plan accordingly.

What to tell the supplier on the call

Tank size and percent reading on the gauge (zero is fine — they
still need to know the tank size).
Address, including any access notes (locked gate, dog, plowed
driveway).
Which appliances need to be relit (furnace, water heater, range,
fireplace).
Whether you smell gas or suspect a leak — if you do, leave the
building, then call the supplier or 911.
Any medical or critical-system reasons to prioritize the call.

Protecting against the next runout

Two reliable preventions:

Automatic delivery. The supplier uses heating-degree-day data
plus your historical usage to predict when you'll hit a reorder
threshold (typically 25–30% capacity) and schedules a fill before
you get there. Most agreements include a no-runout guarantee that
covers restart costs if the supplier's model misses.
Disciplined will-call. Read the gauge weekly during heating
season and call for a refill before it drops below 25–30%. That
threshold gives the supplier a 2–5 business-day window before you'd
actually run out.

The directory lets you find local propane suppliers in your ZIP — if you don't have a primary supplier or want a backup quote on file, search by ZIP for dealers serving your area.

Find dealers in your ZIP

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Frequently asked questions

My propane tank ran out — what do I do first?: Close the valve at the tank, turn off any propane appliances at their controls (do not relight them), and call your propane supplier. Do not attempt to bleed the system, light a pilot, or transfer fuel from another cylinder yourself. The supplier needs to perform a pressure / leak test on the system before fuel is reintroduced — that is required by NFPA 58 §6.5.4 after any out-of-gas event because air may have entered the lines.
How fast can a supplier deliver in an emergency?: Same-day delivery is common during business hours if your supplier covers your ZIP — typically 4–24 hours from the call. After-hours and weekend emergency delivery is available from many dealers but carries a surcharge ($150–$400 per emergency call is typical) plus the per-gallon delivery cost. In severe weather or during regional propane shortages, lead times stretch and emergency premiums climb.
Why does the supplier have to do a leak test before refilling?: When a propane tank empties below normal operating pressure, atmospheric air can backflow into the system. NFPA 58 §6.5.4 requires a pressure / leak test before propane is reintroduced, because relighting a system that contains an air-fuel mixture risks an uncontrolled combustion event. The test takes 15–60 minutes once the technician is on-site; it is not optional.
Can I use a backup grill cylinder to keep heat on?: No — at least not as a workaround for the bulk-tank system. A residential propane heating system runs at a regulated low pressure that is incompatible with the high-pressure connection on a 20 lb cylinder, and the lines were sized for the bulk tank. Tampering with the regulator or hooking up an unauthorized cylinder bypasses the pressure-test requirement and is unsafe. A standalone portable propane heater run from its own dedicated cylinder is fine for a single room while you wait.
How do I avoid running out next time?: The two reliable answers: (1) switch to automatic delivery so the supplier monitors your tank using degree-day data, or (2) read the percent-full gauge weekly during heating season and call for a refill before the gauge drops below 25–30%. The 25–30% threshold gives the supplier a 2–5 business-day delivery window without you running out.