First, make sure all of the burners are off. Then inspect the grill’s parts (including the tank, connectors, and hose), and make sure they’re intact. Next, clean any grease buildup.
Weber, a popular grill manufacturer, does not recommend using a tank if the “rubber seal, or tank gasket, is cracked, twisted, out-of-round/oblong, or otherwise compromised.” If you see any of those signs, you should get a new tank. But if everything looks good, you can go ahead and connect your propane tank to the hookup.
After the tank is connected to the hookup, prepare a soapy-water mixture by combining 50% water and 50% dish soap in an empty, clean spray bottle. Then give the bottle a good shake to incorporate the ingredients. (You can also use a bowl and a paint brush instead of a bottle.)
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With the propane valve shut, the grill off, and the lid open, generously spritz the soap-and-water mixture onto the propane regulator (liberally coating the area between the tank connection and the regulator), the entire hose, and the grill’s brass connectors. Then slowly rotate the valve of the propane tank to pressurize the system, and carefully look for any emerging bubbles. This video from the NFPA is a great resource for seeing the hack in action.
If there’s a leak, bubbles will begin to expand, and you should immediately shut the valve. Repeat the process by reconnecting the tank and tightening the hose to ensure everything is correctly set up. If bubbles continue to form, shut the valve, and have your propane supplier or a qualified service technician from a propane company inspect the grill and tank.
If bubbles form while the valve is shut, it may be a sign of an uncontrollable leak. Vacate the area, and contact the fire department immediately.
