As a family owned and operated company, we are a part of the communities we serve. Part of our dedication to superior customer service includes being a comprehensive source of information about all things propane. To that point we have gone the extra mile to collect some of the most common propane questions in the following FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Long Island Backyard BBQ is proud to offer reliable propane delivery, and refills 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365 days a year. This includes holidays. We also have same-day and emergency service.
20-pound liquid propane tanks are the standard size used by most propane grills as they can tuck neatly under the firebox or off to the side. Though there certainly are other tank volumes to consider. Especially if you have a garage heater, or another propane device.
Minor grime and soot in a gas grill’s components won’t generally affect performance. However, a severely dirty grill may have some serious performance issues. This could be things like struggling to reach high temperatures, or failing to fully burn efficiently, causing a yellow flame instead of a rich blue. If your grill has been having troubles, Long Island Backyard BBQ has experienced service technicians to handle any repairs and necessary cleaning.
Technically, you own the propane tank and it does not specifically have to come from us. We can accept older tanks. It helps to make sure it is in good enough condition to be refilled. We can also exchange out of test barbecue 20lb tanks an no additional charge. 30, 40 or 100lb tanks that are old or out of test are subject to a reconditioning and recertification fee. Please call for details.
It can be hard to tell when you are about to run out of propane. This is why so many people will invest in keeping a spare tank on-hand to simply make a quick switch. If you only have one tank you might be able to get a rough estimate by picking the tank up and feeling the weight of it. You can also take a quart of hot water and slowly pour it down the side of the tank in a trickle. The condensation that forms will tell you roughly how much propane is left inside the tank.
If you find yourself in a position where we can’t deliver a replacement tank to you on your time frame and you want to run to a store, you might be able to find an affiliate who will take it as part of their normal exchange policy. This is usually only the case with a 20-pound liquid propane tank.
As the areas most reliable delivery service, we carefully inspect and dispose of all outdated tanks or tanks that can’t be recertified.
If you forget to leave your exchange tank out where we can access it, we will need to reschedule. Though we do our best to find a time that is convenient for you.
Unfortunately, our delivery and service technicians are not allowed to enter a customer’s home. Exchange tanks cannot be left inside. Though we can work with you to come up with a discrete exterior location to place the exchange or refill tank.
At Long Island Backyard BBQ convenient service is a priority. All you have to do is tell us where the tank is located and we can handle the exchange or refill without needing you to be present.
At Long Island Backyard BBQ we do our best to meet customer requests on the same day. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year with emergency services available.
Before refilling a tank we perform a thorough inspection to make sure that it is in good working condition. This includes checking the certification date on the tank as well as inspecting all the connections and valves. Only then do we connect the supply lines to refill the tank according to regulations.
Propane tank connections are often broken down into either Type 1 or Type 2. The difference between the two is that A Type 1 valve is attached to the propane hose from the grill with a large plastic screw connection that needs to be firmly tightened for the valve to operate correctly. Whereas a Type 2 connection uses a spring-loaded connection. A metal ring on the tank then slides back to connect with the hose and snaps into place to secure the connection.
We service and support all OPD propane tank connections.
A spare tank is a second tank that is not directly connected to your propane grill or smoker. It is a tank that essentially stands at the ready for when your primary propane tank runs low or runs out. An exchange tank is a new, completely filled tank that we bring to you, and take the empty propane tank away.
Some homeowners and businesses choose to keep a spare tank alongside their primary propane tank. This way you can switch out to the replacement spare tank at a moment’s notice without any delay in waiting for our technicians to bring a fresh exchange tank to you.
Safety Questions
There is a relief valve on all propane grills and similar devices. Sometimes excess material comes out the back when there are dramatic pressure changes caused by sudden changes in the weather.
Long Island Backyard BBQ is fully licensed and insured. We are also trained and certified by the Fire Marshall. We can also provide necessary paperwork to festivals, houses or worship and other professional organizations who have safety regulations in place.
A lot of people keep a spare propane tank near their grill or outdoor propane heater just to ensure that they have gas on hand when they need it. Tanks are made from high-quality, heavy-duty steel that can handle being outdoors. If you prefer they can be kept inside a well-ventilated shed or under a roof shelter. Though propane tanks should not be stored indoors.
Propane tanks are designed not to leak on their own. Though it is possible for a connection or a hose to develop a minor leak. If you smell the “Rotten Eggs” odor of a propane gas leak, and you feel it is safe to do so, you should turn off the cylinder valve by turning it to the right. If you cannot safely turn off the valve on the tank, you should immediately leave the area and dial 911 or call your local fire department. Then make sure to have a qualified service technician inspect your grill and propane tank before attempting to use it again.
Propane Safety Tank Tips
Make sure to always follow the grill manufacturer’s instructions before connecting or igniting your propane grill. Keeping them in a drawer where they are easy to find will also be handy if you have a question in the future.
Replace the ignition system if it consistently fails to ignite the grill. Make sure to do so following the grill manufacturer’s instructions.
When lighting the grill, keep the top open until you are sure it is lit and the flame is burning a rich blue color with only a minimal amount of yellow flame.
Always store the propane tank outdoors in an upright position.
Do not Smoke while handling a propane tank.
Don’t use matches or lighters to check for propane leaks, always use a flashlight if you are having trouble seeing.
Never use lighters fluid, gasoline, alcohol or any other type of accelerant on the grill.
Make sure children understand that the grill is not a toy.
