The Right Regulator

• Propane regulators do not come in a one-size-fits-all configuration. There are many types of regulators, some simple and others more complex. Each is designed to fit a particular application. Always use the manufacturer's handbook to determine what type of regulator you need for any application. If a handbook is not available, call a propane professional to determine what you should use. The wrong regulator may cause your appliance not to work at all, may be illegal and could cause a severe fire hazard. Always use the type of regulator specified for the appliance for which you will use it.
  
  

Let It Breathe

• Every regulator has a vent. The pressure of propane in a tank can change as the outdoor temperature does. If pressure builds too high, the vent, in conjunction with the diaphragm and pressure relief valve, will keep the pressure in the tank at safe levels and deliver propane gas smoothly, provided the vent is not blocked. Keep the vent covered and pointed down so that water and outdoor debris do not clog it. Keep the vent cover screened so that insects and debris cannot build up. Keep the vent high enough so that it is never underwater. These steps will help keep your regulator working properly to protect against unsafe changes of internal pressure.
  
  

Keep It Cool

• Keep the regulator well away from any source of high heat. It sounds simple and logical, but if you use propane for a barbecue grill or camp heater particularly, you need to always check to make sure the regulator is never near the fire.
  
  

Check for Leaks

• If you use a barbecue grill seasonally, always check for leaks in the hoses connecting the regulator to the tank and the grill. Though propane is an odorless gas, propane manufacturers add an inert chemical that gives it a distinctive odor. You can also coat the lines with soapy water before the first use. A leak will cause bubbling on the outside of the line. Always shut the regulator off and call a professional if you suspect a leak.
  
  

By the Book

• Never attempt to improvise repairs with a propane tank. Use only the equipment the manufacturer specifies, installed and operated as the manufacturer specifies. Any improvisation when dealing with a propane-fueled system is likely to be dangerous and illegal. If there is any question you cannot fully answer from an owner's guide, call a professional to help you.