Does Costco Refill Propane Tanks (6 Filling Stations)

Have you ever wondered if Costco refills propane tanks? Look no more. We´ve got you covered.

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Does Costco Refill Propane Tanks?

Yes, Costco does refill propane tanks. This is generally serviced through the tire or automotive department. The propane refill process is easy. Costco also offers propane tanks for sale at many locations.

Why Refill a Propane Tank?

Refilling a propane tank is a great way to save money on your propane needs. When you exchange a propane tank, rather than refilling it, you pay for the re-certification of your propane tank.

Refilling a propane tank is also an exceptional way to recycle. It means that you can extend the life of your propane tank before it is disposed of.

In addition to that, refilling a propane tank is significantly cheaper than purchasing a new, full propane tank. Refilling a propane tank rather than buying a new one can save you close to 30 dollars or more.

Does Costco Inspect Propane Tanks?

Costco inspects propane tanks before they will refill them. They will inspect for various imperfections. If the propane tank has too many of those issues, then it is not safe to refill the propane tank.

If that is the case, you will need to purchase a new propane tank and properly dispose of your old tank.

How to Refill a Propane Tank at Costco

To refill your propane tank at Costco, you will need to head to the tire center or automotive center. That is where most of the propane services are offered.

Let an employee know that you need a propane tank refill, and they will help you. They will then give you a slip that you can take inside to a cashier to pay for your propane.

One important thing to keep in mind is that you must be a Costco member to use their services. The membership will also give you access to the store and everything inside.

Why Do Propane Tanks Expire?

Propane tanks expire when they are no longer safe to use. Each propane tank is labeled with an expiration date.

After that date, the propane tank is expired. If the tank is in otherwise good condition, you can have it re-certified after it expires, and then you can keep using it.

However, if there is damage, then the propane tank will need to be disposed of. This is because damage can lead to dangerous ruptures or leaks.

Your propane tank is expired or unusable if:

It is missing its protective collar or if the protective collar is damaged. The protective collar of the propane tank is located at the top of the tank. It protects the nozzle from being damaged if the tank tips over. Most propane tank manufacturers also write the expiration date on the protective collar of the tank.
The cylinder foot ring is missing or damaged. The cylinder foot ring is located at the bottom of the propane tank. It helps the tank stand upright. If the cylinder foot ring is damaged, the tank will tip over which can lead to dangerous punctures.
There is excessive rust. Since propane tanks are made of metal, it is very common for them to collect a bit of rust. However, too much rust can mean that your propane tank will leak.
The nozzle is damaged. If the top of your propane tank leaks, then it is not safe for use and it cannot be certified.

Filling Station

Filling stations are also frequently called gas stations in many parts of the country. Many filling stations also offer propane tank refills and exchanges.

There are, however, propane tank filling stations that do not offer gas. Furthermore, many places have started offering propane tank exchanges even if they do not have propane tanks refills.

The following list is a great place to start looking if you require more propane. It does not list every filling station out there, but it has plenty offering numerous locations to help you get started.

Tractor Supply Co.
U-Haul
Kroger
Ace Hardware
Amerigas
Rite-Aid

Tractor Supply Co.

Tractor Supply Co. is famous for its farming and agricultural equipment. They also, however, have plenty of other worthwhile products. Those products include one of the widest varieties of propane tank options you can find.

Tractor Supply Co. offers propane tanks for sale and propane tank refilling options. A unique feature of Tractor Supply Co. is that they will refill propane tanks on RVs and motorhomes at many locations.

You can call ahead if you plan on refilling your motorhome’s propane tank to make sure that service is offered at your location.

Tractor Supply Co. has a separate gated area for their propane tank refills. You can let an employee know that you need to refill your propane tank, and they will take care of it for you.

You are welcome to go inside and shop while you wait for the refilling process. The employee will then give you a sales slip that you can take inside to pay for your propane.

Tractor Supply Co. asks that you wait to pull your RV back to the gated area until you have spoken to an employee if you need to refill the propane tank on your motorhome.

U-Haul

U-Haul is another example of a propane filling station that does not offer gas or other fuel. U-Haul is most widely renowned for its moving assistance.

At U-Haul, you can rent moving vans, trucks, and trailers. Another great service U-Haul offers is propane tank refills. The U-Haul website offers lots of information about safe propane usage.

U-Haul has a propane tank refill station outside. You can press a button at the station to ask an employee for help with the refill.

Once they have finished refilling your propane tank, you can pay at the outdoor station. This eliminates any need to go inside the U-Haul store.

Kroger

Kroger is a grocery store with thousands of locations. Some of the other stores in the Kroger family include Fred Meyer. Many of the Kroger locations offer gas stations with propane tank exchanges, not refills.

Most of the propane exchanges provided through Kroger are done with the Blue Rhino propane company.

Exchanging propane tanks at Kroger is useful if you do not want to purchase a new tank or if your propane tank is near expiration.

Recycling through exchanging your propane tank is a great way to get a fresh propane tank.

In general, exchanging a propane tank cost more than refilling it, but it does get you a chance to get a fresh tank. It also costs less than purchasing a new tank.

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware is a hardware store with hundreds of locations around the nation. They offer propane tank refills and propane tanks for sale.

Simply leave your empty propane tank outside and let an employee know that you would like to refill your tank. They will help you refill your tank and pay for the propane.

Ace Hardware is helpful if you regularly need to refill small propane tanks from a larger tank. Ace Hardware sells the supplies to refill your smaller tanks from a larger one at home.

Amerigas

Amerigas is a trusted name in the natural gas industry. They offer many services surrounding the world of propane.

If you find an Amerigas location near you, they can help you refill propane tanks, buy new propane tanks, or exchange your old propane tanks for fresh tanks.

Rite-Aid

Rite-Aid is a famous pharmacy. They also offer many items in the store to help with daily life. That can include stationary, vitamin supplements, books, scarves, and more.

A lesser-known service that Rite-Aid offers is propane tank exchanges.

Rite-Aid offers its propane tank exchanges through the Blue Rhino propane company. The process for exchange is very similar to many other exchange programs.

You leave your propane tank outside for safety. Then, you can head inside and let an employee know that you are exchanging a propane tank. They will help you with a fresh tank and remove your old tank.

When you have your fresh tank, you can go inside to pay for it.

References

https://www.costco.com/

https://www.uhaul.com/Propane/