Does the system need a leak or pressure test after running completely out of propane?

Why an empty tank triggers a test

Propane safety rules require a leak and pressure test any time a system runs out of gas. The reasoning is simple and serious: while there's gas in the line, positive pressure keeps air out. Once the tank hits zero, that pressure is gone, air and moisture can enter, and any pilot or burner valve left open is now an open path. Refill without checking and you can push gas straight into a room.

This is the safety backbone of propane, not paperwork — and it's exactly why a dry tank is a bigger deal than a simple low tank.

Who does what

The propane supplier handles the tank-and-regulator side when they refill an empty tank; many drivers won't leave the property until the system passes their leak test. The appliance side — relighting the pilot, confirming the fireplace valve seals, verifying clean combustion — is where we come in, especially if a unit won't relight or something feels off. We can pressure-test the fireplace branch and confirm it holds.

The takeaway

Don't shortcut a dry-tank restart, and don't wave the driver off the leak test to save time. If your fireplace still won't run right after the tank's refilled and tested, that's a service call — not a DIY fix on a gas line. Call (828) 545-0525.