Safely Connecting Mr. Heater to a Propane Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mr. Heater's portable propane heaters are popular for their convenience and efficiency. To ensure safe and optimal performance, it's crucial to understand how to hook up your Mr. Heater to a propane tank correctly. This guide will walk you through the process, emphasizing safety and best practices.
Understanding Your Mr. Heater and Propane Tank
Before you begin, familiarize yourself with your Mr. Heater and the propane tank. Mr. Heater portable propane heaters typically come with a regulator hose attached. The tank you'll be using is likely a 20 lb (9 kg) liquid propane cylinder, which is standard for most portable heaters.
Safety First: Inspect Your Equipment
Before connecting your Mr. Heater to the propane tank, perform a visual inspection of both the heater and the tank:

- Check for any signs of damage, such as dents, rust, or leaks on the propane tank.
- Ensure the regulator hose and connector on your Mr. Heater are in good condition and free of any cracks or damage.
- Inspect the propane tank's valve and O-ring for any signs of wear or damage.
Preparing the Propane Tank
If your propane tank is new or hasn't been used in a while, it may have a protective cap on the valve. Remove this cap before connecting your Mr. Heater. Also, ensure the tank's valve is closed by turning the handwheel clockwise until it stops.
Connecting the Regulator Hose to the Propane Tank
Now that your equipment is inspected and prepared, you can connect the regulator hose to the propane tank:
- Place the propane tank on a stable, level surface.
- Grasp the regulator hose connector and align it with the propane tank's valve.
- Push the connector onto the valve, turning it clockwise until it's fully seated. You should feel a slight resistance and hear a clicking sound when it's properly connected.
Attaching the Mr. Heater to the Regulator Hose
With the regulator hose connected to the propane tank, you can now attach your Mr. Heater:

- Position your Mr. Heater near the propane tank, ensuring it's stable and level.
- Locate the connector on the regulator hose and align it with the inlet on your Mr. Heater.
- Push the connector onto the inlet, turning it clockwise until it's fully seated. Again, you should feel a slight resistance and hear a clicking sound.
Initializing the Mr. Heater
Before using your Mr. Heater, you'll need to initialize it to purge any air from the line:
- Turn the control knob on your Mr. Heater to the "Pilot" setting.
- Press and hold the igniter button while simultaneously pressing the pilot knob in. Continue holding both buttons for about 30 seconds.
- Release the buttons and allow the heater to run for about 2-3 minutes to purge any remaining air from the line.
- Turn the control knob to the desired heat setting.
Now your Mr. Heater is safely connected to the propane tank and ready for use. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe operation and maintenance of your Mr. Heater and propane tank.