Float Gauges and Related Remote Tank Monitor FAQs

All drivers should be filling tanks by the fixed level gauge - not the float gauge. Drivers should also be making notes in the Comment section to help CSRs answer questions in the initial phone call.

Q.  A customer called stating a delivery to a propane tank was made the other day. The phone app indicated the tank had 38% in a 1,000-gallon tank before the delivery. The invoices shows 720 gallons were delivered and the ending % was 80%. 

How can this be? When doing the math, 38% * 1,000 = 380 gallons in the tank at the beginning. 720 gallons + 380 gallons = 1,100 gallons. How does 1,100 gallons fit into a 1,000-gallon tank and only fill to 80%?

A.  The float gauge was hung at 38%. When the driver banged the lid, the gauge dropped to 8%. The driver then used the fixed level bleeder to fill to 80% - not the float gauge.

  • 8% = 80 gallons
  • 720 gallons + 80 gallons = 800 gallons or 80% of a 1,000 gallon tank.

When the driver sees the above issue, it is recommended to make a driver comment in EnergyTrack so if the customer calls, the CSR will have the correct answer for the customer.


Q.  A customer called stating a delivery was made to a propane tank the other day. The phone app shows 69% after the delivery but the driver put 80% on the ticket. It appears the customer is being shorted.

A.  Something is causing the float to hang at 69%. Some possibilities are listed below:

  • Gear mechanism in float gauge has jumped a tooth.
  • Float has liquid in it and the buoyancy is affected.
  • When the gauge face was replaced for the installation of the Remote Tank Monitor, it was clocked wrong.
  • The float gauge was installed wrong and it is hitting something internally in the tank

The driver should enter a comment in EnergyTrack. They fill the tank by the fixed level bleeder - not the float gauge. If the float gauge and the fixed level gauge do not agree, the driver should make note of that.