How to Rent a Helium Tank
How helium tank rentals usually work
This visual shows the typical flow: find a supplier, pick a tank size, handle pickup safely, and return or exchange on time.
Renting a helium tank is different from buying a disposable party kit. You’re dealing with high-pressure cylinders, real gas suppliers, and a few extra rules. This guide explains where to rent, what to expect, and the questions to ask so you don’t waste time or money.
If you’re still deciding between a party kit and a rental cylinder: disposable vs refillable tanks.
Where can you rent a helium tank?
Most helium rentals come from businesses that already handle industrial gases or party equipment. Common sources:
- Welding / industrial gas suppliers – best for larger cylinders and refills.
- Party rental companies – weekend tank rentals for birthdays & events.
- Balloon & event shops – some rent tanks, others only do full-service installs.
- Local gas distributors – regional companies handling helium, CO₂, oxygen, nitrogen.
Big-box stores mostly sell disposable kits. For refillable tanks, a welding supplier or rental shop is usually better.
What to expect when you rent a helium tank
Every supplier runs things a little differently, but most rentals include:
- Rental period — a day, weekend, or week-long rental.
- Deposit or rental fee — refundable deposit or flat rental charge.
- Gas charge — helium price based on tank size.
- Regulator / nozzle — included or rented separately.
- Pickup vs delivery — varies by shop size.
- Public vs business — some locations only rent to account holders.
Because helium supply fluctuates, call ahead before committing.
Questions to ask before you rent
A quick call avoids wasted trips and empty tanks. Ask:
- “Do you rent helium tanks to the public?”
- “What tank sizes do you have available right now?”
- “Is it refill or exchange?”
- “What’s the typical weekend rental price?”
- “Is a regulator included?”
- “How long is the rental period?”
- “Do you refill customer-owned tanks?”
Simple phone script:
“Hi, I’m looking to rent a helium tank for balloons. Do you rent to the public, and what tank sizes do you have available right now? Is that a refill or exchange, and what does a weekend rental usually cost?”
Choosing the right tank size
Tank sizes are listed in cubic feet (ft³). The right size depends on your balloon count.
A standard 11″ latex balloon uses about 0.48 ft³ of helium. A 40 ft³ tank typically fills 80–85 balloons.
For detailed breakdowns, see Tank size guide
Safety basics for rented helium tanks
Helium cylinders are safe when used correctly:
- Transport upright — strapped or blocked in place.
- Keep out of heat — avoid hot cars & sun.
- Close the valve fully when not filling balloons.
- Use proper regulators — no improvising fittings.
- Never inhale helium.
Using Helium Locator to find rental suppliers
Once you understand how rentals work, the next step is finding a supplier with helium available.
- Start in the live directory: Find suppliers
- Filter by service: rental, refill, or exchange options.
- Check “accepts owned tanks” if you have your own cylinder.
- Prefer browsing? State pages City guides