LP Tank expiration and recertifications

[Radio]

Here's an official chart from the gubment that shows how to tell if your tank is too old and needs to be re-certified. And then re-certified every 5 years thereafter.

A reputable LP dealer will not fill an out dated tank.

For discussion: How do you get your tank re-certified? I honestly don't know.

[ke0me]

From what I have heard, don't bother to recertify, a new tank is about 30 dollars.
It would cost more than that to recertify.

Sorry I don't have any specifics, this was from a conversation one time when I was getting a tank refilled.

[Radio]

Originally Posted by ke0me

From what I have heard, don't bother to recertify, a new tank is about 30 dollars.
It would cost more than that to recertify.

I will compare prices when the time comes, but I've got #30 tanks, not the more ubiquitous #20. I guess we'll find out.

[kd2iat]

Originally Posted by ke0me

From what I have heard, don't bother to recertify, a new tank is about 30 dollars.
It would cost more than that to recertify.

Sorry I don't have any specifics, this was from a conversation one time when I was getting a tank refilled.

That is very, very NOT true. Anyone that tells you that is simply trying to sell you a new tank.

I had a 20# tank recertified for $12 last year. I had to take it to a propane dealer in a nearby town, but it was worth it. They recertified the 20 pounder, two 30 pounders, and my extremely rare and valuable pair of spun aluminum 30 pounders all in one trip.

A lot of people will just leave their expired tanks at where ever they try to get it filled. The refill places sell them for scrap. I watch the pile at my local guy's place. Every once in a while, there's a 20, 30, or even a 40 in good shape with little or no rust with the new OPD valve. Those are worth rescuing and recertifying.

[kd2iat]

Originally Posted by Radio

For discussion: How do you get your tank re-certified? I honestly don't know.

Call a dealer, but not one that just does refills. You want a company that sells, services, and installs propane at homes and businesses. You know, the ones that do home delivery. They will have a location that is set up for recertifying. For example, Suburban Propane is a large company up here with locations all over. But only one of their locations has the equipment and personnel for recertifying. It's worth the trip, especially if you have more than one tank that needs to be recertified.

[Radio]

I have a local dealer I like, and I think they are a Suburban dealer. They have about an acre of residential style tanks and LP is all they do. I guess when and if they ever refuse to fill a tank I'll just ask them.

I have never seen a pile of small tanks as "scraps" - always a few around the refill station but I just assumed they were dropped off, filled and waiting for the owners to pick them up. Or maybe part of an informal "exchange" program. Some of them looked a lot better than others.