Propane tank leak?

[L5wolvesf]

I was about to fire up a propane heater when I noticed that the tank seems to be empty now. I am very sure it still had some propane in it when I last used it last spring. So my question is, are propane tanks (the size used on most grills – 20 lb. I think?) prone to leak over time? Or when not attached to a device?

Thank you,
L

 

[Mystic142]

We had an issue with our grill and it turned out to be the hose and not the tank.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Likely the hose and/or regulator.

 

[Bondo]

I was about to fire up a propane heater when I noticed that the tank seems to be empty now. I am very sure it still had some propane in it when I last used it last spring. So my question is, are propane tanks (the size used on most grills – 20 lb. I think?) prone to leak over time? Or when not attached to a device?

Thank you,
L

Ayuh,... Unless the hand valve at the top is turned Closed, ya, there's always the chance of leakage...

If the hand valve is tightly closed,... Nope, no way...

 

[L5wolvesf]

Just to clarify what I originally stated. The tank was not attached to any device and the valve was closed.

Are propane tanks prone to leak over time when not attached to a device?

Thank you,
L

 

[nehog]

If the valve is not closed tight, or is defective... Otherwise will hold gas for a very long time. You did have a screw-in 'plug' in the outlet, right?

 

[Smiliesafari]

They're not fool proof. If the tank is old it may need the seat replaced.I've delt with propane tanks for over 30 years. I have 3 - 10 gal. fuel tanks for my balloon. They are required to be pressure checked. I have had to replace seats. My fuel tanks have the same valve assembly as found on home grill tanks.

 

[BillK]

L5,
Was it outside or inside ?? The reason I ask is that around here the kids are actually using the stuff to get high They go around to houses where no one is home and find the grill, disconnect the hose and ......... Pretty sad but it is happening.

Otherwise it really shouldn't leak. I have had them sit for a year and still be fine.

Just a thought,

 

[L5wolvesf]

They're not fool proof. If the tank is old it may need the seat replaced.I've delt with propane tanks for over 30 years. I have 3 - 10 gal. fuel tanks for my balloon. They are required to be pressure checked. I have had to replace seats. My fuel tanks have the same valve assembly as found on home grill tanks.

“Not fool proof”, that’s what I was thinking. No idea of that age of mine. Aren’t they pressure checked as part of the filling process?

Where do you get replacement seats, are they a DIY thing?

If the valve is not closed tight, or is defective... Otherwise will hold gas for a very long time. You did have a screw-in 'plug' in the outlet, right?

Screw-in 'plug' in the outlet? Never heard of those, can you post a pic?

L5, Was it outside or inside ??
Otherwise it really shouldn't leak. I have had them sit for a year and still be fine.

Inside locked garage.

Thank you,
L

 

[Highbeam]

I have three 20 lb tanks for BBQ, radiant heater, and spare and none of them leak. They are filled at the station and no pressure test occurs. Really, the minimum wage kid filling the tanks isn't qualified anyway.

And no, nobody plugs the tank outlets in my area. You just shut the valve off every time.

The newest tanks I have on a new RV are 30 or 40 lb tanks and the shutoff handle doesn't rotate that many times from open full to full closed. Seems like a courser thread on tehse new valves.

 

[Smiliesafari]

Because my tanks are "aviation fuel tanks" they are regulated by the FAA. It's a whole different set of rules. Here in Florida you need a "Propane License" to work on anything propane with the exception of my aviation fuel system because of the FAA regs already in place. If you have a propane tank exchange service in your area it would be wise to exchange your tank and let the suppliers know that you suspect your's might be leaking.

 

[Bondo]

Just to clarify what I originally stated. The tank was not attached to any device and the valve was closed.

Are propane tanks prone to leak over time when not attached to a device?

Thank you,
L

Nope,... Not in years, 'n years, 'n years....

If the hand valve is closed...

Fixin' 'em ain't a Diy experience either,...
Unless yer Qualified, ya can't get the Parts to do it...

Take it to a convenience store, or gas station, 'n trade it for another 1...
Ya get a new, or newer tank, 'n it's almost full of gas...

 

[nehog]

Screw-in 'plug' in the outlet? Never heard of those, can you post a pic?

 

[Highbeam]

Using a plug like that might also keep the spiders and dirt out of the seat area.