Question about old propane tanks.

[kluckfab]

I have 2 - 100lbs propane tanks, the last time they were filled was back in the early 90s. I am currently finishing one tank off.

But i have a question.

i assume i am going to have these tank recertify since because of the age of them, correct? Is cheaper to buy new ones or just get them certfied? How much would it cost to get them certfied you think?

 

[CGT80]

I am in the same predicament, but with smaller tanks (they are bigger than a bbq tank and go on my toy hauler trailer). My dad said they switched to a new type of valve that has three sides to the valve handle instead of a round handle. I don't know if this applies to 100 pound tanks. Mine are three sided. One is empty and the other is close to full. I keep forgetting to ask the local airgas welding shop if they do the tests. Air gas in SoCal just swaps out my welding bottles even if the date is due for testing. I own the bottles.

I did look at the price of new bottles on the internet, but that doesn't tell me if mine are worth messing with. If I get an answer, I will post back.

 

[BillK]

fab,
The easiest thing to do that will get you the correct answer will be to call your local propane company and ask them. This question comes up fairly regularly here and the answers seem to vary from location to location etc. The company that you will use to fill them is the one that can give you the correct answer for your situation.

Hope this helps,

 

[pop pop]

Just was asked yesterday if my tanks were over 12 years since refilling by the service. So, I'm guessing 12 years is important?

 

[walrus]

Just was asked yesterday if my tanks were over 12 years since refilling by the service. So, I'm guessing 12 years is important?

They have to be hydro tested after 12 yrs

 

[rodm1]

They charge $6 here and they do a visual and soap inspection. Then place a certified sticker or stamp them. They check the valve to for leakage and any damage to the tank and ring on the bottom. Kind of #$@! for a good looking tank but could see the requirement for rusty tanks. They will condemn any tank with a damaged base ring or dent in tank.

 

[fourjeepin]

I had my old tank filled recently. I do not know how old it is, but it was my grandfathers and he passed in 1989. The guy said the age of the big tanks did not matter.

 

[Dustin Echoes]

There is a date code stamped into them, 3 numbers, 3 letters (that's a company code) then the date. Month-year. In the USA, it's 12 years until re certification. Here in Canada, it's 10. Your local supply company should be able to do it, or exchange it for one and send it off. We charge $20, it's very straight forward.

 

[FFRKing]

The local rental place here charges $5 to check and certify them. The recert is good for 5 years. They only do a visual for dents and damage. No leak check.

Chris

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I had my old tank filled recently. I do not know how old it is, but it was my grandfathers and he passed in 1989. The guy said the age of the big tanks did not matter.

It all depends on if its a "Tank" or a "Cylinder". Portable DOT cylinders are certified for 12 years from manufacture date. Then they have to be requalified to be used for another 5 years and they can only be requalified 3 times, so if a DOT cylinder is over 27 years old it must be replaced.

ASME tanks are not portable (except on motor homes) and although they don't get requalified, the relief valve must be replaced every 10 years.


Tommy