Where and How Much $$ to recertify propane tanks?

[Bobby Lex]

My two 10lb propane tanks are nearing the expiration date of their certification.
That means that I won't be able to get them re-filled (legally).

Has anybody gone through the process of having their tanks re-certified?

Where do/did you get this done? How expensive is it?

New aluminum tanks are over $200.00 apiece, so I'd prefer to go the re-certification route if feasible.

TIA.

Bob

[Hartleyg]

My experience with recertifying is that it is fairly easy - at least in some areas. Assuming your tanks have all the required bits like modern overfill valves, it shouldn't cost over $50 a tank.
Seek out the companies that sell propane commercially - not the Ace Hardware or U-Haul shop (though they should be able to tell you where to go) but companies like AmeriGas and Pioneer Gas are what you're looking for.


We have two Aluminum 20 pounders that are dated in 2000, so we feel your pain!


Hartley
S/V Atsa

[sailorboy1]

t ine done about 8 years ago at a Suburban Propane distributor for about #25, which included a refill.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Bobby Lex

My two 10lb propane tanks are nearing the expiration date of their certification.
That means that I won't be able to get them re-filled (legally).

Has anybody gone through the process of having their tanks re-certified?

Where do/did you get this done? How expensive is it?

The last time I had this done, my local propane dealer did it at no charge. It's just a visual inspection and they put a sticker on the tank. I think they did it on the spot. Other times the "certification guy" hasn't been there so I had to leave it for an extra day.



For hydro tests, which have a longer validity period than the visual inspection, the going rate around here is around $20 a tank. The hydro is required for high-pressure tanks e.g. CO2 fire extinguishers, SCUBA, SCBA, oxygen, welding gasses, etc., optional on propane.

[HeywoodJ]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

t ine done about 8 years ago at a Suburban Propane distributor for about #25, which included a refill.

+1, both Suburban and the price.

[Kd9truck]

Hi,
We are in same situation I am considering switching to 20 lb bbq tanks but would need to modify where it will live. I know the Coast Guard has some guidelines but have not researched what they are.

[Bobby Lex]

Originally Posted by Kd9truck

Hi,
We are in same situation I am considering switching to 20 lb bbq tanks but would need to modify where it will live. I know the Coast Guard has some guidelines but have not researched what they are.

If you're talking about standard steel bbq tanks -- keep in mind that they will rust badly in a saltwater marine environment. Aluminum tanks are far better.

The consensus from posts above seems to be to go to a propane company and get a re-cert sticker for what looks like a reasonable cost. Personally, I plan to go that route first.

If I strike out, I'll bite the bullet and buy new aluminum tanks. But I can't see myself ever using steel tanks.

Bob

[NorthCoastJoe]

I have had several tanks recertified for $5, if they look clean and the valve is the newer valve that limits overfill they will look at it, then stamp a date into the collar. DOT site below:

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phms...pane_en_v3.pdf

[Kd9truck]

Originally Posted by Bobby Lex

If you're talking about standard steel bbq tanks -- keep in mind that they will rust badly in a saltwater marine environment. Aluminum tanks are far better.

The consensus from posts above seems to be to go to a propane company and get a re-cert sticker for what looks like a reasonable cost. Personally, I plan to go that route first.

If I strike out, I'll bite the bullet and buy new aluminum tanks. But I can't see myself ever using steel tanks.

Bob

Yes Bob, on the unprotected steel, i think I will probably cheap out on Aluminum and get a new painted steel as a demo for a season. I am very familiar with weather proofing “things” and where it’s going is also bone dry and very low humidity.

Ty

[Orion Jim]

I had my aluminum tank recertified at a fire equipment dealer. They perform hydrostatic testing for all the local businesses and fire departments and they actually did it in one day.

[boatman61]

Here in Europe/UK we don't have this problem, empty tanks are exchanged for full ones.. though one can fill ones tanks at petrol stations that carry LPG for cars.

[WanderIVth]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

t ine done about 8 years ago at a Suburban Propane distributor for about #25, which included a refill.

For anyone following along, they don't do this anymore.

[capt jgw]

I've installed propane systems on three boats now and always used the standard steel 20# tanks. The biggest reason is convenience of refill/exchange. When you're travelling and need propane the refill place might be miles away but in the US there's likely a gas station or something with exchange right across the street. Exchange costs more but if you have to get a cab ride to the refill place it might be cheaper. Yes the steel tanks will rust but if you exchange them they're not on the boat very long so rust shouldn't be a problem. Recert is no problem either, they don't even look at the dates when you exchange them. When the exchange company processes the empty tanks they inspect, repaint, and recert as necessary. They scrap any that are not serviceable.

[WanderIVth]

This is the best place I've found to try to find someone to do the inspections.

https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/rinlocator/

[WanderIVth]

Originally Posted by capt jgw

I've installed propane systems on three boats now and always used the standard steel 20# tanks. The biggest reason is convenience of refill/exchange. When you're travelling and need propane the refill place might be miles away but in the US there's likely a gas station or something with exchange right across the street. Exchange costs more but if you have to get a cab ride to the refill place it might be cheaper. Yes the steel tanks will rust but if you exchange them they're not on the boat very long so rust shouldn't be a problem. Recert is no problem either, they don't even look at the dates when you exchange them. When the exchange company processes the empty tanks they inspect, repaint, and recert as necessary. They scrap any that are not serviceable.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind that but the storage locker for tanks on my boat holds 10#, not 20# tanks.