InChapala1 Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 I have a propane gas tank that’s approaching 20 years. It has a date of manufacture on it, but not an expiry date. How do I determine life expectancy of the tank? In the U.S., propane tanks need to be certified every few (10?) years. Is there a certification process here? Among the many gas delivery companies, anyone you’d recommend to evaluate the tank? I asked two handymen; one said the tank looks “okay”, the other said 20 years is max lifespan and I should replace it. I feel I need a more expert opinion. A related question: do propane prices in the Lakeside area fluctuate depending on the season? For e.g., higher in the winter, lower in the summer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 If you do a google search, you will find out that 20 years IS the max lifespan of a propane tank. On that premise, I replaced mine when I moved into the house but it took forever to use up the propane before it could be moved. Be safe! Price of propane goes up every January for sure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrod Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Propane prices appear to be adjusted the first of each month, according to our suppliers (Zeta and Los Altossss.) LP tanks have manufacturer safety standards and owners are required by law to comply with them. There might be a sticker somewhere on your tank to confirm the lifespan. Makes me think I need to look for mine--thanks for the reminder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johanson Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Now you guys tell me. An expert on this subject, I am not; but my outdoor 500 liter propane or natural gas tank was used when I bought my house in 1997. Sure I have repainted it when I remodeled the house 10 years ago. But that is it. Do I have any volunteers to take a lit match and go around the tank and see if it is leaking? So far there is no gas smell coming from the outdoor tank that I refill about once every 10 months or so Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuphel Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 This topic got me looking at our tank, which appears to be 20 years old. Where do we go to get a new one and have it installed? (and thanks to you for putting us on to this topic) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomgates Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 You can take soapy water and apply it to connections. If it bubbles, you have a leak. You can also call the various home inspectors and they have electronic devices that can detect leaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 Leaks are easily fixed. Metal fatigue is not. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyBee Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 Ferret is correct. I looked in to this matter about 2 years ago because my neighbor installed a tank very close to my bedroom window and the tank looked like it was about 100 years old..... (it was manufactured in 1987). From memory, you have to replace your tank every 10 years but probably only 0.001% comply with this. My neighbor did finally remove this tank as I told that if not I was going to report him to the fire department which are the people to talk to get the accurate information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuphel Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 how do you replace a tank? Who do you purchase them from, and do they install? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 Tanks of all sizes are available from Amutio (next to Farmacia Guadalajara) and also from the Hardware store directly opposite them on the other side of the highway. I have also seen them in most other hardware stores as well but I was looking for a specific size. The hardware store delivered it and I had JP Home Services do the work but any plumber can do it. You're going to have to use the propane until nearly empty though. Those tanks are heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 And do yourself a favour and buy the YELLOW tape which is specifically for gas connections. The white tape deteriorates rapidly and should only be used on water connections. https://www.hunker.com/13414883/can-you-use-teflon-tape-on-gas-pipe-fittings 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshineyday? Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 Who takes the old tanks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 They took away the old tank. I didn't ask what or where it went. I did tell them that it was old and dangerous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Go Solar Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 On 11/25/2019 at 4:58 PM, johanson said: Do I have any volunteers to take a lit match and go around the tank and see if it is leaking? You could hire this guy, but I wouldn't hang around while he does it.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisy2013 Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 1 hour ago, Sunshineyday? said: Who takes the old tanks? When the new tank was filled Los Altos took the old tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Blair Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 10 hours ago, Ferret said: Leaks are easily fixed. Metal fatigue is not. Best response yet and right on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Blair Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 6 hours ago, Ferret said: They took away the old tank. I didn't ask what or where it went. I did tell them that it was old and dangerous. IMO, Mexico being what it is, they steam/pressure the tank, paint it nicely and --------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 I hear ya. It's kinda like telling people not to drink and drive... anywhere in the world. All I can say is, don't ever buy a propane tank second hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshineyday? Posted November 30, 2019 Report Share Posted November 30, 2019 Eric is probably right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezzie Posted November 30, 2019 Report Share Posted November 30, 2019 The local farmers want the old ones. They cut them in half and they make wonderful watering & feed troughs for their animals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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