What You’ll Learn
How do I know if my propane tank needs to be replaced?
You should replace your propane tank if you notice rust eating into the tank walls, a smell of rotten eggs, or if your appliance burners show yellow or orange flames instead of blue.
Additionally, you must replace or recertify your tank once it reaches its 12-year expiration date, which is stamped on the tank handle in a Month-Year format.
In this blog:
This blog was updated March 2026.
Propane tanks are very resilient and strong. They are designed to safely store propane gas in liquid form and contain it under high pressure while also withstanding extreme climatic elements.
But unfortunately, even the most resilient of things have an expiry date.
Therefore, you need to make sure you check on your propane tank regularly to see if it’s showing signs of damage.
If you notice any of the signs below on your tank, it might be time for a propane tank replacement:
The Furnace’s Pilot Lights Can’t Stay Lit
A well-functioning propane tank should continuously supply a good amount of stream fuel to your furnace’s pilot light.
However, if you notice that your pilot light is struggling to stay lit or keeps going out every time, your propane tank could have a problem or a malfunction. This indicates that your furnace isn’t functioning properly since the pilot light keeps going on and off.
If there is a leakage issue or other potentially harmful problems with the tank, most propane tanks have a safety feature that switches off the gas flow.
Additionally, if the root of your lighting problem stems from the propane tank, you will notice that other pilot lights will be affected. These include the lights on your stove, water heater, and other appliances using propane gas to produce a flame.
The Flames on Your Burner Aren’t Blue
A blue flame on your propane-burning home appliances is a sign that everything is working okay. But if you notice a yellow or orange flame instead of blue, it means that there could be an issue with your propane tank.
However, be very careful when examining the flames.
If the flame is only yellow or orange on only one appliance, then the problem is with that particular appliance and not your propane tank.
But if you notice that all burners in your home are producing a yellow flame, this is a sign that there is a problem with your tank.
One explanation is that the tank is leaking, allowing propane gas to leave the system before it gets to the appliance for combustion, causing a yellow flame instead of blue. Another reason could be that the tank is damaged, obstructing the flow of propane gas through the line.
Whatever the issue with your gas tank is, ensure that you don’t attempt to fix it on your own unless you’re a professional.
A damaged propane tank is hazardous. Therefore, ensure you call in a professional repair service to check the tank and advise on the best course of action.
There Is a Smell of Rotten Eggs in Your House
Propane gas is odorless. However, companies and manufacturers add Ethyl mercaptan to propane to ensure that it has a distinctive smell.
The distinct smell makes propane very easy to detect at home in case of a gas leak.
If you walk near the propane tank and you notice a smell of rotten eggs, this is a clear sign that you have a leakage problem on your hands.
Ensure you contact a professional immediately to take care of the leakage.
It’s also advisable to make it a habit to check the tank regularly to avoid a leakage problem.
Your Tank Is Rusting
It’s not uncommon to notice a little rusting on your propane tank. However, if the rust is eating away at the tank, then you might have an issue.
Rusting may cause the walls of your tank to start thinning, eating through the material.
If you notice that the tank is starting to thin due to rust, it’s time to consider a propane tank replacement.
As rust keeps eating at your tank, it may result in a hole that allows propane gas to escape into the atmosphere. Be very careful when dealing with a rusted propane tank.
How Long Do Propane Tanks Last?
While propane tanks are very resilient, they also have expiry dates. In the U.S., a propane tank is only supposed to be used for 12 years after the date of manufacture.
After your tank hits the 12-year mark, ensure you start shopping for a replacement.
On the other hand, in Canada, a propane tank should only be used for 10 years after the date of manufacture. But a recertified tank should only be used for 5, 7, or 12 years. The amount of time you can use the tank will depend on the type and method of recertification.
If you want to know the date of manufacture, check near the tank’s handle. Here, you will find some stamped markings. The markings will provide essential information such as the capacity rating and the origin.
On the handle, you will see a date indicating the date of manufacture. Usually, the date will appear in the standard Month-Year layout. Therefore, if your propane tank was manufactured in January 2018, the manufacture date will read “01-18.”
How To Dispose of an Old Propane Tank
There are many ways to dispose of your expired or damaged propane tank. But what is the proper propane tank disposal method?
The right disposal method will depend on the size and type of your tank. There are many different types of propane tanks in the market today.
If you have a large and bulky propane tank, it’s better to call in a licensed professional or your propane supplier to help you with the tank removal. They are better equipped to handle the removal of the tank, and they will also get rid of any remaining propane in the tank before removing it for safety purposes.
But if you have a small tank, you may contact the local household hazardous waste collectors to come and get rid of it.
In some areas, the local regulations allow homes to dispose of empty propane cylinders, tanks, and bottles together with the home’s trash.
However, you will be required to remove the propane tank regulator before throwing it out.
You should also puncture the tank so that it’s no longer pressurized. However, depressurization is a hazardous activity and should only be left to professionals.
Are You Ready for a Propane Tank Replacement?
Now that you know what signs to look for in a damaged or expired propane tank, it’s time to act.
If you notice any of the above signs or your tank has already expired, you might need a propane tank replacement.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team at Kauffman Gas to help you with the removal process and installing a new tank.
Our team is always ready to serve our clients to their satisfaction. Therefore, you will be in the hands of reliable and experienced professionals.
FAQs
How long does a propane tank typically last?
In the United States, a propane tank is generally rated for 12 years from its date of manufacture.
After this period, the tank must be replaced or professionally recertified to ensure it can still safely hold pressure and withstand the elements.
What does it mean if my burner flames are yellow instead of blue?
Blue flames indicate that your propane is burning cleanly and efficiently.
If all the burners in your home are producing yellow or orange flames, it often signifies a problem with the tank, such as a leak or a blockage that is preventing the correct flow of gas to your appliances.
How can I safely dispose of an old or damaged propane tank?
The safest method is to contact your propane supplier or a licensed professional to handle the removal.
They have the specialized equipment to drain any remaining liquid propane and safely depressurize the tank before disposal, which is a hazardous task that should not be attempted on your own.