The average price of propane remains steady under $2.50 a gallon, making propane a very affordable source of energy.
That, along with its clean-burning, environmentally-friendly properties, has many people switching to propane for their energy needs. As propane hasn’t been as popular in Pennsylvania as electricity or oil, many people are unfamiliar with the maintenance responsibilities.
To remain in compliance with the law, you’ll need to have your tank inspected every so often. Let’s dive in and learn about all about propane tank inspection.
Why Is a Propane Tank Inspection Important?
For the environmentally-conscious, propane is an excellent choice for your energy needs. It’s a clean-burning fuel and as such was approved by the 1990 Clean Air Act.
When burned, it emits far fewer greenhouse gases than other fossil fuels. The difference is so great that some people are even retrofitting their cars to run off propane instead of gasoline!
On top of that, propane is non-toxic, making it a great choice as an energy source for your home. Many people here in the northeastern U.S. choose oil for their heating and energy needs. But with an oil tank on their property, they run the risk of an oil spill. This can contaminate the surrounding soil, or worse, the underground water table.
You can bury a propane tank on your property in Pennsylvania or Delaware (or anywhere) and rest easy. Even if it does leak, it won’t result in contamination or a large clean-up bill.
However, even if propane won’t damage the environment, a leak isn’t ideal. Not only are you losing money, but also if the leaking gas is trapped in an area and exposed to a flame, it can explode.
Explosions are cool in movies, not so much in real life.
How Often Do You Need to Replace a Propane Tank?
Propane tanks are sturdy, usually built from steel, and made to last. However, they don’t last forever.
As is to be expected, there are very few problems with propane tanks in their first few years of life. But as they age, rust, dents or dings, damage to a sensitive area, leaky valves, or malfunctioning pressure relief valves can spell disaster for your tank.
The magic number is 12 years.
Look closely at a small propane tank designed for barbecues and RVs and you’ll find the manufacturing date. If this date is more than 12 years old, there should be a second date that is the requalification date.
If there is no requalification date, you should have it requalified before you use it again. A requalified tank is good for 5 years.
The rules for a residential tank are a little different. There are federal laws applying to all areas of the country as well as individual states have their own laws surrounding propane tanks. On the tank, you should see a running log listing each inspection date
Remember, these rules are in place for your safety. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s far better than being injured by a faulty tank.
How Often Do You Need a Propane Tank Inspection?
The likelihood of a faulty propane tank exploding is low. The movies make it seem easy to make a propane tank explode. In reality, a tank that isn’t too old and equipped with all the proper safety features will not explode easily.
If accumulated gas is exposed to a spark, it can cause an explosion. However, propane dissipates readily into the air so unless the gas is leaking into an enclosed space, the likelihood of this is also low.
However, an explosion at your house is the very definition of a bad day. Regularly inspecting your tank will ensure that any potential problems are caught and addressed before they blow up (literally).
Many homeowners choose to rent their tanks rather than buy them. In that case, it is the company’s responsibility to keep up with inspections and replace your tank when necessary. The nice thing about this option is that you don’t have to think about it.
Even if you own the tank, the propane company that you hire to fill it should professionally inspect your tank at every refill.
What Does an Inspection Entail?
The technician will check for any rust or pitting and make sure the structural integrity is still strong. They’ll also check the valves for any signs of damage.
However, depending on how big your tank is and how much fuel you use, the propane company may only come 1 or 2 times a year. You can be proactive about your tank and perform your own monthly inspections.
You might not be an expert, but you can check your tank for rust or other obvious wear. Though propane itself doesn’t have an odor, manufacturers add a scent to it during the manufacturing process to help people detect leaks. If you smell gas around your tank, close it off and call a professional immediately.
Stay Warm, Stay Safe
Propane is an excellent choice for your heating and energy needs. It’s also perfectly safe, as long as you handle it appropriately.
Don’t use small propane tanks older than 12 years if they haven’t been requalified. Hire a reputable company to handle your needs when it comes to the large tank in your yard.
If you rent your tank, choose your company carefully as switching companies means pulling out the tank and installing a new one. If you own your tank, be sure not to choose a company to refill it solely based on the price they offer. A cheap company may not inspect your tank or even send someone who is qualified to do it.
Here at Kauffman Gas, our family has been in the business of propane in Pennsylvania and Delaware since 1943. Our exemplary service and the quality of our technicians speak for themselves. Trust us with your propane tank inspection needs and you’ll never have to worry about a thing. Contact us today to get started!
FAQs
How often should a propane tank be inspected?
Residential propane tanks should be inspected at every refill, typically once or twice per year.
Small portable tanks, like those for grills, require requalification after 12 years and then every 5 years.
Regular inspections help ensure safety, catch wear and tear early, and keep your propane system running efficiently.
How long does a propane tank last before it needs replacing?
Most propane tanks last about 12 years before requiring requalification.
With proper maintenance, residential tanks can last much longer.
Regular inspections, requalifications, and professional servicing extend a tank’s life and ensure safety.
Rust, leaks, or valve issues are signs it may be time to repair or replace your tank.
What happens during a propane tank inspection?
A certified technician checks for rust, dents, and overall structural integrity.
hey also inspect valves, connections, and the pressure relief system for safety.
If you smell gas or notice visible wear between inspections, you should shut off the tank and call a professional immediately for further evaluation.
Do I need to inspect my propane tank if I rent it?
If you rent your propane tank, the propane supplier is responsible for inspections and replacing the tank when necessary.
However, homeowners can still perform basic monthly checks, like looking for rust or smelling for leaks. Always report concerns promptly to your provider to ensure safe and reliable service.
Can a propane tank explode if it isn’t inspected?
Explosions are rare, but neglected propane tanks can develop leaks that pose safety risks.
Gas escaping into an enclosed area and meeting a spark could cause fire or explosion.
Regular inspections and maintenance ensure your tank operates safely and greatly reduce any chance of dangerous propane-related incidents.