Is My BBQ Tank Still Good?

Well that depends. Lately, we’ve been seeing quite a few bad tanks come in for refill. What makes a tank bad or unsafe for refill? A few things.

Propane is stored in liquid form in a high-pressure tank. It vaporizes, or turns into gas, when its pressure is lowered by opening the valve on the tank. The condition of the tank along with the date of manufacture play into the ability to have the tank refilled.

All propane tanks, 100 pounds or less, have an expiration date of 10 years from the date of manufacture stamped onto its collar. The date is in a month-year format, for example 12-05 for December 2005. Since it’s now 2020, pay attention to dates from the year 2010 or older. They will be or are expired.

Propane tanks can also be recertified. If the tank was recertified, there will be a second date printed on the collar (or a decal) with a letter E next to the date. In this case, you would go with the most recent date. Recertified tanks have a shorter life span than new. They must be recertified every 5 years after this initial recertification.

Tanks also can’t be refilled unless they have an overfilling protection device or OPD. This really shouldn’t be an issue with any tank that is in date as the regulation that required them became effective September 30, 1998. To be certain, make sure the tank has a triangular valve. I may also have the letters OPD printed on it.

A tank may also be refused for refilling if it has any damage, dents or significant rust on the outside. The collar and base ring must be securely fastened and not show damage.

So, if the person that usually refills your tank refuses, know that there’s a safety reason for their refusal. All of our AllGas locations offer tank refilling. Click here to find your closest location.

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