Are you firing up the grill for BBQ or prepping your RV for a road trip? Well, don’t forget one important thing: Yes! Your propane tank! The unsung hero of your outdoor adventures, behind the scenes of all the barbecues and camping trips, requires just a bit of TLC to ensure everything keeps rolling. Propane tanks will require, on occasion, recertification to ensure their safety and reliability. If you ignore this step it can lead to leaks, unexpected shutdowns, or worse. So let’s get your propane tanks ready before the flames go high. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your propane tanks safe and certified.
Propane is a very explosive gas, and the stored pressure within a propane tank can cause damage over time. Leaves, dust, rust, and abrasive nicks can damage a tank. This is why recertification is important for safety:
It makes sure the propane tank you are using has not suffered damage, leakages, or a combination of these factors that would threaten dangerous occurrences.
DOT mandates that propane tanks are recertified before use. An unfilled propane refill station will not fill your tank unless it’s been recertified.
Maintained tanks don’t give you headaches over faulty valves or leaks while trying to get your way done.
In short, recertifying a propane tank is not just about the law; it is a safety concern. It minimizes the chance of accidents and ensures your propane tank will continue to supply reliable fuel for years ahead.
The cost for recertifying a propane tank is dependent on various factors such as location and the service provider. Still, in general, it requires an inspection by a qualified technician who will check on the condition of the tank, test its valve, and check for leaks. Although the prices may be dependent upon the size and perhaps the type of check on the tank, recertification is usually a lot cheaper compared to replacing the entire tank.
Recertifying your propane tank not only keeps it compliant with safety regulations but also ensures that it operates efficiently and safely. At such a low investment in recertification, it might be worthwhile for the peace of mind that can afford you the usage of this propane tank with full confidence.
Usually, a propane tank needs to be recertified after 12 years from its date of manufacturing. Once certified, the tank will need to undergo periodic inspections to ensure that its safety is still intact. The standard requirement though requires once a propane tank gets recertified; it will have to be inspected every five to seven years depending on what type of inspection is being conducted.
Check the top of the tank for markings on the collar. These are what you’ll use to determine the date of recertification. The manufacturing date is normally stamped and ordinarily indicates that it should be recertified in 12 years. However, if your tank has already been recertified, you may notice additional markings:
This is the date of original manufacture. You must recertify it 12 years from that date.
If your tank date has an “S” after it, the tank was internally hydrostatic tested during recertification and may be used for another seven years before a new inspection is required.
An “E” indicates that the tank was checked in, visually and on the outside. For a date followed by an “E,” recertification must occur within five years from when you are recertifying the tank.
These codes make sure you and any service technician know when it was last inspected and what it was inspected for. Occasional recertification means your propane tank will always be in a safe condition, eliminating possible dangers.
Using propane cylinders safely needs to be at the top of your priority list. To ensure safety in handling and transporting propane tanks, here are some important safety tips that you keep in mind:
You always have to transport and store propane tanks upright. Laying a tank on its side might likely cause the internal part of the safety valve to malfunction, thereby risking potential leaks.
This is highly illegal to install or mount any propane cylinders inside, in the garage, or anywhere within an enclosed space. Propane is much denser than air, and if it leaks, it would accumulate and pose a formidable explosion hazard.
Do not leave a propane tank in a hot car or other place of extreme heat. High temperature, though it might increase internal pressure to some extent in such a small tank, may open the safety release valve and thus push propane gas to a confined space.
Propane tanks should be tied and secured inside your car when transported. If the tanks are not fastened, they may roll around and sustain damage; thus, the leak increases.
Check for any leaks before you use your propane tank. One good way to check for a leak is by applying soapy water to connections where the presence of bubbles will indicate a leak.
Never smoke near a propane tank. Even tiny sparks can cause flames in propane vapours, which can cause a fire or explosion.
By following these safety guidelines, you can take a sigh of relief and safely use propane cylinders for grilling, camping, heating, and much more.
LiquidPropane.com is one of the most reliable providers when it comes to propane services. Here’s why you should choose us:
Our company offers excellent expert recertification services that assure not only full compliance of your propane tank with the DOT regulations but its safety in use as well. The team, composed of certified professionals, tries to go the most extreme that may be needed to render detailed inspections of the tanks so that you can fully entrust them into really good hands.
Recertifying a propane tank should not cost you an arm and a leg. We at LiquidPropane.com offer you cost-effective recertification prices that allow you to save some hard-earned dollars instead of having to purchase a new tank. No hidden costs, and transparent pricing.
With locations all over the country, there ought to be one close to you. No appointment is necessary; you may simply drop off your tank at a center nearest you, and we’ll take care of the rest.
We know you’re always in a hurry to grill, camp, or heat up. So we have fast recertification services in a standard 24-hour turnaround. You can be on the road again in no time!
We offer recertification, propane refills, exchanges, and new propane cylinders for sale. Whether you’re topping off a cylinder for your summer BBQ or buying an all-new tank for your RV, LiquidPropane.com can help.
Our safety-first approach considers your safety as our top priority. Therefore, it is no surprise that every propane tank we recertify must meet the highest level of safety standards. We ensure to keep you safe as you enjoy the convenience of propane fuel.
Propane tank recertification is a very simple process that ensures your propane tank is safe, efficient, and not in contravention of regulations. With a low cost and fast service, there’s no reason to delay. Regular recertification every 5-7 years will ensure you are not having any problems when trying to refill your tank and reduce the danger of accidents happening.
Recertification has never been easier or cheaper. LiquidPropane.com has expert services, competitive pricing, and a dedication to safety for all your propane needs. Next time you head out to recertify, get back to business with LiquidPropane.com!
