The Importance of Propane Inspections
For those who live in the rural areas surrounding Weatherford, Texas, one of the main energy sources is from a propane tank. Propane gas has become more popular in the past few years because it burns cleaner, faster, and is more readily available. There isn’t any shortage as with natural gas and it doesn’t cause any impact on the environment.
After a long period of using a propane tank, inspection by a professional is recommended. What is included in a propane tank inspection? A propane tank inspection by an experienced propane tank professional will include:
- Check for leaks
- Check for tank surface rust
- Check for tank surface corrosion
- Check all fittings, the regulator, and valves
- Check for any damages to the tank such as dents or gouges
- Perform a pressure check
- Check lines running from the tank to the house
What is the life expectancy of a propane tank?
When it comes to propane tank longevity, the size of the tank installed at a house won’t have any bearing. A galvanized steel propane tank that is installed above ground has a 30-year average lifespan. An aluminum or composite propane tank will last longer. When your propane tank is reaching its end of life, that is when you need a propane tank inspection.
After the propane tank inspection is complete, the technician will advise you if the tank is still usable. At this point, they will be able to recertify it or you may need to replace it as well as any parts connecting the tank to the house that need to be replaced.
How is a propane tank recertified?
Any propane tank with a capacity over 100 gallons must be recertified every 12 years to be issued ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). Any propane tank smaller than 100 gallons is governed by the Department of Transportation and must be recertified by the DOT every 12 years. The recertification process starts with a licensed propane technician performing a propane tank inspection as described above, including a pressure testing process.
How do I know if my propane tank is expired?
Every propane tank that has been inspected and recertified will have the date stamped on a metal tag that is attached to the tank on top. Is it worth recertifying a propane tank? Absolutely! It is a matter of safety and it is recommended NOT to skip the recertification process.
A propane tank inspection that is skipped will have an invalid tag, which is against the law. So should you have any problem associated with the propane tank, such as a house fire, it would be in violation, thus any insurance claims would be declined. The propane tank inspection can find small problems and the technician can address any features that have degraded. You’ll be at risk of the tank leaking, causing a fire, or exploding.
How often do home propane tanks need to be replaced?
The propane tanks manufactured today are designed with improved durability and safety than the propane tanks of the past. An aboveground propane tank has an average lifespan of 30 years and an underground propane tank lifespan averages around 20 years. The underground propane tank has a shorter lifespan because the soil content can erode the tank faster, which is why propane tank inspections are so important.
Are propane tanks leased or owned?
This will depend on the propane company and your options. In the past, all propane tanks were leased to the homeowner. Then it became possible to purchase them outright and own the tank while having it filled by the propane gas company.
The downside to owning your propane tank is all the propane tank inspections, maintenance, and repairs are solely up to you. However, the recertification is still required by federal law, with proof being shown on the metal tag.
How often does a propane tank need to be refilled?
A 500-gallon propane tank is typically refilled between two and three times a year, resulting in 400 gallons. This is going to depend on the usage and the efficiency of your propane-powered appliances and other factors like:
- The size of your home, with a larger home requiring more heat.
- The climate, the longer the winter, the more propane is used.
- The number of occupants using hot water.
- The home’s energy efficiency and insulation.
- The number of appliances using propane in addition to the heating system. This includes gas clothes dryers, propane-fueled fireplaces, and water heaters.
In Closing
Propane is one of the cleanest and safest energy sources for homes and businesses. With proper propane tank inspection and maintenance, and the upkeep of all the propane-powered appliances. Like using any other type of energy source to heat a home, the efficiency of a propane tank will be better with improved insulation of the home. Give us a call now at 817-341-7240 for your propane tank inspection in Granbury, TX!