Owning a propane tank can come in handy in many household activities. But many don’t know that propane tanks come with an expiration date, and it is illegal and unsafe to use a propane tank beyond its expiration given by the manufacturer.
If your propane tank has reached its expiration, you may consider recertifying the tank as it is a much cheaper alternative to replacing or exchanging with a new one. Many factors may affect the cost of recertification, but it will still be the most affordable option.
So, if you wonder how much it costs to recertify a propane tank, let’s discuss it below.
Can you recertify a propane tank?
Using an old and faulty propane tank can be very risky. Thus, all propane tanks have an expiry. And it is advised to change the tank once it has reached its expiration date for safety.
However, replacing a propane tank can be a costly process that includes the cost of removing and setting up the new propane and the huge price of a new propane tank.
On the contrary, there is a more straightforward, more affordable solution and can save a lot of money.
Recertification can be done of the propane tank and is a prevalent practice among homeowners.
A professional will inspect an old propane tank and recertify its safety and usage potentiality, which may cost a fraction of what is required to change the old propane tank.
If your old propane tank is reaching its expiry date, get it inspected by an expert professional before refilling.
How much does it cost to recertify a propane tank?
Depending on the capacity and the age of the propane tank, the cost of recertifying varies. On average, the cost of recertification is between $18 – $60. Also, the recertification charge is related to the professional and his expertise. If a tank reaches its expiration, inspect before refilling it.
Replacing a propane tank is an expensive procedure for ensuring safety at homes. But it would help if you did not use an expired propane tank as it compromises the safety of your beloved homes.
However, there is a much cheaper option. You may consider getting your propane tank recertified, as it will cost a fraction of the price of a newer tank. And it will not compromise safety.
Recertification of propane tanks depends on the professional inspecting, and eventually, it will cost more if the inspector is more experienced. The cost will also vary depending on the capacity of the tank, and the charge will be higher for the larger tanks.
100 lb propane tank:
These types of propane tanks are most commonly found in larger residential units and are considered a more economically viable option. 100-pound propane gas can be filled with 25 gallons propane at a time.
And many professional inspectors do not recertify tanks that are larger than 100 lb.
For recertification of a 100 lb propane tank with refilling, you may have to spend $80 – $100 depending on where you get the recertification.
500-gallon propane tank:
All propane tanks should be checked regularly to ensure safety and usability.
However, some experts say that larger propane tanks should not be recertified but replaced. But buying a larger propane tank will cost you a hefty amount of money.
Some experienced professionals may recertify if the propane tank is in good shape.
In the case of a really good tank, it can get recertification of another five to ten years. But the cost of recertification will be much higher than the usual smaller ones.
20 pound/20 lb propane tank:
These are the smaller variants of propane tanks and can be found almost everywhere across the country. If you own a smaller propane tank, getting it inspected for recertification is much easier.
A 20 lb propane tank can cost around $18 to $25 for recertification. Usually, a dent-free propane tank and a good quality tank can be recertified for ten years of expiration.
Does Tractor Supply recertify propane tanks? Does Home Depot recertify propane tanks?
Recertification of old propane tanks is not an uncommon scenario. There are many professional inspectors who will recertify your propane tank at an affordable cost.
A recertified propane tank is as good as a new one and can last longer than replacing it with a new tank.
However, many Tractor Supply location does not accept old tanks for recertification. Although they work with tanks, they can refill propane to your tanks.
Nevertheless, they do not charge extra or any hidden fees for refilling, and there is no minimum limit for how much propane to be filled.
On the contrary, Home Depot does not provide an old and expired propane tank service. They do not refill tanks and certainly do not recertify. But you can exchange your tank for a newer one at a 50% price.
Do large propane tanks need to be recertified? Do ASME propane tanks need recertification?
Every propane tank comes with an expiration date of around 10 to 12 years, varying in different countries. However, it would be best not to use a propane tank after it crosses its expiration, or you may get it inspected for recertification.
Larger propane tanks should be recertified every ten years. Once it is recertified, you can use it for a long time, depending on the quality of the tank.
Also, you may hire an experienced professional; in this way, you may end up getting a more extended expiration date for recertification.
American Society for Mechanical Engineers manufactures propane tanks for motorized homes or RV vehicles.
ASME propane tanks are usually thicker and more durable. Although these tanks are safer, they come with an expiry date, and you must recertify when it reaches near expiration.
How many times can you recertify a propane tank?
Different countries follow different standards for propane tank recertification. In Canada, it is advised that a propane tank will reach its expiration in 10 years from its manufacturing; on the other hand, the USA allows 12 years without any recertification.
Generally, propane tanks go through inspection for recertification after their expiration. Different recertification methods are available.
And depending on which way your inspection professional conducts the process, the expiry for recertification can be five years, seven years even ten years.
As recertification ensures the safety of a propane tank and its eligibility to continue its operation, although it is an old tank, and most importantly, using this tank won’t put the homeowner at life risk.
Although there is no clear guideline for how many times a propane tank can be recertified, you can recertify the tank as many times as possible.
How long is propane tank recertification good for?
Recertification is an efficient way to continue using an old propane tank after its expiration. As much as cost-efficient, using a recertified propane tank is also considered a good thing.
Generally, a propane tank should expire in 10 to 12 years, and then you should get it inspected for recertification.
A recertified propane tank is as good as the new one; especially, it is no less safe than the new one. If a propane tank is in good condition, it can continue to operate for longer than even a new tank.
Depending on the tank’s condition and the skills and expertise of the professional you hire, a recertified tank can get expiration for 5 to 10 years.
Also, there is no legal limit for recertification. So, you can get your propane tank as long as it complies with the recertification standard.
How do you recertify a propane tank?
Once a propane tank reaches the expiration date, it is advised to be recertified if not replaced. A professional inspector must do recertification.
However, recertification should not be done by an inexperienced person. But if you want to do it yourself, you may follow these steps-
Check for expiry:
You may only need to recertify if it is near expiration or has crossed it.
Look for problems:
You should now look for any issues severe enough to cause a leak or problem. You may look for rust, dents, and gouges on the body of the tank.
Legal obligation:
Find if any legally necessary tank markings or labels are present.
Check the Foot ring:
A well-functioning propane tank must sit upright on its foot ring.
If a propane tank fails to recertify, you must dispose of it cautiously through professional disposers or municipalities.
Final Thoughts
In general, a propane tank will cost around $3 – $4 for recertification per pound propane. The recertification charge may depend on the expertise and efficiency of the professional. It also depends on the volume and inner capacity of the tank. In sum, the recertification cost is between $35 to $60.