From grilling burgers and powering fire pits to providing heat for entire homes, propane’s incredible versatility and efficiency have made it a common sight in and around homes all over the country. But while most people are familiar with propane and the tanks that it comes in, many still have lots of questions about how long they can keep their propane tanks before they expire. So, does propane even go bad in the first place, and how long can you expect the tank that stores it to last?
Well, the answer to the first question is simple. Unlike other popular petroleum-based fuels like diesel and gasoline, propane does not degrade or become less potent over time. This means that propane never goes bad and in theory, you could store it forever.
However, just because the fuel itself doesn’t go bad doesn’t mean the tanks it comes in last forever. Propane tanks do have expiration dates, and once your propane tank expires, it will need to be requalified or certified to ensure that it is still safe to use. So, how long is a propane tank good for, and how can you tell if your particular propane tank has already expired?
How Long is a Propane Tank Good For?
Propane tanks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so it only makes sense that there would be different rules and regulations regarding how long they are safe to use.
Portable tanks up to 100 pounds, for example, are qualified to last 12 years. Once that 12-year period passes, it doesn't necessarily mean that the tank has expired, but you will need to find a professional to requalify it to ensure that it is still safe to use.
DOT and ASME Tanks larger than 100 pounds operate on different rules. DOT tanks, which are designed to safely transport propane for use in motor vehicles like RVs, motorhomes, and trailers, come with an initial certification that lasts ten years. Once that time is up, they need to be recertified every five years after that.
On the other hand, ASME tanks, which tend to be the largest and are commonly used to heat and power entire homes, never expire and don't ever need to be recertified.
How to Tell if a Propane Tank is Expired
Now that you're familiar with the qualification and certification rules surrounding small portable tanks and DOT tanks, how can you actually tell if your tank is expired?
Well, finding the qualification and certification dates on these types of propane tanks is actually really easy. For both DOT tanks and small portable tanks under of up to 100, you can find the date of manufacture on the collar or handle of the propane tank.
While this isn’t exactly an expiration date, considering you already know the rules about how long these tanks can go before requalification, all you need to do is add 10 or 12 years to that date, depending on the type of tank you have. This will tell you exactly how long your tank is good for.
How to Store Small Propane Tanks Properly
While propane tanks are incredibly durable and generally have no problem safely storing their contents up until their requalification of recertification dates, this isn't a guarantee if you don't take care of them properly.
For larger tanks, this may include performing regular maintenance to keep them in pristine shape. However, with smaller tanks, it's mostly all about storage. So, just how do you store a portable propane tank properly?
Well, you can store DOT and small portable tanks either outdoors or in a detached shed as long as you store them upright and away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat, as this can heat the tank and potentially cause problems.
Tank Maintenance Tips for Large Propane Tanks
Large propane tanks are permanently installed on a property, so ensuring that they last as long as possible is all about keeping them properly maintained. So, if you use propane to heat or power your entire home, here is everything you need to know about how to take care of your large tank.
Keep Your Tank Full
Keeping your tank full isn’t just essential for keeping the heat on. It’s also a crucial part of taking care of your tank. Propane tanks store propane at very high pressures, and while they have no problem doing this, large fluctuations in pressure can degrade the tank over time. So, whether you worry about your supply running out or not, it’s always best to keep your tank as full as possible all year round.
Perform Routine Inspections
Performing regular inspections is another easy way that you can ensure your propane tank lasts. From corrosion and damaged fittings to rotten smells that may indicate a leak, there’s no shortage of problems to look out for, so be sure to do a quick walk around your tank at least once every few months.
Keep Your Tank Clean
While dust, dirt, and grime may not seem like they would pose much of a threat to your tank, keeping your tank clean can go a long way to extending its life. All of these things can potentially cause your tank to corrode, which can leave lasting damage. But, all you need to do to prevent this is to wash your tank off with soap and water anytime it gets too dirty.
Contact MAZ Propane Today
Are you thinking about making the switch to propane or looking to change your current provider? Give MAZ Propane a call. Their team of friendly propane experts is always there to answer questions and will happily help you get the services you need to meet all your propane-related needs. They can even offer free estimates for potential conversions and provide suggestions about which delivery plan might work best for you. So, don't wait any longer. Call MAZ Propane today!