LP Regulator 15 yrs old... REPLACE?

[sk81299]

My liquid propane supplier tells me if my regulator on the outside of my cabin is 15 yrs or older, it will stop working and I must replace it (at a cost of $50). This supplier is a scoundrel and I don't trust them. Is this true? I see my regulator is just now 15 years old. I only use the cabin on various weekends during the year and the regulator seems to still be working fine. Should I have them replace it or wait until it starts going bad?

[Ed Imeduc]

I have never ran into this story over lots of years.
It is up to you. What I will say the rubber or what ever there inside the regulator can blow out SOMETIME down the line and vent the gas out that small vent hole in it. Now not being there, how big is the tank and gas you could lose. could it get in anything there????. Know units 20 and 30 years old same regulator, as long as they hold a good 11" W/C have not taken any out.

ED ;)

[majakdragon]

I always figure "if it ain't broke , don't fix it." You can turn off the gas supply when you are not there and not lose anything. If it doesn't work when you get there, then....OH WELL....you need another one. Sounds like a scare tactic to me.Good luck.

[Pendragon]

Last time I had my tank filled, it was 'suggested' that I replace my regulator, not because it was 'old', but because new gas codes require a 2 stage regulator, and my old one was a single stage. I just bought new 2 stage regulator from the hardware store (about $20) and all is well.

Sort of like the old style valves on BBQ tanks, they phased them out by refusing to fill them anymore, so you had to get the new tanks with the new ODP valves.

[sk81299]

Thanks for the good info. Based on what you all said, I will not replace the regulator at this time. This propane company is so crooked, I don't trust anything they say if it involves them getting my $$$'s. For example, another one they pulled on me recently: I lease the 250 gallon tank from them. I got a bill for $94 in April for lease fee. I called them about it. They said since I had not ordered fuel in the previous 12 months, it was a lease fee! I cannot afford to buy my own tank at this time, but I will certainly check into it or into leasing from another company when this tank is almost empty. Also, since I lease the tank from them I must buy my propane from them and their rates are the hightest around! Grrrrrrr.....

[Pendragon]

Sounds like you have a minimum purchase requirement in your lease contract. Some comapnies have one, some don't. I can get a 500 gallon tank here for $49 a year, no minimum purchase from one company, or a 100 gallon tank for $80 a year with a 200 gallon a year purchase requirement... Who would you go with?

And fuel is cheaper in quantity.

[sk81299]

Your fees sound much more reasonable. I will definitely call and get a copy of the minimum purchase agreement. And I will also call around to other suppliers for the same. I have had this tank for 15 years and the previous non-use fee was only $34. It appears the fee went up steeply in a short period of time, and without notice!

Next time I will put up more of a fight before sending them my $$'s.

[dtstell]

You might want to check the manufacturers recomendation, I found this related item at: http://www.highbeam.com/library/doc0.asp?docid=1G1:107258693&refid=ink_puballmags&skeyword=&teaser=


Engineered Controls International Inc., the manufacturer of RegO Products, is announcing a change in the recommended service life of RegO regulators from 15 years to 25.

"As a general recommendation, the safe useful life of single-stage regulators is 15 years or less in most applications. The safe useful life of our LP Gas regulators manufactured since 1995 (except single-stage regulators) is ...

[sk81299]

Thank you! I guess I will go ahead and replace the darn thing and be done with it.

[Ed Imeduc]

Pendragon: You should be able to move the regulator you have now over by the home and Just put on a little JOE there on the tank for a 2 stage. Have did that a lot when the lines are to small for the run.

ED ;)