Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - old 250 gal. propane tank

I am currently leasing a 250 gallon propane tank and they are charging me an arm and a leg ($139 this year) leasing fee. It would be financially more feasible for me to purchase my own tank. Is there any problem with purchasing a 1988 tank if it passes the pressure test and is tested by professionals at the local propane coop with appropriate regulator installed. A new tank is over $900. The 1988 is $500. I can purchase newer models (i.e. the 1991 is $600). I don't want to lease a smaller tank as I ran out of fuel once in the night in the middle of winter and don't want that to happen again.

Please advise. Thanks!

As long as the tank is tested to the proper standard, I would not have a problem with an 18 year old tank. If it is indeed tested to that standard, which I don't remember, the date of the test will be stamped into the metal ring which supports the dome lid. No stamp? Leave it alone. There may also be some code which requires a tank be put out of service after a certain number of years. I strongly suggest you check into all of this prior to buying the tank.

Thank you, Grady! (I don't do anything without first checking with the wise people on this forum.)

:)

One thing to keep in mind with purchasing a tank from 1988. It's almost 20 years old! While the tank may look in good shape (there is no federal periodical testing required on a tank built to ASME specs. Local code can vary). That doesn't mean the valves are in good shape.

The service valve, fill valve, relief valve and liquid withdrawal valves on the tank that can all fail over time. I would be more concerned with these then the tank it self. If one of these fail, you now took over the cost of replacement. That includes pumping out the tank, and the appropriate repairs. Once you fork over that $500 to $900, you also took on liability of any additional up keep, where currently it's the gas company's problem.

I'm not trying to convince you in buying or not. Just want you to make an educated decision before you do.

I took a look at the 1988 tank and also a 1995 tank. I opted for the 1995 tank. It looks to be in great shape. The propane coop will put a new pressure regulator on it and test it, etc. The company seems very safety-minded and professional.

Thanks for th good advice.:)