Propane Tank Repair?

[hpinson]

I have this huge propane tank on my property and am thinking that it is worth restoring and using. 

It has surface rust on one end and the rest looks rust free. Valves and gauges appear to be working, and there is a very little gas in the tank.  Would this be worth cleaning up with a wire brush and painting, with some enamel like Rustoleum or does the rust make it dangerous to use?

[Redoverfarm]

Surface rust can be easily identified with a wire brush which will determine how far the rust has penetrated the metal.  I would be more concerned with the manufactured date.  The propane company will not fill if it has lived out it's projected lifetime based on that date.

[hpinson]

And that's probably listed on the little plate by the valves? My guess is 1988 or so.

[Redoverfarm]

Is there any markings on the tank to indicate the owner.  Most tanks that size are leased from the propane supplier.  Not real sure of the life expectancy.  Some say 20 and others say 30 years. Smaller 20# I think are 12 yrs.  Might call a local supplier and check to see if it is within the time frame to use.  From what you pictured it looks like it is just surface rust.  Check real close to the bottom where the stand is welded.  Seems they like to rust there more because of all the water and moisture running down the tank.

[MountainDon]

That is a DOT type tank and DOT tanks need to be re-certified every 10 years, or is it 12? They can only be re-certified a limited number of times. Call a local dealer to see what the rules are. There's a serial number on the plate which may help.   I believe the valves have to be changed at that interval as well and they are not cheap. Chances are if it's been sitting there a while it is out of date.  Then there's the question of who really owns it. Is it an old leased tank that the propane vendor just never got around to picking up? Sometimes when you call the xyz propane company to come and fill the tank, they may ask for proof of ownership. Most folks lease their tank which is good and bad for the user; good as you need not worry about maintenance and bad as you don't have a choice in vendor and pricing.

[hpinson]

Very good information and thanks.  I'll have some answers after next weekend.

[hpinson]

1974 is the manufacture date.      I guess that means it's scrap?  Shame, overall it seems in good condition. I looked if it were rusted underneath around the feet, and it is clean. There is only some light surface rust at one end. No appreant pitting. The climate here is quite dry.

[johnecash]

 Might want to do some checking  before you scrap it.  We have one from the 80's and found a small local company that came out and changed a valve,pressure tested and filled the tank that was almost 30 year old.  No problems since.

  -J.C.-