When is a propane tank out of date

By: Matthew Hersee. Recertified Tanks Tanks that are past their normal expiration date can be re-certified by someone who is trained to do so. What to Do With an Expired Tank If you have an expired tank, the best thing to do is head down to your local Koopman Lumber and grab a new propane tank!

Search The Blog. Koopman Links. Recent Posts. Read More ». This is when the tank was made. If you add 12 years to that date that would be the expiration date. Personally I just swap our tanks out at propane exchange. Our propane filling station does both fill and exchange but they do not recertify tanks. Read our full review of the propane exchange here. I have been blogging about and selling grilling tool for over 12 years.

Good or bad we just try to be honest. I thought I was stuck buying a new tank because mine expired. Thanks for the tip about exchanging it. You saved me a few bucks. I just exchanged an empty tank at my local grocery store. They have the typical Blue Rhino brand. Every propane exchange tank I have ever received looked refurbished and freshly painted as well.

Each tank also comes stamped with a unique identification, similar to those stamped onto vehicles. This helps the United States Department of Transportation and propane dealers to effectively track and keep safety records for each tank in circulation. The letters A, B, C, and D, correspond with a quarter of the calendar year.

Additional letters indicate the type of recertification, which helps determine the frequency of follow up inspections. Although these tanks are certified for years of use, misuse or neglect can shorten their useful life. Learn more about this promotion here. If there isn't a participating location near you, all you need to do is exchange for a fresh Blue Rhino tank the next time you need gas. Blue Rhino takes care of qualifications for you. Find a Blue Rhino location near you here.

Otherwise, you'll need to find a qualified service technician trained to properly inspect and qualify a tank. Understanding these often unnoticed markings will help you know when to exchange your tank at any of the thousands of Blue Rhino tank exchange locations nationwide.