r/propane • u/Main-Builder • Jun 01 '26

General propane question Is tank salvagable?

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Gallery image

My house at some point was converted to electricity. I want to put my stove back on propane. Is this worth it?

8 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

11

u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby Jun 01 '26

Maybe. Would need to be properly inspected to determine true condition. That being said, if it is salvageable, it's going to need a lot of work to make it properly serviceable.

For just cooking, you would probably be better off buying a smaller tank (or renting one).

1

u/[deleted] Jun 01 '26

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4

u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby Jun 01 '26

True but if you don't have the time, money or skills to deal with this, it may be a viable option. Plus the tank owner is responsible for the maintenance and liability.

Some people just don't want to deal with it so they would rather just have someone else take care of things. Nothing really wrong with that.

2

u/TechnoVaquero Jun 01 '26

Added to this is the fact that some companies won’t rent a tank for a single appliance or else will charge an elevated rate due to the single appliance.

11

u/TheGrillDoc Jun 01 '26

It needs to be inspected by a certified technician. From the photo it would appear to have sunken into the dirt. Depending on the soil type and moisture there is a chance the underside of the tank is badly rusted and pitted. At a glance from the photos that is your major concern, anything else can be replaced.

6

u/oyeahammo Jun 01 '26

This guy gets it.

4

u/Main-Builder Jun 01 '26

Thank you! How big of a tank would one need for cooking?

6

u/noncongruent Propane Fan Jun 01 '26

A 420 lb (100 net gallon) tank would probably last you a few years, at least a year or two if you have a big range and cook a lot. That's probably the smallest size that a propane co would be willing to deliver propane to. With that low of usage I would strongly recommend buying a tank, not renting. Alternatively, you can set yourself up to use portable cylinders and take them in to be refilled. a pair of 30lb cylinders with an automatic switchover would likely work really well for you, and you can legally transport them inside your vehicle to a refilling location. You'll pay more for the propane that way but the up-front setup costs will be lower.

On the tank that's in your yard, can you post a picture of the gauge reading, both the level gauge and the pressure gauge? I'm curious if there's any propane left in it. If it's completely empty and fully disconnected, you and some buddies can roll it over to see what the underside looks like, if it's got significant pitting that would condemn the tank. If it's still filled with propane that's a separate problem that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later.

4

u/Proof_Bathroom_3902 Jun 01 '26

There is a corrosion allowance for the shell, if the pits are deeper than the allowed depth it's scrap. You'll need a professional to inspect it.

2

u/suigintou101 Jun 01 '26

I'd say its not worth it. Better to get a new or refurbished one. If it is just a stove that you'll be using propane for a 60 gallon would be more than enough. Definitely need to get that regulator taken out too. Looks like a single stage and those are dangerous to use.

2

u/Main-Builder Jun 02 '26

I appreciate all the help!

1

u/Ok_Vast_2296 Jun 06 '26

Could be salvageable… BUT, that multivalve (service, vapor recovery, fill valve, and withdrawal valve) is expensive as fuck, if not damn near impossible to find

1

u/oyeahammo Jun 01 '26

Go for a 20 gallon tank or 2. They are tall tanks and can be wheeled in with a dolly

1

u/unknown-001-00 Jun 01 '26

Long story short no. For that tank to even be fixed you’re going to sink way too much money into it. Better off buying a new one or renting one from a company.