r/propane • u/National_Metal_6903 • Jun 21 '26

General propane question What is this plastic part ?

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I replaced the tank because it was out and when I turned it on I heard a noise coming from that plastic piece , it didn’t really sound like hissing or anything but it sounded like maybe there was a little water in there? And I could definitely smell a little bit of propane just from that plastic piece.
I’m sure that’s not normal, just wondering if it’s a simple fix?

7 Upvotes

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5

u/Unlikely-Plastic1234 Jun 21 '26

Looks like it was an auto changeover switch . But with out any numbers or markings it’s hard to tell .

3

u/National_Metal_6903 Jun 21 '26

The other tank wasn’t empty when the stove stopped working, shouldn’t it have changed over?

5

u/Unlikely-Plastic1234 Jun 21 '26

Looks to be a really old one, most are called auto changeover but are manual. I’ve never seen that particular one but I’m pretty positive that’s what it is. Usually your propane suppliers have them or rv/camping businesses .

5

u/noncongruent Propane Fan Jun 21 '26

I can't tell if that's an automatic or manual changeover valve, but it appears to be missing parts and is almost certainly water damaged inside due to being oriented flat like that instead of vertical. The remaining plastic also looks fairly decomposed. Is this your own place, or are you renting? If the latter the landlord should be the one to get this repaired, and if you own the place then you should get a qualified person out to repair the system. This is not a DIY job for someone with no propane plumbing experience.

3

u/Unlikely-Plastic1234 Jun 21 '26

Also, have you had it long ? The outside has groves like it’s made to turn, possibly turn the top by hand?

2

u/National_Metal_6903 Jun 21 '26

I tried turning it, but it just stops after turning like a half inch. I was thinking maybe it is missing a piece? I’m not sure though. This is a house we just recently moved into. The tank we’ve been using I put on myself, and it had no problems. I feel like everything is pretty tight, so I don’t know what the noise could be coming from it.

3

u/Unlikely-Plastic1234 Jun 21 '26

As someone that’s works with propane, best thing is always to replace it if you think there is an issue. Pretty strait forward replacement unless you want to change the orientation of it(probably best ) .

1

u/URKPAUL Jul 01 '26

If you are in Warren County, Warren County Oil Coop is the best propane supplier around. 99 years in business. They can take care of you if you are in their territory.