Different laws exist for small propane tanks — such as those used for gas grills and portable stoves — and for larger tanks used to heat a home or other building. Adding to the confusion, some states have passed laws that differ from the federal mandate. In this post, we’ll attempt to shed some light on the situation.

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Where Is the Expiry Date on a Propane Tank?

A propane tank’s date of manufacture or requalification date can be found stamped onto its collar. It will be in a month-year format — for instance, 06-21 for June 2021.

How Do I Know If My Propane Tank Has Been Requalified?

Tanks that have been requalified it will have an E or H after the date. Don’t confuse the date with the tank weight rating, which is also stamped onto its collar. Tare weighting is always prefaced by the letters TW, i.e. TW18 for an 18 lb. tank.

propane tank

How Long Are Small Propane Tanks Good For?

Propane tanks of 100 pounds capacity or less have an expiration date of 12 years from the date of manufacture. Once those 12 years are up, you can either exchange the tank for a replacement, or have it inspected for requalification for an additional five years of use. 

How Long Are  Home Propane Tanks Good For?

In most states, large propane tanks used for home heat and hot water are governed by federal container laws. These laws dictates that a propane tank can only be filled by its owner or someone authorized to act for them. In practice, this means most home propane users lease their tank from a fuel supplier, who assumes responsibility for keeping track of its expiry date.

Federal container laws, as well as other regulations governing smaller propane tank expiry dates, have been endorsed by leading industry groups such as the National Propane Gas Association. Given the specialized nature of propane fuel and the need for well-maintained, reliable tanks, these laws help enforce a standard of safety that protects all users.

Contact Foster Fuels For Propane Tank Recertification

Is your propane tank expired or do you have additional questions? Get in touch with Foster Fuels to speak with a representative directly and give us a call at 800-344-6457.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What To Do If Your Propane Tank Is Expired?

Once those 12 years are up, you can either exchange the tank for a replacement, or have it inspected for requalification for an additional five years of use. 

2. Where Is The Propane Tank Expiration Date?

A propane tank’s expiration date can be found stamped on its collar in a month-year format, such as 06-21 for June 2021. To determine when your tank expires, simply add twelve years to the stamped date.

3. How To Read The Date On a Propane Tank?

The manufacture date will be stamped on the propane tank’s collar. It will be in month-year format. If your tank was built in September of 2023, it would read as “09-23.” You will also find a unique identification number on the collar as well.

4. How To Dispose Of Old Propane Tanks?

Propane tanks of 100 pounds capacity or less have an expiration date of 12 years from the date of manufacture. Once those 12 years are up, you can either exchange the tank for a replacement, or have it inspected for requalification for an additional five years of use. 

5. How Many Years Is a Tank Typically Good For?

Propane tanks of 100 pounds capacity or less have an expiration date of 12 years from the date of manufacture.

6. Do Tanks of All Sizes Expire?

In most states, large propane tanks used for home heat and hot water are governed by federal container laws. These laws dictates that a propane tank can only be filled by its owner or someone authorized to act for them. In practice, this means most home propane users lease their tank from a fuel supplier, who assumes responsibility for keeping track of its expiry date.

7. How To Get Your Propane Tank Recertified?

To ensure the safety and compliance of your propane tank, it’s important to get it recertified on a regular basis. Wondering how to get your propane tank recertified? Simply contact your local office to schedule an appointment. When you bring your tank in for recertification, the staff will inspect it thoroughly. Once it passes the inspection, staff will affix a sticker on your tank with the inspection date and recertification date. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your propane tank is in good working condition.

For any questions or to schedule your recertification appointment, give us a call at 800-344-6457 or reach out to Foster Fuels directly. We’re here to help!

8. How Much Does Propane Tank Recertification Cost?

Propane recertification will vary from state to state and company to company. On average, recertification can cost anywhere from $20-$60.

9. How Long Is A Recertified Propane Tank Good For?

While new propane tanks are typically qualified for 12 years from the manufacture date in the United States, recertified tanks are usually good for only 5-7 years depending on the method of recertification.

10. Does Propane Go Bad?

No, propane does not go bad. Unlike other fuels, propane does not degrade or go bad over time. In other words, there is no shelf life of propane.

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