[C320-list] Follow-up on Propane Tank question

[Bruce Stumpp]

A couple of weeks ago I posted here that an ACE hardware store refused to
refill my propane tank because the tank was older than 12 years old.  I'm
writing to let anyone here who is interested know what I did to resolve the
issue.  Apparently most of the bigger propane facilities will do a
certification.  I took my tank to Suburban Propane, this company has a
number of locations around the country.  I thought the certification would
be expensive but it was cheap - only $10.  But the certification showed the
valve was leaking when it was shutoff.  A replacement valve was $29.30, the
labor was $22.25 and two gallons of propane had to be refilled for $8.53
because removing the valve allowed the propane to escape that was still in
the tank.  So, if you run into the same situation with your tank - baring
any needed repairs - it is inexpensive to get it certified for another 12
years.

Bruce Stumpp
Adventure, #647
Frog Mortar Creek, MD