Leeann wrote:
Definitely a new tank and definitely a new regulator. For a couple bucks on both, why risk it?
Our permanent tank is in great shape. We did replace the regulator with a new one because the original was leaking a bit and I plan on cleaning and painting the tank this summer to make it look a bit better, but there are no pits or rusty areas.
The propane place is 3 miles away and they inspect and fill the tank for us. There was a gas station 2 miles away that would fill the tank for slightly less than the propane place, but they moved to 6 miles away and lost their jobber status so their price went higher than the propane place.
Might want to ask around before you paint your tank. Some (many? most?) places won't refill a tank that has paint other than the original.
Not sure about the regulations regarding pre-fill inspection but it may include aftermarket paint as a down-check criteria. Date and other markings on the tank must remain clearly visible and readable.
A friend painted two of his tanks and had a lot of problems finding a place that would refill them afterwards.
