Propane Tank Removal process

courtesy of Mike Taylor of CES in NY.

Here’s my take in blue [JB]

Mike Taylor is in black [MT]

Propane Tank

process:  every company is different as to time lines of installation or removals, installation or removal fees, annual minimums, rentals, etc…

[JB] (that means not all propane companies are created equal. Some will pick away at you like scavengers on a carcass with charges for any little thing… so check out the company. You can learn more about companies at www.HomeHeatingReview.com )

[MT] Regulations vary from state to state as to the process as to who can disconnect a tank, ie: NJ requires the owner of the tank to be notified in advance and they must remove it themselves if over 250 gallons. 

[JB] What is NJ out of their minds?  Check out the video

of the propane tank exploding below. Let an average joe take out this potential bomb that could level my home… So the smaller the tank you get a pro to do it the larger the tank you can do it yourself? GHEESH!

[MT] Most consumers simply have a new vendor disconnect the old tank, move to the side, install their own tank and hopefully perform a proper safety & pressure test of the gas system. 

[JB] Did you pay attention to the "hopefully perform a proper safety and pressure test" ! Understanding the damage one of these babies can do I’m not sure I’m comfortable enough to do it on my own. I’d like an expert to do it. Especially if they have insurance just in case something BAD happens.

[MT] The old supplier would remove the old tank and issue a credit for the gas remaining less a removal or pick-up fee if they normally do so.

[JB] Pay attention … if they take the tank you need to get a credit for the gas remaining in the tank. That’s real money that’s owed to you so make sure you ask. 

Are propane tanks really dangerous?

Check out the video to the left that shows a couple a bone heads setting a small propane tank on fire and then shooting the darn thing. AND THIS IS A SMALL TANK!

Imagine what could happen if this was in your home or you had an old unchecked tank sitting right outside your door.

From my perspective it makes me happy that I heat with Oil Heat. Especially when I read about the poor families that had a gas leak in their homes and the thing exploded taking down their home. Check out the articles on recent propane tank explosions

My Summary: Propane tanks can be dangerous as hell if you don’t treat um’ right. It’s not like you get a little explosion… My vote is get a pro to handle that tank out side your home.

After all don’t you really have a huge potential bomb sitting right out side your door or being pumped into your home?

Am I being a bit sensitive?

I’ll let you decide.

Stay safe, stay warm and save money

John