She doe lie, she doe lie, she doe. lie, propane!

[simple_gifts]

Finally convinced my friend that her large propane tank set up was leaking by spraying some soapy water on some of the hose fittings

Set up has a shut off valve @ the tank, some copper tubing to a fitting that has some sort of "tire valve" type of fitting perpendicular to the gas flow for maybe measuring pressure? and then more copper tubing to the regulator. This tire valve type of fitting is where the gas is leaking, an oddity if you ask me since it appears the gas is going right thru the side of the exit flange. Stuff looks pretty corroded although the top of the tank is covered.

I guess my question is can I just replace all the plumbing between the shutoff valve and regulator with standard brass flange fittings use teflon tape for the threads? Is the "tire valve" fitting required for some reason? I can't really figure out why it is there since it is between the tank and regulator.

Chances are this was not installed by a propane company so some oddities might be expected.

Any other tips/pointers "besides the obvious" Any obscure stuff that I might not think of? Should I just replace the entire set up?

Any info is appreciated.

-Thomas.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

I would run a new line from the source to the end use! The company that fills the tank might replace the regulator for her if she rents the tank. If she owns the tank that's a different story.

 

[LPMAN]

Being an LP serviceman for many years I may be able to help you out. The tire valve thingy is actually a pressure tap for testing system pressure and to check the system for leaks. In our area we call them "Presto-Tap Pigtail". It is common for some of the older ones to leak. I would recommend calling the propane company and having them replace the presto-tap pigtail it will only take them a few minutes. Many of our drivers replace faulty ones while they fill the tank, it doesn't take long, and you will know the rest of your system is leak free. Hope this helps any other questions just PM me or something. This is my first post so give me a bit to get acclimated to the site but I will respond.

 

[Shannow]

Nice work.

 

[NHHEMI]

Before touching the propane tank verify your friend actually owns the tank vs. the propane company. If the propane company owns it call them as they have to fix it. They will actually flip out if you tocuh their tank. If your friend owns the tank outright she has to.

In my area anyway the propane company generally owns the tank and you pay a slight premium on propane as sort of a rent when it is filled. Change the company and you have to get a new tank from the new company and have the old company come get their tank.

Propane tanks are very expensive so it is very possible your friend does not own hers. If she doesn't no need for you to touch it and as said the propane company will actually have a stroke if you do.

If you do the work follow the LP member's advice above and be careful. Propane is nothing to mess with. Leaks can go BOOM!

 

[SteveSRT8]

we bought a 150 gallon tank about ten years ago and had it installed underground by a local gas co.

Recently we needed a regulator, the folks who fill it came by and strapped one on quickly at minimal cost.

You have to be careful if you own the tank as many companies will not fill it unless you let them inspect and certify it first.

 

[simple_gifts]

LPMan, thank you for your prompt response and welcome to the board.

Thanks to all who responded. I'm having her call the propane company to see if it is covered as part of the regular service plan. If not, I will be fixing it myself.