Propane hidden charge.

[RayIN]

Many(40) years ago I was going to switch providers; called the old company and they mentioned a removal fee. I said show me the contract i signed. A few days later they called to say they couldn't find it. I replied GREAT! Now the tank is mine, since I didn't sign a contract. Two days later they called to say they found the signed contract, and it did not mention a removal fee; "we will be there next xxxday to pick it up".
The current provider leased me a 1,000G tank. Several years ago they called to tell me, due to my useage they are coming to remove the 1,000G and and set a 500G tank. I told the woman on the phone "if you come to get the big tank, don't bother to bring a replacement". I still have the 1,000 tank.

 

[homedad]

Why can't you run natural gas to the shop? Just curious. I'm sure you have a good reason.

The gas line would have to go several hundred feet and turn several 90 degree angles to avoid a septic field, house, driveways and multiple unmarked utilities. If it wasn't for this charge it really is a minimal cost to heat the shop. When I'm doing bigger projects I use the wood stove.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

I just called to have the old tank picked up and they informed me that when I signed up I had agreed to a $420 pickup charge to remove it from my property.

I'd ask them to prove it, as was previously mentioned by another.

The person on the phone is generally just there for sales and scheduling and not technical or business savvy.

I just had a new 1000 gal. tank buried at my place and the information I got over the phone verses what the installers did wasn't even close.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I've been happy with my propane supplier. I've had it for 2 years. I wanted to buy a tank and burry it, but the tank would have been something like $6,000-$7,000 dollars. Rental for an above ground tank is something like $60 annually. I opted for that route. I paid $1.65 per gal on my last fill up a few months ago. I use propane on my cooktop, fireplace, and tankless water heater. I have a 250 gal tank and fill it about every 7-8 months so far. I usually call when it gets just under 30% and they get there within the week to fill.

 

[deserteagle71]

Only three different propane companies service the area of the state where I live. All three have firm policies that they WILL NOT fill a tank that is not owned by them.

That's what I found out when I was considering buying my own propane tank.

 

[mrmikey]

I don't have propane other than the 20lb for my bbq and the 30 I keep for my generator. It would make me nervous actually having propane in the house...I know but be that as it may, it does .
Question, if you own the tank, doesn't it have to be tested every so many years, the same as a portable tank or not?

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

I don't have propane other than the 20lb for my bbq and the 30 I keep for my generator. It would make me nervous actually having propane in the house...I know but be that as it may, it does .
Question, if you own the tank, doesn't it have to be tested every so many years, the same as a portable tank or not?

Most people keep the tanks outside.

 

[ponytug]

I don't have propane other than the 20lb for my bbq and the 30 I keep for my generator. It would make me nervous actually having propane in the house...I know but be that as it may, it does .
Question, if you own the tank, doesn't it have to be tested every so many years, the same as a portable tank or not?

Small tanks are DOT and have 12 initial year certification, followed by 10/7/5 recertification requirements, depending on the method.

How to Tell If Your Propane Tank Needs to Be Recertified or Requalified

Does your propane tank need recertification? Discover tank inspection rules, expiration dates, and safety steps for propane compliance.

www.ferrellgas.com

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/propane_en_v3.pdf

Large(r) propane tanks are ASME certified (rather than just DOT), and while they don't have a specific recertification time limit, they must be visually inspected at every fill. Usually heavier gauge steel is used for the tanks and they not designed to be moved with propane inside, exempting them from DOT regulations.

How Often to Test Propane Tanks: The 12, 7 & 5 Year Rules

Learn how often to test propane tanks (DOT 12 & 5-year rules) and the 5 signs to replace a gauge.

www.ceshhome.com

All the best,

Peter

 

[deserteagle71]

Question, if you own the tank, doesn't it have to be tested every so many years, the same as a portable tank or not?

None of my big outside bulk propane tanks have ever been "tested" in the many years I've had them so I'd say not.