Propane Tank Lifespan

Just wondering what is the lifespan of one of the standard 300L propane tanks? I note the date on ours is 2007 which makes it 16 years old. Is there a mandated expiry date or a recommended replacement timeframe for them?

In Canada, 10 years. In the US, 12 years. In Mexico, unlimited, just keep painting it.....lol.

Here they recommend a replacement at 20 years. I would imagine it's shorter in the U.S. and Canada because of the extremes of temperature variation. Metal fatigue is real and one of my uncles was killed at age 27 when a tank he was filling exploded.

There is danger of explosion when you overfill a tank. Usual recommendation is you fill to 80%.

That is a very basic rule that everyone should know. And especially when it's your job to fill tanks.

Thanks all.

conejorapido wrote:Just wondering what is the lifespan of one of the standard 300L propane tanks? I note the date on ours is 2007 which makes it 16 years old. Is there a mandated expiry date or a recommended replacement timeframe for them?

I work in real estate and I'm pretty certain that the standard "warranty" for propane tanks is 15 years. Of course, "lifespan" and "warranty" are two different things. And I have to think that lifespan can depend on where the tank "lives". Is it up on the roof, completely uncovered and exposed to all the sun, rain, wind, etc.? Or is it in an enclosed space like a garage or well ventillated bodega? I have to think if the latter, it's going to last longer.

I work in real estate and I'm pretty certain that the standard "warranty" for propane tanks is 15 years. Of course, "lifespan" and "warranty" are two different things. And I have to think that lifespan can depend on where the tank "lives". Is it up on the roof, completely uncovered and exposed to all the sun, rain, wind, etc.? Or is it in an enclosed space like a garage or well ventillated bodega? I have to think if the latter, it's going to last longer.[/quote]

Propane tanks should never be placed in enclosed places like garages. They can develop leaks around the fittings and when the gas accumulates a spark can cause an explosion. I know 2 different people who were killed from such an explosion. The gas itself is a threat to your health and health experts are now recommending people to not use gas stoves.

Absolutely nothing is safe if routine maintenance is not followed. What's next... no gas water heaters? No gas barbeques? No gas fireplaces? No gas patio heaters? ... no gas powered vehicles?