Does an unused propane tank need to be refilled?

[808 Vibes]

My mom has a large propane tank (about 5 feet) that used to be used for a heated spa but that needed parts and she never had it fixed. Does she need to keep refilling the propane tank? I don't think she'll fix the spa. I'm assuming the propane evaporates after time since the gauge reads 0. Thanks!

[Whelan]

gauge could be broken given age. I would personally have a professional take a look at it before you roll it down the hill for laughs.

[808 Vibes]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »gauge could be broken given age. I would personally have a professional take a look at it before you roll it down the hill for laughs.LOL. Now there's an idea. Paint a racing stripe down the middle and stick a number on the sides.

[keithvibe]

If there is nothing in it have your mom contact the company that she used in the past to come and remove the tank. If there is any left in the tank the company will buy it back from her. But they may charge her to remove the tank. So it may be a wash.Or you can open the valve and hold a match up to it to see if it lights HAHA

[joatmon]

the propane shouldn't leak out, unless there is a problem. Gas leaks can cause big booms. Maybe she just used it all when the spa worked.

[808 Vibes]

No, she keeps paying to refill it (don't know why)

[ou.grizzly]

So what your saying here is your mom is having problems with leaky gas?*runs away and hides*

[808 Vibes]

^ ^ No, that was THE EX. *pokes Grizz with a big stick*

[joatmon]

If she is not using the propane for anything, and is paying to refill it periodically, then either:1. There is a leak, which can be extremely dangerous. How dangerous depends on a lot of things, such as how fast it is leaking, how much ventilation there is around the leak, etc. At the very least, if that propane is not being used for anything, then there should be a valve on the top of the tank, close that valve. It would be a good idea to ask the company that fills the tank to perform a leak test. If the spa has a pilot light, it would need to be relit after the spa is fixed. If the gauge still shows empty after a refill, then the gauge is broken or2. The gas company is ripping Mom off.

[ragingfish]

here's my question --if the spa is the only thing using propane and it's broken and not getting fixed, why would you keep buying propane? i think i'm confused...

[808 Vibes]

Yes, it's the only thing that used propane. Don't know why she keeps refilling it, I will (try to) let her know not to waste more money. Thank you everyone!