Are there any propane tank hookup experts on here?

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

You should not do it!

If you are putting the tank INSIDE your home that is a problem - I hope explanation is not need but it is forbidden but any AHJ and your insurance company.

If you are putting the tank OUTSIDE there are sill issues including regulator setting, and the connection issue (possibly reverse threads too) you are struggling with in your questions.

Sooo I would not recommend it... but chance of explosion is likely in single digits or less - but hey ya got hot water. Life is full of tradeoffs.

Stephen Hoover -
National Fireplace Institute
Certified Gas Specialist

LOL... Indeed life is full of tradeoffs. There will be no tanks inside the house.

My guess is this... Either we will have hot water or have reason to run briskly toward cold water.

Question though... Does your certification as a Gas Specialist have anything to do with your recent visit to a fancy-dancy restaurant with Atlanta Bishop?

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Ron

What I do know is this, to check for leaks once the gas line is hooked up & the gas is turned on, light a match and run it over any connections, if there is a leak, this is one surefire way to detect it!

Don't tell him that ya silly. You use liquid dishwashing soap. Ask a plumber.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by cneasttx

Don't tell him that ya silly. You use liquid dishwashing soap. Ask a plumber.

Nah... that won't work.

I've tried igniting liquid dishwashing soap before and you just can't get it to light.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Nah... that won't work.

I've tried igniting liquid dishwashing soap before and you just can't get it to light.

You don't try to ignite it. You pour it on if you have bubbles you have a leak.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Nah... that won't work.

I've tried igniting liquid dishwashing soap before and you just can't get it to light.

Ah, a man after my own fireball!

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

I just bought a house yesterday and there used to be a propane tank but it is gone now.

I have tried to find a company that will hook it up on saturdays (as we live in another state and only come into town on weekends to work on the house at this point.) but no one wants to deliver & set up a propane tank on the weekend.

So... Here is my thought.

I only need propane for the water heater and, eventually, for the gas stove so one of those small tanks should be all I need for the time being.

Can anyone give any suggestions for hooking a small (outdoor grill size) propane tank up to a house feed line?

I have done some googling and it appears to be possible and it there are those who say they have done it for years but I don't know what type of connections might be needed etc or what pitfalls I might watch for.

Any suggestions?

Go to a local hardware store. They will know what you need and have plenty of advice on how to get it done.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by deltaguitar

I have never done this but it shouldn't be to hard. Just find where the old tank used to be and see what kind of connection is on the end of the line.

Another thing you could try is to get the tank set in the yard during the week and then you could hook it up yourself on the weekends. It is probably just a basic screw in connection, kinda like a garden hose.

Really, I don't see why these guys need you there to hook up the propane. They could hook it up and keep the valve off until you show up and then just turn it on.

Well, the thing is this: The connectors on propane tanks changed not too long ago, and, if this house had one of the older style tanks on it, the connector itself is going to have to be changed, which will most likely involve having to cut the old connector off and reflanging the feed line.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

I used to live in a mobile home when I first moved out of my parents house and it had a 50 lb tank. Each time it emptied I had to unhook the regulator, put the tank in my trunk, drive to the next town, get it refilled, bring it back to the house, hook it back up to the regulator and re-light all the pilots.

People change out their gas grill cylinders all the time (almost exclusively I am sure.)

What we have here is a basic adaptation from a 3/8" Male JIC Flare to the other size. All pieces are black iron or brass (non spark conducting and non galvanized as the galvanization reacts with the gas). All pieces will be taped with teflon tape for gas if the fitting material calls for it (I believe it is the yellow colored tape) and will be tested for leaks with a match.... just kidding... with a leak test solution.

It doesn't seem like rocket science (No pun intended on the possible rocket I am building )

The few connections are made should be sealed well, tightened sufficiently and tested thoroughly.

See... easy.

Dawn dishsoap is excellent for checking for leaks.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Rico

Dawn dishsoap is excellent for checking for leaks.

And... hailing from my days as the Assistant Superintendent of a golf course...

It makes an excellent non ionic surfactant.

if you are going to spray pesticides, herbicides etc and you fear you may run into some rain then add a teaspoon or so of dishwashing liquid to a hand sprayer and it will help the chemicals stay on the grass should you get a moderate rain.

Ah the usefulness of dish soap.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by cneasttx

You don't try to ignite it. You pour it on if you have bubbles you have a leak.

LOL...

Yes... I know...

It was an, apparently poor, attempt at humor.