Are there any propane tank hookup experts on here?

[SDG]

I'm mechanically challenged.

[Digging4Truth]

So far it appears that the standard fitting for a 20 lb propane cylinder is a 3/8" male flare.

if I can find out the standard fitting for a 250 lb propane tank I can piece it together.

I would like to find out which fittings I am dealing with as I fear that too many questions may reveal my motives when I arrive at the hardware store and they may go fickle on me.

[freeatlast]

I use to be a propane tank expert.

[AmazingGrace]

My husband is a directional drilling expert in the oilfield and he can rebuild any part of an oil rig in about an hour... but I had to put together our gas grill when we got it so I would say there would likely be no help from our house LOL

Yep... he can keep the whole world from blowing up (LOL thats what our littlest one used to always say because of the fact he works with H2S and dirrectional drilling is always blowing up as you drill... but nope... cant figure out a propane tank LOL

He knows I love him Yep yep.. he also is the first to tell me to call someone else cuz he cant fix it!

[The Mrs]

I would think your insurance company might have something to say about a propane tank being connected 'unprofessionally'.

[seguidordejesus]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

So far it appears that the standard fitting for a 20 lb propane cylinder is a 3/8" male flare.

if I can find out the standard fitting for a 250 lb propane tank I can piece it together.

I would like to find out which fittings I am dealing with as I fear that too many questions may reveal my motives when I arrive at the hardware store and they may go fickle on me.

I've been there, too...

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by The Mrs

I would think your insurance company might have something to say about a propane tank being connected 'unprofessionally'.

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.

[Jehoram]

Sorry, no can do.

Good luck.

I sure hope you have a good back stock of dry goods at your place.


lol

[Hoovie]

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

[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!