Expert Tips How to Purge a Propane Tank Safely

[@theshadowpeople1493]

I found if you open that valve all the way and then tap it a few times it will stop leaking iv done this many times !changing out valves I worked in the propane field for over 20 years you learn these little tricks !

[@seanmanwill2002]

I enjoy your videos Hand! I worked pipelines for thirty five years, and specialized in hot tapping fuel lines. It's an easy thing to do in general, but the guy that looses respect for "that little bit of gas", is usually referred to in the 'past tense'. Great tutorial, thank you for a great video!👍👏👏👏

[@SmokerBuilder]

That means a lot! Especially coming from someone with your expertise! That’s intense 🍺🍺

[@douglassmith3001]

Thanks Smoke Builder. Very informative…as I am one of those guys you refer to in video who insists on doing things himself to get it right. After concluding the dealership service department is ripping me off multiple times over our RV propane tank valve issues. I’ve concluded I’ll remove the tank myself, purge it, remove the newly installed fill-valve/float bulb that won’t allow 80% fill. Long story short…thanks for the safe way to empty and purge tank. It’s what I figured…liquid propane and a pressure issue that must be considered when tackling this project.

[@SmokerBuilder]

I’m glad this helped you out buddy! 👍

[@claudiolorenzon1997]

You can tighten the valve's gland if it leaks and another thing if you open the valve fully you will actually seal the packing material in that valve. You can then unscrew it put antiseize in it put the gland back on work it back and forth and it's gonna seal right up. I work in industrial refrigeration on ammonia systems and we use the same style valves.

[@randyrussell6246]

99% of the time.

[@francisbeaudry8598]

is also missing o ring on pig tail conector

[@fergusondaryla]

Thanks Frank for the tips. You are an asset and an inspiration!

[@SmokerBuilder]

My pleasure brother! Thank you for the kind words!

[@machaf]

I got a brand new 120 gallon tank said it was vacuum purged. Company came to fill it and could only put about 60 gallons in it before it wouldn't take anymore. Does this mean there is air in the tank? How do I remedy this? Thanks!

[@dariogonzalez6249]

Exelent video,but what would you do if the relief valve leaks and you can't stop it? When it stops how long will it be to work around it?

[@briangasseling3489]

Thanks for the info Frank - Great stuff!

[@SDSBBQs]

I wouldn't mind seeing the entire build process. Thanks Frank!

[@Mikehdy]

Could you have just tightened up the gland nut after you opened the valve? That way it will compress around the spindle and stop leaking while you empty the tank. Doesn't matter if it won't turn, it's scrapped anyway.

[@timothyleger4385]

Some times you can work the packing nut back, and forth to help it seal up ! Squirt some LPS #3 RUST INHIBITOR around the stem then open, and close the valve often times it will stop !! Great info Frank !!👍👍✌🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@johnschoen703]

My 120 gsllon upright tank is empty. I got all the valves off. Flushed out with water and am about to cut with a propane torch. Did i miss any steps? Planning on cutting it tomora.

[@PhilMoon100]

I'm about to start on a 250 gallon vertical smoker. Are the fittings in the tank made out of brass or copper? I'm afraid if they're regular steel it might cause a spark when I try to wrench them out. TY

[@SmokerBuilder]

yep, they are brass

[@ntj030885]

Thanks for the tip. What do you do after you fill with water? Do you cut it then or fill it and empty it it a few times?

[@z3phyrdok]

Shit! That's a good question, bc I've only filled the tank once with water (which I just did a 175er and it took forever he's doing small pools! That must take a full night's sleep unless he's got a hydrant and a fire hose or something.

[@markkromer1238]

Great video. Thank you. How big is that tank? 500 gal?

[@zoiken4]

Interesting to see a 3135G external relief valve fitted to such a small vessel. If you know you know.

[@MarkK01]

No bubbles no troubles. So are brand new propane tanks filled at factory for testing? The reason I am asking is Costco sells the 30 gallon propane tanks. I want to buy one and turn it into a auxiliary air compressor holding tank. Is there anything special I need to do before tanking the gauge and stuff out to start the conversion?

[@todd8666]

Sorry if this has been asked already .. so just I understand, once the gas and pressure is out, and then fill it with water, it is safe to cut into the tank ?

[@haircutmantimmlimm3104]

Good question???

[@mycents-ct8hi]

This is very informative and I would like to see the full build. One of the best smoker videos I've seen. Good Job 💪👍

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy!🍻

[@jerrychastain8567]

There’s liquid in the tank still. I burned off the vapor same way you did here @SmokerBuilder with a Texas match. I took the float out and still saw liquid. Water? Condensate? Oil? Not sure what to do.

[@WillSelf-b7f]

So I burned the propane pressure out got the valve off filled it with water let it set for almost 2 weeks. It still smells bad. Can I drill and cut into it yet? I was going to drill a 1/4 hole in bottom and drain water and refill and rinse again? What do you think? Thank you for your help!!

[@WaibaleSimon]

Thanks for this demo! Are the used tanks available for sale and shipping to Africa?

[@SmokerBuilder]

shipping to Africa is really HARD and expensive

[@rdf126]

Where do you get decommissioned tanks? I am finding a lot of places won't sell to the public- probably for liability reasons.

[@sandrarichardson2713]

I am purging a tank (1000 gallon---gauge on zero) to change out the percent gauge gasket. It leaks around that gauge. Got everything connected like you said. Was scared to pieces to try it but it's been working. Burning for 2 days (turn it off at night) Flame is now orange and will hopefully finish up burning tomorrow. I wonder how many gallons burn per hour with the burner on full blast. Can you (or anyone else) tell me how to get the screws out of the gauge? They are really really tight. I am terrified they will break off. Have a kit to replace gasket and screws. Thanks for your help. Jesus bless.

[@melissasmess2773]

Impact driver and hammer after soaking awhile with penetrating oil.

[@Romas65]

I have a 250 gallon propane tank with no valves, this tank was given to me several years ago with no valves , do I still need to put water inside the tank to cut into it? need to

[@SmokerBuilder]

I recommend you do just to be safe

[@jaimehuizar6727]

I have a type of gas tank that I want to make a grill or a forge out of but I don't know how to ask if it's safe to work on so is there somewhere I could send an image with context to get the idea across.

[@bp817]

I have an rv tank that I need to change the filler valve on. I don't have the burner you show, but could I just use the motorhomes gas stove to burn the remaining propane out of the tank?

[@luzrucci5534]

I have the same question

[@albertday6952]

A great video - you are a very brave man doing this most " riske " work

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy! All in a days work!

[@johnemilyedwards9788]

What brand and type of grinder and disk do you use to cut the tanks with?

[@sfj77]

If I heard you correctly, you said you want the flame upwind from tank valve. Should it be downwind so the flame has no chance of igniting leaking propane from the tank's valve? Thanks a lot for this vid!

[@SmokerBuilder]

You’re welcome! Actually up, wind means that the wind would blow across the flame first, and the propane would blow away from the flame downwind of it, so there was no risk of unlit gas wandering its way towards the flame

[@jerrychastain8567]

What do you do with the mercaptan oil left in the tank?

[@N5XHIworkshop]

Could you have put plumbers putty on the valve after opening it to control the leak since you will be replacing the valve?

[@danielr.schafer9504]

Do you ever move tanks from places that you cant drive a truck to! What do you use?

[@Izzy1665]

I have a 120gal tank with the percent gauge that reads 0% and when I open the valve, I have no gas hissing out of it as you do in the video. Would this be a good indication that there is no gas/pressure left in my tank?

[@charlesfulton8133]

Need to add sand to purged 500 gallon underground tank. What is the best way to get it into the cylinder? The removed valve holes look quite small.

[@michaelgallivan7511]

I have a “round” 1949 propane tank that’s approximately 40” in diameter. I was told that it was 250 gallons. It took 3 men too get the darn thing in my truck. I’ve cut one (1) before with my grinder that I’d guess is 3/16” thick. With the weight that it is I’m guessing that it has to be at least 3/8” thick. Any thoughts/insights about how to tackle this ? FYI Your videos are very informative. Thanks

[@jakeaguilar7042]

So i got a propane tank and purged the tank with water and it overflowed a bit and water that smelled like propane leaked into my yard and now my yard wreaks of propane. Im guessing its from the residual from years of use. But now im wanting to drain the tank bit im afraid of running a hose to my sewer in fear of it smelling like propane as well. So is there a chemical i can purchase to eliminate that smell and make it safe to drain without it making my drain pipes smell like propane?

[@justaname7329]

Instead of water, would co2 work to purge?

[@samarmstrong-ds1cx]

left an lp burner slightly open pvernight outside. The Gas smells. I closed it, what should I do?

[@Giuliasofiautube]

Do you have any experience with cutting up large home heating fuel tanks? If so, how can I do it without causing a fire?

[@JasonBerry-f6h]

I just got about 30 tanks from a propane delivery service. He had a bunch of old tanks that need new valves etc. Got a couple questions you could prob answer. How could I contact you?

[@sydneypenniesr.9474]

Can I use a propnae cooker to burn off the contents of the tank as oppose to a weed burner. I don't have a weed burner. Is there a difference in the results between the two?

[@kirbyammonsjr8491]

I have a 300gallon LP tank would it make a nice air compressor I wanna weld 2 plates on top of tank so I can buy 2-3hp compressors and mount 1 electric 5hp motor I'm planning on buying everything from Harbor Freight I don't know where to buy all the fittings I'm gonna need but you now know what I plan on doing with tank. What's best way to empty my tank. The gas people here charge $350.00 to vacuum it out my main concern is welding on this tank.

[@kirbyammonsjr8491]

I wanna be safe about doing this procedure or should I just forget it

[@MrR1150GS]

Wish I’d seen your video before I purged my tank!!!

[@kirbysneed2198]

Thanks, I enjoyed the video. I have a tractor that the fill valve is not working. Can I empty the tank just by letting the tractor run til it is out of gas? Any advice would be appreciated.

[@Knightking1998]

That would work this video showed some good things at my work instead of pulling from the pol we go off the vapor valve

[@OakridgeBBQ]

Thanks for the tips, Frank! Great video!

[@stevejohnston7034]

first off awesome job on the vids, cant get enough of them, secondly where do you find all those old tanks at?

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Propane tank suppliers that would rather sell you a new 500 Gal tank for $3,100, instead of putting $300-$400 into new multi-valve, filler valve, float gauge and a new coat of white paint. Drive past their locations and you’ll see plenty of old tanks being sold for scrap or smokers instead of refurbished. They only refurbish their rentals. Welcome to the good ole greedy, wasteful USA.

[@ken-iy3pq]

Hi, Would the inside of a propane tank be clean enough to make a rv hot water tank out of it,thanks.

[@aitf99]

Excellent video Frank !!

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thank you buddy!

[@aitf99]

@@SmokerBuilder thank you for taking time to do all the videos. They're all great. When it's build time I will be getting my parts from you.

[@vtyaker9024]

Pol fitting is missing its soft seat?

[@nwolf9354]

I watched this video and tried to do what it says. I learned something very surprising. I burned off all of the pressure with a weed burner set up exactly like that one. After removing the fill valve and puming water into I couldn't help but notice how much propane was being pushed put. So I hooked the weed burner back up and it lit right up. At this point I have been pumping water in the fill valve and burning the weed burner wide open for 5 hours. You've been dumping tons of propane by filling the way you are.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Yep, as you fill the tank you will be pushing out the vapor. If I’m understanding what you’re doing, I do not recommend filling your tank with water and burning the vapor at the same time. If propane can come out of other connections such as where the water is going in, you could ignite the cloud.

[@nwolf9354]

@@SmokerBuilder the water was being pumped in by a threaded connection so there was no chance of that. It was pretty funny when the tank got full it went from bright blue flame to water fountain instantly.

[@stormchaser300]

Hi i have a car that runs on propane (lpg). My question is how do I stop my tank from beading up and sweating with moisture on the tank surface and making my car wet inside from the moisture evaporating into my car. My tank is behind the rear seat in my car and vents outside if the valve leaks it was installed professionally here in new Zealand. Can I wrap something over it to stop it sweating. This issue is causing my seats in my car to get mouldy and the trunk and car body to rust. Thanks.😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 P.S I also heard if you have a leaky propene tank you can spray and hose lots of water over the leak until the tank is empty as the water traps the gas and brakes it down to a non flammable state.

[@codyharris3741]

How long would it take to burn 30% of a 300 gallon propane tank i went to natural gas and want to get rid of the tank but don't know if it can be moved or not til its empty

[@g.r.4853]

Wouldn't the likelihood that flame and the 4% mixture of gas/air from the leaking valve getting together in the exact combination at the separation distance you have very unlikely? According to (our local) the gas company that mixture of gas/air is very critical for combustion and especially explosion, plus this is an open air environment on apparent flat ground with few depressions for the heavier than air gas to accumulate. At least that was presented at our FD training for volatile gases. I only say that because you indicate you MUST remain on site until the gas is consumed. That is not to indicate one should leave such a situation unobserved either. Also aren't the valves similar to water valves and the packing could be compressed and tighten by the "nut under the valve handle" (compression nut) therefore solving the leak around the stem?

[@potsbbq9863]

Great video

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks brother 👍

[@stankrieger3137]

great info in your stuff. I have the basic idea but you my friend have the touch to a great build/ I am slowing down and striving to make the perfect cooker as you do. What has been your best hinge for you? I have tried several ideas but just can not get the smooth action I am looking for.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Hey buddy! For the kind words! I prefer the bullet style hinges. Here’s a couple kits that include those hinges. www.smokerplans.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4

[@lilmuddy1467]

What song is that at the 3:33 mark?

[@mmcalifornia8600]

You can see the o-ring is missing on your Texas match fitting.

[@adamy_61]

Is that an old oval fuel oil tank in the background?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Yep, sure is! but, it is actually owned by the oil company lol. Need to return it... one of these days haha

[@HealthSupercharger]

after you empty the propane by filling it with water are you not 100 percent safe???

[@carbie5614]

So is that what purging the tank is?

[@melissasmess2773]

I thought he would be removing air from the tank so it could be filled with propane, something you need to do on new tanks.

[@alexcurry9388]

Aaron Franklin filled a propane tank full of soap and water via garden hose until bubbles started coming out of the bung. He waited until there were no more bubbles coming out of the bung. why not do it that way?

[@mainelyelectric]

For one I noticed that you were missing the o ring on the soft nose pol end on the weed burner Torch that’s why it was leaking.

[@jzahirniak]

Thanks for your videos! Assuming you knew it was empty of liquid, why wouldn't you just want to open that valve and let the tank vent it all out on its own? In your situation, it seems obvious with the sparks and such from your work but for an average joe with a large open area free from any spark source other than lightening perhaps...what are your thoughts on that?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Hello! Propane puddles and will sit in a lower area until something ignites it. It does not go away unless it is blown away with the wind. But even then it can gather in congregate in a ditch or a pond or something until someone flipped a cigarette. Much safer to burn it off.

[@magnoliabowhunters2869]

@@SmokerBuilder you are correct on alot of what you have said but id like some more clarification. while yes propane does puddle because its .42% heavier than air. and its only a liquid under pressure. propane will evaporate. it will dissipate without the help of fire. so in turn if we are not purging a a fresh tank that has just been taken out of service rather a old tank that has had plugs out if it whats the issue there? honest question im not trying to sound sarcastic

[@SmokerBuilder]

@@magnoliabowhunters2869 no worries, actually the mercaptan in the tank is continuously releasing propane vapor. I’ve had tanks that were open for years that still ignited after being cut open. The main thing is always assume it has vapor in the tank until you have a hole in it this is the safest practice

[@magnoliabowhunters2869]

@@SmokerBuilder so mercaptan is actually Flammable? This was never covered in all my classes from the rail road commission. I will agree 100% same with treating every “thing” as if it loaded, I ask because I know that is and additive, at the rate of 1lb per 10,000 gallons (if you care lol) pretty much for the only purpose of leak detection because the properties of LPG being Odorless in a natural state. But I agree non the less I’d still feel safer filling one up with water and cutting or your method for sure

[@SmokerBuilder]

@@magnoliabowhunters2869 yep, while it is flammable as an oil the real risk is the propane that is absorbed into the mercaptan. Especially if the tank is old. Older tanks that have run out of propane often have more mercaptan left in them as it boils off at a slower rate than the propane does.

[@mapongaroy9058]

I want to find out for 1000 L tank I want to cut it dolls freedos what is the measurement for each door I want to build this in Africa thank you very much

[@stevenserrano6014]

Can you make a video of how to cut them open after the pressure has been released

[@SmokerBuilder]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIfIoYZ7lrhljas

[@dannicholas9267]

...got a Mr. Jeater Buddy on a bbq tank...keeps fouling my filter and heater, shuts off...i clean the pilot line w qyip n alcyhol...still foul, goes out...bad gas...how purge bbq tank of oil...water dirt...same way?

[@SmokerBuilder]

This question would be better answered thru the tech support line for Mr. Buddy.

[@Big_John_C]

They sell a hose that has a filter in it just for that purpose, there is no way of assuring no impurities are in a bulk tank

[@jackson5781]

Frank , I am located in Galveston. I have a Tank that needs to be emptied and its meant for travel trailers. I want it all out. As well want my tank back. How much will it cost me to have you do it as well I live in TX. Please get a hold of me.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Hey buddy! My best advice would be to locate a local gas company. They would be able to help you empty it out no problem!

[@jackson5781]

@@SmokerBuilder thanks Frank. I greatly appreciate that

[@SmokerBuilder]

Not a problem buddy!

[@erictarrant6537]

Where can I get a propane tank of that size, I have tried in my area. Most places aren't fond of selling the general public a used propane tank, lol. Thanks

[@SmokerBuilder]

Hey buddy! Give us a call at 573-612-1315 and we can help out with that!

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Propane suppliers aren’t fond of refurbishing old tanks either. Too much work and besides, it’s easier and more profitable to sell you a new 500 gal tank for $3,100.

[@StationaryNomad361]

Thank you so much, Frank. I would love to see a video building the smokers with the fancy golf cart wheels!

[@SmokerBuilder]

I’ll add that to the list!

[@3gcraftsman]

My brother in law worked for the gas company that blew up a town in Massachusetts. Bunch a people died. He resigned after that.

[@AlaskaMycophile]

Fuckin inlaws

[@Justhumbleme]

Merrimack?

[@eastside0434]

I wonder how many injure themselves or worse when they don't follow the correct procedure.?

[@johnhubbard6262]

I miss the original Dawn dish soap, that and some Mr. Bubbles beats any commercial product

[@jamescraig8601]

Why don't you hook up a smaller cylinder and catch the propane?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Great question. Propane must be transferred with a pump. It is in both liquid and vapor state in the tank under pressure. First of all it is not really safe to do this without proper training and equipment. Once you “hook up an empty tank” It will pressurize quickly before the liquid can fill the tank to 80% which is the maximum safe fill but temperature corrected at 60 degrees F. (by the way, never attempt this without proper training and equipment). To transfer the propane efficiently and safely you need to use a very special kind of pump and transfer it in liquid form drawing it out of the liquid port.

[@travistrammell3424]

Good Info.

[@dontall71]

Bobby, there's a lot you can do with propane and propane accessories

[@nathanroberts9044]

Hey man you need to get some spark free crescent wrenches

[@dicelabiblia7461]

Great video, thanks

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy!

[@JC6971]

I'm interested in having a conversation with you regarding all of this. Any chance we might have a email or phone conversation? I have built smokers out of the old 270 gal. fuel tanks and am ready to go with the propane tank. Thanks, JC

[@brianscott3021]

I would have tightened the packing nut to try to stop the leak

[@jimking1503]

Working on a 250 gallon tank build. Kinda worried about the mercaptan smell and neighbors calling 911. If I fill with water and soap... how bad does the water smell as it’s coming out? How long will it stench? I have lots of neighbors, thoughts?? Thanks, Jim in kc 1 second ago

[@SmokerBuilder]

Hey buddy! I probably would not cut if you have a lot of neighbors. Even if there is no gas present, the neighbors will complain like crazy. If you want to go ahead and do it he should call the fire department first and have them come over and tell them what your going to do that way they know what's going on before hand.

[@jimking1503]

Appreciate the feedback. Doing some experimenting, added 10 gallons water to tank and pulled 5 back out. I want to see how bad the water smelt. I see the oils have separated to the top. So my plan is to fill the tank with water not add detergent, let that sit for a week then using a garden hose and blow off tube with two ports push the oils out of the tank and collect them in a bucket. I think this will get a lot of the oils out of the tank and keep them out of my yard. I’ll add the soap and or bleach after I pull the oils out. Right now I’m experimenting with the bad water I pulled out of the tank.

[@jakeaguilar7042]

Well i was purging the tank and got some overflow (my neighbors called the fire department and the gas company) now im trying to find a chemical or ways to neutralize the smell before i drain it. Any ideas on what mite help eliminate the smell???

[@miamiwax5504]

Why not just bbq something?

[@altonfender5168]

I know you've been asked just over 100 times how much does it cost to have one a 250-gallon smoker built on a trailer

[@carbie5614]

No I could not hear it you have loudmusic playing.😊

[@SmokerBuilder]

Sorry about that 😅

[@Knightking1998]

You should be doing that off of the vapor bud

[@randyrussell6246]

Rumor has it , .........it's still burning today .

[@gedreillyhomestead6926]

I'm a 'Professional' 💥 😂

[@sandrarichardson2713]

This was interesting. What a shame there is not a way to purge one tank into another instead of wasting so much fuel. Only thing was the music was unbelievably distracting. Just a heads up...if I had not been so intrigued by what you were doing I'd have had to jump out of here. Stay safe man....Jesus bless.

[@derrickanderson5407]

this guy is Hank Hill reincarnated

[@yahsomeacres7816]

You can barely be heard, the music is to loud.

[@jaysolomon4156]

Tighten the packing

[@Trial-N-ErrorFarms-jk9iz]

Why not salvage that gas into a couple of 100 lb tanks? I am surprised you don't have a fill valve kit. If you have to empty the tank all day anyway, why not get that couple hundred dollars worth of gas for your own use. Hell, for that matter, have your fishing buddies bring over their fish cooker tanks and fill them for free? Why not take all the liquid you can and then use the weed burner for the last little bit?

[@MrZeissOne]

Cut to the friggin chase.

[@SmokerBuilder]

You know I would, but a lot of people really appreciate all the detail that I put into things. But I can make another video for guys or just want to get to the end of it. Thanks for letting me know

[@SOLDOZER]

Drag it out into that field, open the valve and go home.

[@SmokerBuilder]

lol, nope

[@patmiller5393]

There are better ways of doing this

[@rozd618]

Can't you recover the propane and store it in a tank you're not gonna cut into?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Great question, in order to move the propane from one tank to another you must have a very special pump that is specifically designed for moving propane. There’s a lot of safety concerns with that. Propane companies have that equipment and can do that for you.

[@rozd618]

@@SmokerBuilder thanks for the reply. That makes sense, I just didn't realize how complicated it actually is. I have a 250 tank I'm planning to work on soon but it's a little less than half full. I was thinking of filling all my small tanks till it's empty but not if I need special equipment. Just seems like such a waste to burn off all that propane especially considering the cost of the fuel these days.