Moving a 500 gallon propane tank myself - safe?

6BangBronk

6BangBronk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2005
Location
Durham
Lowdown... I moved into a project house that needs the central heat unit moved from rear of house to side for several reasons. Plan on doing it this weekend since weather is participating not needing to run AC. But I would like to move the tank as well to get it to a better serviceable location more towards the front of the house. Is there any harm if I tip the tank over on it's side and move it myself - very carefully with a winch? Terrain is basically flat being all sand with tree roots. The kicker - tank has 45% of fuel still in it. What risks am I taking by making headlines in the Sunday Paper? Here's a link to a pic I found while searching of someone who done same but I can't find out if it had fuel? Probably not considering the kids riding on it?

http://keepvillechurch.blogspot.com/2008/05/moving-propane-tank.html

Worst scenerio would be to just temporarily hook up so I can fire up the heat pack and bury the line after I have a professional move the tank... Watchall think?
 
Propane company should relocate for you. But I would not risk it if it goes bad you the people next door your house and everybody for several hundred feet goes boom!
 
6BangBronk said:
Worst scenerio would be to just temporarily hook up so I can fire up the heat pack and bury the line after I have a professional move the tank... Watchall think?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't recommend moving it yourself. When you roll the tank on its side, the liquid propane will slosh around causing the tank to roll farther than you intend and could easily damage a valve. Also, your propane co would strongly rather you not move it or tamper with it in any way. If something happened, your propane co could be held responsible. I wouldn't suggest running line and leaving it exposed either.

Move the heating unit, let the propane co come out next week, move the tank and hook it back up.
 
Agreed. Unit moved. Went as good as I planned and waiting for money to roll in to call gas co. Besides, I don't need skid marks down the side of the tank if I'm moving it closer to the front.
Thanks to all who talked me out of being stupid... :flipoff2:
 
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