FAQ
TL;DR: LPG tank approvals last 10 years; “If the tank is rusted, nobody will legalize it.” Typical swap beats legalization on cost and hassle. Choose new if corrosion is visible, and pressure-test for leaks before inspection. [Elektroda, zdzichra, post #16882778]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps DIYers and owners decide between legalization vs. replacement, budget accurately, and pass inspection on the first try.
Quick Facts
- Typical approval/service life: 10 years; plan your swap or legalization before expiry. [Elektroda, encore, post #16882757]
- Reported prices: legalization ~PLN 300 vs new cylinder ~PLN 400 (toroidal with approval). [Elektroda, Xantix, post #16883062]
- Workshop replacement example: ~PLN 500 total, including tank. [Elektroda, fazer72, post #16954515]
- External underfloor tanks (e.g., Opel Zafira) corrode faster than in-cabin cylinders. [Elektroda, encore, post #16883738]
- DIY often needs a new multivalve gasket, fresh clamps/barrels, and leak testing with a detector. [Elektroda, przemek25l, post #16882983]
Is it better to legalize an LPG tank or just replace it after 10 years?
Replace it if costs are close. One user paid PLN 300 for legalization versus PLN 400 for a brand-new approved cylinder. That small gap rarely justifies legalizing an old shell. “Exchange with approval” often gives fewer headaches and a fresh 10-year clock. [Elektroda, Xantix, post #16883062]
Will a rusty LPG tank pass legalization?
No. “If the tank is rusted, nobody will legalize it.” You’ll still pay to have it assessed and then face replacement anyway. Avoid sunk costs by inspecting the shell first, especially on underfloor installations exposed to road salt and water. [Elektroda, zdzichra, post #16882778]
How much should I budget for an LPG tank replacement?
Expect around PLN 500 including the tank at a workshop, based on a recent user report. DIY may cut labor, but factor parts like gaskets and clamps. Always include a leak test and a paid inspection in your total. [Elektroda, fazer72, post #16954515]
Can I replace an LPG tank myself and still pass inspection?
Yes, if you have proper documents for the tank and the installation is tight and correct. Inspectors verify assembly and leak-tightness, not who installed it. Present approvals and perform a thorough leak test before you go. [Elektroda, zdzichra, post #16882778]
What parts and tools do I need for a DIY LPG tank swap?
Plan for a new multivalve gasket, fresh clamps/barrels, and a gas leak detector. The detector is very sensitive and ideal for pressure-tightness checks. Replace any questionable copper sections and ensure exact tightness before inspection. [Elektroda, przemek25l, post #16882983]
How do I check for leaks before the paid inspection?
Use a dedicated gas detector around the multivalve, fittings, and line ends. It’s sensitive and catches small leaks early. Inspections are paid upfront; leaks mean failing, then fixing and returning. Test at operating pressure to save a second trip. [Elektroda, przemek25l, post #16882983]
How long does legalization take compared with replacement?
Legalization can require booking and waiting about a week. If you’re doing the mechanical work yourself, a straight swap to a new tank is often faster and cheaper overall. Time saved can outweigh any small legalization savings. [Elektroda, psooya, post #16883209]
Do external underfloor tanks really rust that badly?
Yes, exposure under the floor accelerates corrosion. One owner showed a severely rusted Opel Zafira underfloor tank after 10 years. Internal wheel-well cylinders can look much cleaner over the same period. Consider replacement over legalization when shells look compromised. [Elektroda, encore, post #16883738]
What is a multivalve on an LPG tank?
It’s the valve assembly on the tank that often needs a fresh gasket during a swap. Many re-use it if in good condition; others replace it to fix level indication or for convenience. Clean and inspect before refitting. [Elektroda, helmud7543, post #16884293]
Do I need a lift or pit to replace an external tank?
Practically, yes. “It doesn’t even come without a channel or a lift.” Access improves safety and torque control on corroded hardware. Plan for new clamps, and avoid cutting rotten fasteners if they threaten lines or the shell. [Elektroda, przemek25l, post #16884204]
Will replacing the tank reset my approval period?
Yes. A new tank with proper approval gives you peace for the next 10 years, assuming correct installation and successful inspection. Keep the paperwork and have tightness verified to start the clock cleanly. [Elektroda, przemek25l, post #16882983]
What if my copper lines crack or don’t reach after the swap?
Expect to extend or bend new sections and fit fresh barrels and clamps. DIY can become a time sink when copper breaks. In such cases, outsourcing the job might be simpler and safer. [Elektroda, psooya, post #16883209]
My 10-year-old cylinder looks new—should I still replace it?
Condition varies. An internal cylinder may look nearly new after 10 years, but an outer one can degrade quickly. If yours is clean and sound, legalization may be viable; confirm with inspection first. [Elektroda, bt04jugok, post #16954646]
How do I actually swap the LPG tank (basic steps)?
- Mark hoses from the tank, then disconnect the lines.
- Remove the multivalve, swap the tank, and fit a new multivalve gasket.
- Reconnect lines with proper barrels/clamps, then leak-test for tightness at pressure. [Elektroda, przemek25l, post #16954438]
Will the inspector care who installed the LPG tank?
No. Present the tank documents. The diagnostician checks installation correctness and system tightness, not the installer identity. Expect a pricier gas inspection versus a standard check due to added leak tests. [Elektroda, zdzichra, post #16882778]
so much that you will pay to see the tank. Prices of NEW tanks on a known portal tend to be lower than the cost of legalization. If you can replace it, you save on labor - of course, I mean exchange with checking for tightness and correct installation, as it is not worth buying a new one on the portal and taking it to exchange. ..You have documents for the tank and even with self-assembly you present a diagnostician and no one asks who was installing it because they should check the correctness of assembly and tightness of the entire installation anyway - that's why gas inspection is more expensive than usual.
