We knew that propane was going to be a potential issue, as the previous owner had rigged a system of 5 gallon propane tanks to the water heaters to avoid paying for a full tank of propane.
Ted's propane system.
Doing this, we figured, likely had messed with the connection between the house and the tank and had caused some damage. Pacer initially told us that we would not be able to get the tank inspected for damage and subsequently refilled until the end of the month, which would have left us without heated water for another two weeks.
This is one of those situations where being married to a lawyer is useful - a secondary call later and the inspector was scheduled to come out the following morning. The inspector was aghast - the previous owner had bent several important pipes and cut off a connection that was integral to create a junction for the 5 gallon tanks (all the while, there is a connection where it would have been simple to connect a smaller tank to the main one). He did leave us a lovely folding chair that was originally used to hold the small canisters of propane, so score one for the lawn furniture!
Much grumbling of both husband and inspector later, we have propane running into the house and water that does heat up. This, however, made it apparent that our gas stove is not currently working... but that is another project for another day.
This is one of those situations where being married to a lawyer is useful - a secondary call later and the inspector was scheduled to come out the following morning. The inspector was aghast - the previous owner had bent several important pipes and cut off a connection that was integral to create a junction for the 5 gallon tanks (all the while, there is a connection where it would have been simple to connect a smaller tank to the main one). He did leave us a lovely folding chair that was originally used to hold the small canisters of propane, so score one for the lawn furniture!
Much grumbling of both husband and inspector later, we have propane running into the house and water that does heat up. This, however, made it apparent that our gas stove is not currently working... but that is another project for another day.
The tank after rudimentary fixes to the line. Tank mounting system still evident in the folding chair.
