Hydro Testing -- Question

[richerso]

Team, friends, neighbors, dive buddies:
I am kind of frustrated this afternoon. Bear with me. I have some questions about air tank hydrostatic testing. What would y'all do?

I have three Al-80 tanks that are due for hydro testing in July. My LDS wants to charge me $169 / tank for the test. Does this sound right?

I am pretty sure I can buy brand new tanks off the showroom retail floor for $200 or less. I found some brand new showroom floor tanks at scubatoys that are the exact mfr, model, and color as my tanks for $150 each.

On the other hand, I would like to be a good diver samaritan and support my LDS. What should I do? Seeking advice. Thanks. John

 

[FIXXERVI6]

Verify there is not a communications issue with your shop, $169 per tank to test is WAY WAY over the top.

If they insist that a hydro test is 169.00 per cylinder, find another shop.

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

Take your tanks to the local test facility , your local fire dept can direct you . It is usually around 30 dollars for a hydro test .
Drain all the air from your tank and remove valve before taking it in.

 

[richerso]

I figured a hydro test should be somewhere in the $30 to $60 range. That was just my guess. I have considered taking the tanks directly to the facility. I can do that I am a big boy. I was really just trying to be a nice guy and support my LDS. Anywho . . . . I await further advice from the community. Thanks y'all!

 

[SteveAD]

$169 for all three would be a expensive. $169 each is a shop that doesn't want to do hydros or keep customers.

 

[texdiveguy]

John....check your mail...problem solved.

 

[Gilldiver]

I pay $25 for a hydro. A shop would also do a visual and fill it. No shop should be over $35 for Hydro, vis, and fill.

 

[richerso]

Thanks guys!
I knew there was a "real" answer out there and I knew you guys would have it. Ha! I have my answer! Thank you!

btw Tex, I thought about calling you directly but thought I might throw this question out to the larger community. Thanks again!

 

[redacted]

I pay $40 per tank including the vis and fill. This has to be a misunderstanding.

 

[tylerinflorida]

Yeah, $50 at the most for hydro, vis and fill / tank. I wonder if they meant $169 for all 3 tanks. That would be $56.33 per tank.