Is my LDS feeding me bushwah?

[Kharon]

A while back I bought two PST LP steel tanks. An 80cf that had the REE stamped on it and a 72cf that did not. I researched and found the REE for the 72. When I took them to my LDS for hydro the LDS owner went on a rant that I should have talked to him first. PST tanks were garbage. The 72 couldn't be plus tested even though it had been plused on original hydro and I had the REE. And finally that if either tank didn't pass plus testing the hydro tester would stamp them out and they would be scrap.

If a tank passes testing but not plus does that really happen - does the tester turn the tank into scrap? I'm wondering if he was pissed that I didn't buy a Worthington from him for $350 + tax (I had asked about price) and instead got two pristine PST tanks with new Thermo valves for $100 (out of vis & hydro) on Craig's List.

 

[WB2GLP]

If the original rating was a Plus rating it can be requalified at any time in the future with a plus rating as long as it passes. Plus stands on its own. It could pass requalification and not plus. It just wouldn't get the plus stamp.

 

[parzdiver]

The answer to your title question is yes. Take the tanks elsewhere. I wouldn't trust the shop with the tanks. Does the shop do their own hydro testing or do the send out the tanks? I would assume, based on his ignorance, they don't do it in-house. Try to find out where they send the tanks and take them there yourself or find another shop that wants your business.

 

[Superlyte27]

He's lying to you.

If it doesn't pass plus testing, it just means it's filled to it's rated pressure. So a 2400 tank without plus rating is filled to.... wait for it.... wait for it... 2400. Instead of 2640.

 

[WB2GLP]

Many hydro testers will not perform the plus testing because of red tape associated with the testing like the need to maintain paperwork for 10 years.

 

[Rich Keller]

Your LDS is lying to you. If the tank does not get a plus rating it is still good but cannot get the 10% over fill. Take the tank to your local hydro test facility and have them do it instead of your LDS and ask for a plus rating. These are the places where your LDS takes the tanks to be tested as 99.9% of LDS do not do hydro testing. The link below will provide you with a list of places you can have your tank tested. Not all deal with scuba tanks so call first to confirm before you go. It also might be a good idea to name the shop so others will know what type of business they are running.

PHMSA - Cylinders - Authorized DOT Cylinder Retesters: Domestic

 

[Wookie]

^What those guys said. Additionally, I've never met a hydro facility that's as dumb as a dive shop. The dive shop guys all like to pretend that they know their butt from a knothole in a board fence, but what they really know is some half-truths and BS made up by their initial certifying instructor and something vaguely remembered from that guy who took a PSI class then came back and taught the rest of the guys in the shop what he learned.

Hydro retesters learn the real skinny from real regulations because they are required by law to follow them. Dive shops sell scuba equipment. I have never ever ever been denied a + rating because of some paperwork BS. Never even heard of it before today. If a retester doesn't want to do a + rating, find one who does. Every medium sized city has a couple of fire extinguisher service facilities. They are usually retesters.

 

[bbarnett51]

Total and utter BS

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Tell the LDS owner to go pound salt. He's pissed because you did not buy from him and probably that you now know more than he does. Screw him.

 

[wedivebc]

Not only would the tank hydro misinformation set off alarm bells but any shop owner/worker who gives you attitude because you bought from somewhere else should be avoided like the plague.

I know in some areas it's hard to be selective due to lack of choices but if you have the option shop elsewhere. If not take everything your LDS says with a grain of salt and next time he rants at you for any reason turn around and walk out. He needs you more than you need him.