CO2 tank visual inspection - Rip off?

[trilinearmipmap]

OK for years I got my CO2 tank refilled at the same place, it always cost about $30.00 for a 10 pound CO2 tank, probably a bit high because I live in a small town. Every so many years it needs a pressure test, I forget if it's every 5 years or so.

Last time I got the tank refilled the guy said "I had to vis it" ie. do a visual inspection, he claims this is necessary every year, it sounded like a bunch of B.S. to me but I thought I would check here. Charged 30 bucks for the CO2 and another 30 bucks for "visual inspection". They are the only CO2 place in town. I'm just wondering if there is anyone else had this happen to them and if the regulations for inspection/pressure testing of CO2 tanks are posted anywhere on the internet.

[christyf5]

Weird. I pay anywhere between $18 and $22 for a fill and I have never had to pay for a "visual inspection" in the 5 years I've had my tank. I just had to have the hydro test done last week and that was only $15 (which I was shocked at, I thought it would be closer to $50). My CO2 guy does give it a hard look every time I take the tank in as its sort of rusty on the bottom and generally ain't pretty (I think its about 50 years old) but it passed the test and got the stamp and thats good enough for me until I can find another one.

[fencer]

Visual inspection should cost you nothing. Hydrotesting yes. For 30.00 I would ask for a report on the connditon of the cylinder and a certificate. Was it posted on the wall as a charge. I would also ask to see his qualifications. Other than that i would complain to the owner of the company and ask what's going on and then take to consumer protection branch. In alberta it would be ABSA

[Delphinus]

Sounds fishy to me..

[Aquattro]

Fill costs me about 16, hydro test after 5 years was about 15, never heard of a Vis it. Sounds like BS to me.

[mark]

I'm lucky, I just drop my 10 pounder off at the loading dock, go inside and kick over 13 bucks, walk out and there's a shiny full one sitting there. No paying for checks or inspections.

Other than welding shops have you tried a fire extinguisher place or a beverage distributor?

Know Rupert is at the end the of road but seems high.

[atcguy]

your tank should be visual inspected once a year and hydro every 5.. I go to a place in richmond and walk in the back fork over a ten dollar bill and they fill mine.. once they took a look inside as the tank was completly out.,

[marie]

Originally Posted by mark

I'm lucky, I just drop my 10 pounder off at the loading dock, go inside and kick over 13 bucks, walk out and there's a shiny full one sitting there. No paying for checks or inspections.

Other than welding shops have you tried a fire extinguisher place or a beverage distributor?

Know Rupert is at the end the of road but seems high.

Try $110, thats what it cost me the last time I had the fire extinguisher guy take my 10lb bottle and get it filled.

*edit* and before everyone starts questioning my sanity I won't be letting him fill it again. I would rather take it out of town myself to get it filled, at least then I get the pleasure of riding the ferries