
Why to bury propane tanks?
- How underground propane tanks are protected from corrosion.
- Codes that must be met for underground propane tank installations.
- Ease of access for underground propane refueling.
- The useful service life of a properly maintained tank.
What is the life expectancy of a propane tank?
The propane tanks being made today are built with safety and durability as the top priorities. Aboveground propane tanks can last 30 years or longer. Underground propane tanks have a shorter life expectancy of between 20 and 30 years, depending on the soil around it and whether it was installed correctly.
How safe is an underground propane tank?
Underground propane tank regulations
- Choosing a legally acceptable location. The first thing you need to know is that legally, you cannot bury the tank in any place. ...
- Other underground propane tank installation requirements. This boils down to the size of your tank. ...
- Safety requirements. ...
- The impact of the regulations on the cost of underground propane tank. ...
Should I Bury my propane tank?
What can I put around a propane tank?
- Bury It. Many homeowners install their propane tanks underground. …
- Flower Bed. Whether you bury the tank or keep it above ground, you can use the area as a flower bed. …
- Shrubbery. This tip and the next are probably the most common, mainly because they’re the simplest. …
- Fencing. …
- Rock Cover.

How long does a 500 gallon underground propane tank last?
A 500-gallon propane tank can last anywhere from 1 month and 23 days to 14 months and 4 days. For exact time, check the chart and graph for different sizes of homes further on. 500-gallon tank is a residential propane tank for houses. It can be installed underground, in the basement or even in a large garage.
How long is a 1000 gallon propane tank good for?
Your 1,000 gallon propane tank could be an above ground or underground tank. Propane tanks made of galvanized steel and typically last over 30 years when properly maintained.
Is an underground propane tank safe?
Is underground propane tank safe? Yes, both underground and above ground tanks are inherently safe. There are several protections built in that will prevent propane from leaking out of the tank. More than that, as long as it is well maintained, your tank will be safe.
Do underground propane tanks explode?
Can underground propane tanks explode? Yes, an underground propane tank is full of flammable material that is under pressure.
How long does a 1 000 gallon propane tank last for a house?
How Many Days Will A Big Propane Tank Last? ( Calculated Table)Propane Tank Size:500 sq ft house3,500 sq ft house100 Gallon85 Days12 Days250 Gallon212 Days30 Days500 Gallon424 Days61 Days1,000 Gallon847 Days121 Days1 more row
Should I get a 500 or 1000 gallon propane tank?
What Tank Is Best for You? Ideally, the 500-gallon tank is best for homes running multiple appliances and are under 3,500 square feet. If your home is larger than 3,500 square feet, you may want to upgrade to the 1,000-gallon or even 2,000-gallon tank.
How do I know if my underground propane tank is leaking?
Checking for a propane tank leak is easy. Apply soapy water or a special leak detector solution to where the propane tank's cylinder valve and regulator outlet connect. Next, you'll need to slowly open the cylinder valve. Bubbles will form if there is a leak.
How cold is too cold for propane?
-44 degrees FahrenheitA propane tank cold temperature limit is -44 degrees Fahrenheit — at that point, propane turns from a gas to a liquid. Propane can only heat your home when it's in a gaseous state, not when it's a liquid. Your storage tank keeps propane in its gaseous form under high pressure.
Do propane tanks need to be on concrete?
After deciding on an appropriate tank size and before a propane tank is installed, the propane company will make all necessary arrangements for the proper placement of the propane tank. A concrete pad will need to be in place before the tank can be installed (concrete blocks may be used as an alternative).
How many propane tanks explode annually?
600 propane tank explosionsWhile not common, the short answer is, yes, a propane tank can explode. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates roughly 600 propane tank explosions occur each year.
Can lightning strike a propane tank?
If you are outside and can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately. Metal objects such as propane tanks and equipment, tractors, and telephone lines can conduct electricity. Do not go near them.
How long will propane tank last?
Unlike fuel sources that can degrade over time (kerosene, diesel, gasoline), propane fuel has no expiration date, nor will its potency suffer while being stored. The only thing you need to worry about when storing propane is maintaining the health and integrity of the propane storage tank.
What is a 1000 gallon propane tank worth?
If you're looking for a larger size, a 1,000-gallon tank can be installed underground for around $5,000.
Do large propane tanks expire?
Propane has no expiration date So, as long as there is propane in your tank, you can keep using it—no matter how long it's been there.
How much propane will a 1000 gallon tank hold?
800 gallonsUses: Home heating for larger square footage homes or homes with all appliances running on propane. A 1000 gallon propane tank holds 800 gallons when full.
How much propane does it take to heat a 2000 square foot house?
approximately 2 million BTUsA 2,000 square foot home in a “mild” climate—think of the deeper southeast or southwest United States—would require approximately 2 million BTUs of propane and cost about $76 on average per month to heat.
How big of a propane tank do I need?
2. How large a propane tank do I need? Propane tanks come in a range of sizes; choosing the right size for your Connecticut home depends on the kind of propane appliances and equipment that you intend to run. Here are some common propane tank sizes and some of the appliances they typically power: 1 56 gallon – For ovens, ranges and clothes dryers (holds 48 gallons of propane) 2 120 gallon – For water heaters, space heaters and pool heaters (holds 100 gallons of propane) 3 250 gallon – For generators, pool heaters, and a combination of appliances (holds 200 gallons of propane) 4 500 gallon – For central heating and pool heaters (holds 400 gallons of propane) 5 1000 gallon – For large homes and commercial applications (holds 850 gallons of propane)
How far from a building can an underground tank be?
must be placed a minimum of 25 feet from the building. no part of an underground tank of this size shall be less than 10 feet from a building or line of adjoining property.
How many gallons of propane does a Connecticut home hold?
Here are some common propane tank sizes and some of the appliances they typically power: 56 gallon – For ovens, ranges and clothes dryers (holds 48 gallons of propane) ...
How long does a propane tank last underground?
Underground propane tanks last on average between 20 and 30 years, depending on the type of soil around it and the quality of installation.
How far from a window can you put propane tanks?
These are some key regulations you should know. Propane tanks under 125-gallon water capacity: These tanks have to be placed at least 10 feet from a window air conditioner and five feet from a crawl space opening. Propane tanks between 125- and 500-gallon water capacity: These size tanks need to be placed no less than 10 feet from a building ...
Is propane good for heating?
You know the benefits propane brings to your home such as efficient home heating and water heater, better and more precise cooking with a propane range, and easy comfort with a propane fireplace.
How long does a propane tank last?
Propane tanks can last upwards of 30 to 40 years underground. Of course, that’s with the correct care and placement. These tanks are known to be environmentally friendly! Take your time to ensure the correct setup and placement. That way, you have a tank that lasts for decades.
What are the benefits of underground propane tanks?
Another excellent benefit of an underground propane tank is the room you’ll have! The only difference will be a small hill in your yard, that’s it. You will have room for your animals, and your summer backyard parties. You’ll be able to do landscaping, and mow your lawn without hassle.
Why does my propane tank smell?
Underground tanks will have a strong odor if the leak is big. You must be very careful when digging the tank up. The common causes of leaks are: Ground shifting. Improper installation.
What is the biggest threat to propane tanks?
Corrosion is the biggest threat to underground propane tanks. The risk of corrosion stems from the damp environment of the ground. Although there are some protective measures you can take. You could protect your propane with a protective covering called an anode bag. The anode bag becomes corroded instead of your tank.
How long does it take to install a propane tank?
After that, it’s a breeze! It should not take you longer than one day. It will take about 4 to 5 hours for installation.
What happens if your tank is loose?
If your tank becomes loose, it could stray away from your property. Even though this is an infrequent occurrence, it’s a good idea to be aware of it. Earthquakes are a more significant threat. You don’t want your tank to become warped over time.
How far away do tree roots grow from a tank?
Tree roots tend to grow pretty far away from the tree itself. Thankfully tree roots grow about 6 inches to 12 inches below the surface.
1. A Safer Way to Store Propane
An underground tank benefits from the protection of soil surrounding the structure. While underground, propane can maintain a constant temperature without the influence of hot or cold outdoor temperatures affecting how much gas they can hold.
2. Better for Aesthetics
If you don’t want the land around your Hamptons home or business dotted with propane tanks, underground tanks are your best option. Burying propane storage solutions means you can maintain your property’s aesthetics without tanks to ruin the landscape or block views.
3. More Storage Capacity
With capacity starting at 500 gallons, underground tanks provide the energy storage you need to power your Hampstead home or business.
4. Consider Your Needs
If you use propane primarily for grilling, a large underground tank might not be the best solution for you. Above ground propane storage offers smaller tank sizes and portable solutions, depending on your needs.
5. Underground Tanks Add Value
When deciding between an above ground or an underground propane tank, consider your budget. Installing an underground propane tank is a more complex, labor-intensive, and therefore, more costly option.
6. Tank Installation in 1 – 2 Days
Depending on your tank’s size and how many we deliver, the installation process can take anywhere from several hours to a day or two.
7. Beware of Improper Installation
Underground tanks are well-protected from extreme weather conditions and other damage that may affect above ground tanks. However, underground tanks can be vulnerable to flooding if not properly installed.
How many gallons of propane is in an underground tank?
Propane tanks are available in a variety of sizes. Note, however, that most underground models are either 500 gallons or 1,000 gallons in size .
How far away from a house should a propane tank be buried?
Generally speaking, it’s required that buried propane tanks be at least ten feet away from their corresponding homes. At the same time, they must be at least ten feet away from the outskirts of their respective properties.
Why does propane tank expand?
Fluctuating temperatures cause the propane gas to expand and contract with heat. Underground, the fluctuations aren’t as severe, especially in the warmer months. This enables underground propane tanks to hold more gas. There’s also the issue of leaks.
What happens after a hole is dug in a propane tank?
A company that has their own equipment is in control of the job and the outcome. After the hole has been dug, the tank will be lowered into it . This is done carefully so as to prevent any cracking or wear and tear. The tank is then hooked up to propane lines and properly secured.
What happens when a propane tank is buried?
Generally speaking, when a propane tank is buried, valves and other attachments are left sticking out of the soil. To prevent these entities from meeting physical trauma, a cover is placed over them.
What counties have underground propane tanks?
The Benefits of Underground Propane Tanks. Long Island homeowners in Suffolk and Nassau County prefer underground propane tanks. There are several benefits to be had from installing an underground propane tank. They include the following.
How deep is a 500 gallon tank?
A 500-gallon tank measures around: 9 feet, 10 inches in length, 5 feet in height. As such, it requires an excavated hole of around 12 feet in length, 5 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth.
When to install a buried propane tank?
The best time to install a buried propane tank is from April to October. If the ground is soft enough for excavation, it’s a good time to install a buried propane tank. 2. What Can I Expect During Underground Propane Tank ...
How long does it take to install a propane tank?
Though each propane gas supplier may have a different process, installation of a buried propane tank should only take one day, even for the largest propane tanks. Unlike some other home installation projects, installing a buried propane tank will cause ...
How to get out of a propane tank?
Call out to everyone in the space to let them know to get out too. If it is safe, go to your main gas supply valve and shut it off. To do this, turn the valve clockwise. Move a reasonable distance away from the propane and call your propane provider right away.
How far away from the house should a propane tank be?
A buried propane tank needs to be at least 10 feet from the sides of your home as well as 10 feet from the edge of your property line.
What percentage of Americans own a propane grill?
Buried Propane Tank Installation: 5 Common Questions Answered. Although 75% of Americans own a propane grill, only 10% of the population use propane as a heat source for their home. Yet, propane as an electricity source has many benefits. It’s environmentally friendly, cost-effective, efficient and readily available.
Is propane a good source of electricity?
Yet, propane as an electricity source has many benefits. It’s environmentally friendly, cost-effective, efficient and readily available. If you are considering switching to propane, you may want to consider underground propane tank installation. Read on to learn the most common questions about buried propane tanks. 1.
Does propane smell?
Propane is a type of natural gas that inherently doesn’t have a smell. But, to make it easier to detect gas leaks, propane providers add a scent. Although, like any natural gas or electrical source, proper handling, installation, and maintenance by a licensed professional are important.
