What You’ll Learn
Is it difficult to have an underground propane tank installed?
Underground propane tanks are more difficult to install than above-ground propane tanks.
They require strict regulation compliance, excavation around the burial site, backfilling, and specialized equipment.
In this blog:
Many homeowners turn to underground propane tanks when they want a cleaner, more fuel-efficient way to heat their homes. If you are considering an underground propane tank but aren’t sure if you want to take the plunge, you’ve come to the right place!
Having an underground propane tank installed may seem like an invasive and expensive ordeal. Fear not. With professional help and proper budgeting, your tank will blend in beautifully with your yard and won’t break the bank!
Advantages of an Underground Tank
An underground tank frees up the entirety of your yard and is often considered to be the most attractive option. While digging a big hole in your yard might not sound overly appealing, after it is installed, it will easily blend into your yard’s landscape.
While you cannot put anything on top of where the tank is buried, it will be completely hidden from view so that it can remain out of sight and out of mind.
Is an Underground Tank is Right for You?
Having your propane tank buried is a good choice for you if you have a place to install the tank where it won’t be near vehicles or traffic, and you have at least 12×5 feet in your yard to install the tank.
Minimum distance requirements apply to underground propane tanks. This means they must be a specified distance from openings to the home, such as doors and windows. They must also be a certain distance from property lines and ignition sources.
In addition to setbacks, underground tanks must comply with depth requirements. These requirements are detailed in the LP-Gas Code published by the National Fire Protection Association.
It is also a good option if your propane tank is 500+ gallons (most underground propane tank sizes are 500 or 1,000 gallons).
One disadvantage is that installation costs a little bit more. That being said, utilizing a budget plan is a great way to control costs.
Installation is Easy!
Once you have decided that an underground propane tank is what you want, it’s time to have it installed. The good news is that installation is easy and quick.
The best time for installation is spring or summer when the ground isn’t frozen.
Before you get started, you should ask your propane gas supplier what the installation process looks like. Installing your propane tank should not be a big inconvenience for you and should only take one day.
The first step for installing your underground propane tank is excavation. Your propane gas supplier will map a place in your yard where the propane gas tank can fit and will not interfere with other systems in your home.
Your underground propane gas tank must be installed a minimum of 10 feet from your home (and exterior appliances) and 10 feet from the edge of your property.
Your propane gas supplier should follow all safety regulations when installing your tank to ensure it is not damaged and is not at risk of leaking. This includes:
- Ensuring the foundation is firm
- Properly securing the container to prevent movement or “tank floating”
- The hole is backfilled with earth free from rocks or other abrasives
- The container is covered with 1’ or more of earth
Underground propane tanks are discreet and easy to access.
After the tank is installed in the ground and hooked up, a dome will be placed to protect the valve and fittings that stick out from the earth.
As long as the ground is not frozen, excavation can happen! Your finished tank will be hardly noticeable and blend in with your landscape.
Kauffman Gas is Ready to Hook You Up!
Kauffman Gas is one of the few gas suppliers in the Delaware and Pennsylvania region that owns and operates its own excavation equipment. This means we can excavate and install your underground or above-ground propane tank and hook up the gas service all on the same day.
This means you aren’t left without propane service or with an unsightly mess in your yard. We also lay grass seed to ensure your yard grows back to normal.
Contact Us for any questions or concerns you have about installing your underground propane tank!t taciti nam, in ornare litora vehicula viverra tempus sodales cursus, lacinia vitae proin eleifend orci nulla.
FAQs
What are the advantages of installing an underground propane tank?
Underground propane tanks are a popular choice because they keep your yard free from large metal tanks and blend seamlessly into landscaping while still providing the same reliable fuel supply as above-ground options.
They also stay protected from weather and temperature extremes, being buried below ground level.
How long does an underground propane tank installation take?
A professional underground propane tank installation is designed to be efficient and usually completed in one day, including excavation, setting the tank, connecting the fuel line, and backfilling the trench.
It’s important to work with a supplier that handles excavation equipment and installation coordination to avoid delays.
What site requirements are needed for an underground propane tank?
Underground propane tanks must be placed with appropriate clearances from buildings, ignition sources, and property lines, typically at least 10 feet from structures and other hazards.
Your propane technician will assess soil condition, space availability (like a minimum of 12×5 feet), and optimal placement for safe installation.
Is underground propane tank installation safe?
Yes. Underground propane tank installation follows strict safety codes, and tanks are secured in a stable foundation with proper backfill and protective measures to prevent movement or damage.
When installed properly by certified professionals, these tanks pose no health or environmental risk.