Underground propane tank installations offer an out-of-sight, out-of-mind solution for your propane tank. But many homeowners ask this question when they’re thinking about an installation:
What will happen to my yard?
Here is what you can expect during underground propane tank install:
Step 1: Finding a safe place for the underground tank
The first step is for the propane company to determine the best place in your yard to place your tank. There are several safety parameters that dictate where an underground tank can go:
- Distance from the house (at least 10 feet from your home)
- Distance from any property lines (at least 10 feet away from the perimeter)
- Underground gas lines (safe route to the tank)
- Potential ignition sources (electric appliances like your A/C unit)
- Absence of trees and tree roots
Once the providers find the right spot, they are ready to pull the propane tank up to the excavation spot
Step 2: Digging the hole
The size of the hole in your yard depends on the size of the tank you choose. Here are the hole dimensions for each underground tank option:
1000-gallon tank hole: 17 feet long – 4 feet wide – 5 feet deep
Providers insert the underground propane tank in the hole
Step 3: Fill the hole with smooth soil
During your underground propane tank install, your provider will fill in the hole with their own smooth soil, which is sometimes mixed with sand. This will fill in the large trench in your yard, but it won’t get rid of the large brown patch of dirt.
Step 4: Grow back your grass
Following your underground tank burial, it’s up to you to fill in the patch of missing lawn. If you get the installation scheduled at a good time of year, like the spring time, you’ll have ample time to plant grass seed or sod, or even landscape, over top of the dirt patch to cover it up.
How often will this happen to my yard?
Your lawn will only need to be dug up during the actual installation of your underground propane tank, unless you want to switch propane providers. In that case, the tank goes with them, and your yard will have to be excavated to replace the old tank. Make sure you schedule the tank swap with your former and new provider on the same day, that way a trench won’t sit in your yard for long.
But, if you don’t switch propane services, your tank will be there to stay for quite a while because when they install the tank, they’ll line it with sacrificial nodes. The sacrificial nodes protect the propane tank from corrosive electrical currents underneath the ground and will alert your provider if there’s a problem.
When it comes to your underground propane tank installation, don’t fear any damage to your yard. With a reliable propane gas provider, the process should be smooth and efficient.
FAQs
1. What will happen to my yard during an underground propane tank install?
Expect a planned excavation where the tank will sit, followed by backfilling with smooth soil (often mixed with sand). You’ll see a noticeable dirt patch until you re-establish grass or landscaping. Once the area regrows, the only visible part is the small dome access at grade.
2. How do installers choose a safe location for the tank?
They assess safety clearances and site conditions: at least 10 feet from your home, at least 10 feet from property lines, a safe route for underground gas lines, distance from ignition sources (like A/C units), and minimal tree roots. After selection, the tank is staged near the excavation spot.
3. How big is the hole that will be dug in my yard?
Hole size depends on tank capacity. Typical dimensions: for a 500-gallon tank, about 11 feet long by 4 feet wide by 5 feet deep. For a 1,000-gallon tank, about 17 feet long by 4 feet wide by 5 feet deep. Your provider will confirm based on the actual model.
4. What are the main steps during installation?
After siting, crews excavate to the required dimensions, place the underground tank, connect approved gas lines, and backfill with smooth soil or sand mix. They then test the system to ensure proper operation. You’ll be left with a backfilled area ready for reseeding, sodding, or other landscaping.
5. Will the propane company restore my lawn after backfilling?
The provider backfills the trench with smooth soil to stabilize the tank and protect piping, but the cosmetic lawn repair is typically up to you. You’ll still see a brown dirt patch. Plan to reseed, lay sod, or landscape over the area to blend it back into your yard.
6. When is the best time to fix the dirt patch and regrow grass?
Scheduling in spring offers generous growing conditions for reseeding or installing sod, helping the area recover faster. You can also incorporate landscaping to conceal the disturbed soil. With time and proper care, the area will blend in; only the tank dome will remain visible above ground.
7. How close can the tank be to my house and property lines?
Plan for at least 10 feet from your home and at least 10 feet from property lines for typical residential installations. Local codes and site specifics govern setbacks and clearances, so your installer will verify and follow all requirements during planning, permitting, and inspection steps.
8. What protects an underground tank from corrosion over time?
Installers line the tank with sacrificial nodes (often called sacrificial anodes) to guard against corrosive electrical currents underground. These components help extend tank life and can signal potential issues to your provider. With proper protection and monitoring, an underground tank is designed to stay in place for years.
9. Can I landscape over the excavation area or around the dome?
Absolutely. Many homeowners reseed, lay sod, or design landscaping to cover the dirt patch. Keep air circulation, safe access, and service clearances around the dome and fittings. Avoid hard enclosures that block inspection or delivery access, and choose plants that won’t send large roots into the area.