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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.

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. How Long Does a Buried Propane Tank Installation Take?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about underground propane tank installation.

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 you minimal inconvenience. 

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 Installation?

Once you’ve chosen the propane tank size that is appropriate for your needs, your propane gas supplier will schedule your installation.

The first step to install a buried propane tank is to excavate your yard. Your installer will map out your yard and find a suitable location for your tank.

The placement of the propane tank will not interfere with other systems in your home. 

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. 

Once your gas provider has excavated the site for your tank, he or she will take every safety precaution to ensure your tank is not damaged or at risk for leaking.

The installer will ensure your yard’s foundation is firm. Then he or she will secure the tank so that it doesn’t move.

Propane tanks are very durable. As an extra layer of protection for your buried propane tank, your installers will install a sacrificial anode bag to the tank before installation.

This anode bag absorbs natural electric currents in the ground and water that would otherwise deteriorate your tank. Anode bags help prolong the life of your buried propane tank.

Next, the hole will be backfilled with dirt that doesn’t have any rocks that could puncture the tank. Your gas provider will make sure that the tank is covered with at least one foot of dirt.

Next, the installers will hook up the propane to the gas line in your home. They will place a plastic dome over the valve and fittings that poke out of the ground. This protects your valve from the elements and critters.

The dome is low-lying and discreet. If you wish, you can easily place flowers, bushes or other plants around the dome to make it less visible. 

3. Does My Buried Propane Tank Need Maintenance?

Yes, buried propane tanks must be installed and maintained by licensed propane specialists for your safety.

It’s a good idea to have your propane gas provider perform a routine maintenance check on your tank once a year. During that inspection, he or she will check the tank, the pressure regulators and so on.

If you decide to lease your propane tank, your provider may opt to check your tank every two or three years.

4. What’s the Advantage of a Buried Propane Tank?

The main benefit of having a buried propane tank is that it is out of site. It won’t take up valuable room in your garage, basement or yard.

This is a huge perk when you need a tank that is over 300 gallons.

The buried propane tank life expectancy is 20-30 years. The type of soil and if the tank was properly installed can affect this range. 

5. Is Propane a Safe Source of Power for My Home?

This question comes up again and again. Yes, propane is a safe source of power. 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.

If you use propane, you need to understand propane safety facts to keep you safe.

If you smell gas in your home, look for flames or sparks. Extinguish these safely and make sure not to turn on appliances, lights or use electric devices.

If you don’t see sparks or flames, leave the building immediately. 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. If you can’t get in touch with them, contact your local fire department.

Do not go back inside until your gas provider or emergency responders have cleared the area.

Do not use any propane appliances until a licensed service technician has inspected your propane system and certified that it is leak free.

Bottom Line

Thanks for reading. We hope the answer to these 5 frequently asked questions helps you get a good sense of what you can expect during underground propane tank installation.

Still not sure about a buried propane tank for your home? Check out the truth to these 10 propane myths