What You’ll Learn
What should I expect when having a propane tank buried in my yard?
Installation typically takes just one day and involves excavating a site at least 10 feet from your home, where the tank is secured and protected by a “sacrificial anode bag” to prevent corrosion.
Once buried under a foot of soil, a discreet plastic dome will cover the valves, which you can easily hide with landscaping as long as it remains accessible for maintenance.
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This blog was updated April 2026.
Although 75% of Americans own a propane grill, only 10% of the population uses 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.
Although each propane gas supplier may have a different process, the installation of a buried propane tank typically takes only 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, they will take every safety precaution to ensure your tank is not damaged or at risk of leaking.
The installer will ensure your yard’s foundation is firm. Then they 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 on 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.
Then, 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, they 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 sight. It won’t take up valuable room in your yard.
This is a huge perk when you need a tank that is over 300 gallons.
The buried propane tank’s life expectancy is 20-30 years. The type of soil and whether 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.
When you use propane, you need to understand propane safety facts to keep yourself 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.
Bury Your Tank with Kauffman Gas
Hopefully, the answers to these 5 frequently asked questions help you get a good sense of what you can expect during underground propane tank installation.
If you’re ready for a cleaner yard, become a Kauffman Gas customer today and claim your $499 Underground Tank Installation!
FAQs
How long does underground propane tank installation take?
Most buried propane tank installations are completed in just one day, even for large tanks.
Scheduling depends on weather and ground conditions, especially in colder months.
Is a buried propane tank safe?
Yes. Buried tanks are highly regulated and installed with safety features like sacrificial anode bags to protect against corrosion and secure fittings under protective domes.
Propane also has an added odorant to help detect leaks.
How much maintenance does an underground propane tank need?
Annual maintenance is recommended.
Your propane provider should check the tank’s exterior, valves, regulators, and monitor the anode bag condition to ensure long-term performance and safety.
What are the benefits of burying my propane tank?
Buried tanks are low-visibility, space-saving, and ideal for homeowners who want to preserve yard aesthetics or free up space in the garage or driveway.
How deep is a buried propane tank?
A standard underground tank is covered with at least 12 inches of soil.
The dome and fill valve remain slightly above ground and are covered with a low-profile plastic lid for protection.
Can I landscape around the propane tank dome?
Yes. You can use shrubs, mulch, or decorative stones around the dome to help it blend in with your yard, but avoid blocking access or planting anything with deep roots that could interfere with the tank.