Have you ever looked at an above-ground propane tank and wondered, “isn’t that a little dangerous?”
Propane is a green and efficient fuel to use in your home, but above-ground tanks are vulnerable to the elements and fire hazards. An underground propane tank is the best way to store your fuel without putting yourself and your family in harm’s way.
We’re going to talk about underground propane tanks today, giving you some insight into how they work. Hopefully, the ideas below will inspire you to think about installing a propane tank for your own home.
Let’s get started.
Beginner’s Guide: The Underground Propane Tank
Aside from safety benefits, underground propane tanks are a more aesthetically pleasing option. A bulky propane tank in your yard might not be something that you want to look at for the next ten years.
Both underground and above-ground tanks have the same fittings and operate with the same efficiency. The key differences are the method of installation and the coatings of underground tanks. Because tanks are placed underground, they have a more direct impact on the soil and the ecosystem that depends on the soil.
Eco-Friendly
If there were harmful toxins used to coat your tank, they would seep into the ecosystem in a damaging way. So, underground tanks need to be protected with an eco-friendly coating.
Protected From Electrical Currents
Underground tanks also need to have protection from underground electric currents. Large metal objects in the earth are subjected to what’s called “electrolysis.” Electrolysis erodes the metal, deteriorating the tank and posing numerous risks.
There are a few ways to protect tanks from electrical currents, but a common one is to use an anode bag that attracts and absorbs the bulk of the electrical current. The bag gets buried with the tank and soaks up the electricity so your tank doesn’t have to.
How Do Tanks Operate?
Home tanks operate in a way that converts liquid propane into gas. The system then transports that gas to your home where it’s used in your appliances.
Propane tanks use regulators and valves to transform the liquid into gas. They also contain gauges that give homeowners insights into the pressure levels and volume of propane remaining in the tank.
The professionals that install your tank will also run safety checks periodically. Typically, this happens when someone comes to fill the tank. You can also talk with your professionals about ways that you might check the safety of the tank yourself.
The Installation Process
The first thing to do is to call your local propane professionals. There are numerous considerations to make when it comes to the installation process.
Decide on Size
For one, you need to decide on the size of the tank that you’ll use. There’s a wide variety of tank sizes, although most homeowners choose the 500-gallon tank if they’re going to use the device for a lot of their energy needs.
You might also use a 100-gallon tank if you’re using propane to heat your home, heat your pool, and more. Those decisions are made a lot easier when you’re talking with a professional.
The right tank size can save you money and improve fuel efficiency, so it’s an important thing to think through. Once you know what you’re looking for, you can work with the team to pick a date for installation.
Excavation
Note that underground propane tanks require some excavation to be installed. The excavation process might take a while with some companies, while there are other installation companies that can get the job done over the course of a single day.
After the installation and excavation take place, the only visible aspect of the tank is a small cap that’s used for filling. The professionals ensure that the tank is hooked up properly and you’ll be able to use the tank on the same day.
Buying or Leasing a Tank
Homeowners have a couple of options when it comes to getting their tank. On the one hand, it’s always an option to purchase a tank and have complete ownership of it.
Buying a Tank
When that’s the case, you’re responsible for the initial investment as well as the cost of maintaining the tank. You’re also liable if there’s an issue with the tank or it doesn’t get properly maintained.
Depending on the size of the tank, you might have to pay a thousand dollars or more to buy it. That said, you have complete control of the unit and you don’t have to worry about paying rent fees.
Leasing a Tank
Leasing your underground propane tank is a great option as well. This lets you avoid the initial expense of purchasing the tank and most companies provide the maintenance for free if you’re leasing the unit from them.
On the other hand, you don’t have as many options when it comes to shopping around for better prices. There tend to be some penalties for leased tanks when the homeowner decides to switch their propane provider at any time.
There are pros and cons to both options, so it’s wise to discuss the particulars with the company you’re working with.
Why Choose Propane?
Propane is one of the most affordable fuel sources available. Having a reserve of fuel on your property at any given time is reassuring as well. Propane tanks aren’t likely to malfunction, and you’re aware of the specific amount of fuel that you have access to.
If there are outages or difficulties with other power sources, propane will be there as a reliable backup. It’s also worth noting that propane is one of the most eco-friendly fuel options available.
Its carbon content is particularly low, and it has a smaller footprint than the electricity you would otherwise use which tends to be produced with coal.
Want to Learn More About Installing a Propane Tank?
If you’re looking at installing an underground propane tank, you’re in the right place. There are a lot of things to consider, so it’s important to work with the professionals throughout the process.
We’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about propane tank sizes, finding the best propane tank, installation, and much more.