Did you know propane has been providing clean and reliable energy to families for over 100 years?
Propane tank installation will typically take just a few hours and is relatively easy to prepare for. If you are getting your home ready for installation, following these tips to ensure the process is as quick and easy as possible.
1. Figure Out What Size Tank You Need
Before you prepare your home for a propane tank installation, it’s important to make sure you are getting the right size tank to fit your needs.
There is a large variety of appliances that you can use with propane. Make a list of what appliances you’d like to use your propane for. If you only need your stove and fireplace hooked up, for instance, you’ll require a much smaller tank than someone wanting to heat their home and water using propane.
2. Pick a Place for Your Tank and Prep the Land
Before the installers come to preform the propane tank installation, you’ll need to make sure you’ve picked a safe and suitable spot to place it.
An ideal location for your tank will be largely dependant on the size of the tank you’ll be having installed. Most residential tanks must be installed at a minimum of 10 feet away from any structure, property line, and any ignition source.
The tank will need to be installed on a flat and stable surface, like a concrete slab or cement blocks. It’s important that whatever surface is prepared for the tank must be level.
The area will also need to be free and clear of any debris, overgrown plants, and anything else that may prevent a smooth installation.
3. Clear a Path for Delivery
Look around the spot you picked for the installation of your tanks and think about the path the installation professionals may need to take to get there.
You’ll want to make the path as accessible as possible by clearing away any debris and obstacles that may stand between the driveway or road and the spot you chose. If there are any obstacles that are unavoidable, you will need to let your installation professionals know so they can plan ahead.
Making sure the path to your tank is clear will also be important for when you have your tank refilled, so be sure to keep that in mind when you are picking a spot and clearing your path.
4. Get Your Appliances Ready
You’ll need to make sure all the appliances you choose for your home are properly installed and ready to be hooked up to the gas lines after your propane tank installation.
It is very important that you prepare your appliances according to the manufacturer’s installation requirements. Not following the directions of the manufacturer can lead to some major problems, like an increased risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hiring a professional to install your appliances is an option and will ensure that they are ready to safely use once they are hooked up to the propane.
5. Be Available During the Propane Tank Installation
It is best that you be at home for the entirety of the installation process. This makes it easier for both yourself the installation professionals, ensuring there is a clear understanding of where the tank is to be placed and what appliances are to be hooked up.
Installers will need to have access to many parts of your property and your home to successfully install your new tank.
Sometimes during installation, some unforeseen issues can occur. Being readily available can help alleviate these problems quickly and speed up the installation process.
6. Keep Pets and Children Occupied
Our top priority is the safety of your family and ours.
During the installation of your tank, there could be lots of tools, machinery, vehicles, and people around. Keeping your pets and children away from the area of installation and contained inside the home is vital to the safety of both your loved ones and our installation professionals.
Once the installation is complete, making sure the children and pets are occupied while the installers check the appliances is also important.
7. Ask Installers for Any Specific Instructions
Every installation is unique to the home’s needs and layout, so what may work for one installation may not work for another. The best way to make sure you are fully prepared for your propane tank installation is to ask the installation professionals directly if they have any specific instructions for you to follow before they arrive.
The installers will also be sharing information with you concerning your new tank and how to use it properly. If you have any questions about any part of the installation or how to care and maintain for your tank, they will be more than happy to discuss those things with you.
You’re Ready for Your New Propane Tank
You’ve taken all the steps to prepare and now you’re ready for your propane tank installation! Soon you will be reaping all the benefits of using propane in your home.
Are you ready to have propane installed for your home?
Kauffman Gas has been helping families with all their propane needs for over 75 years. From installation to appliance maintenance; we strive to ensure our customers receive friendly and reliable service.
To become a part of the Kauffman Gas family today just contact us here and we will give you a call to discuss your propane needs.
FAQs
What do I need to do before installing a propane tank at my home?
Before the installation of your propane tank, it’s important to choose the right tank size for your needs and pick a safe, accessible location.
The installation area should be clear of debris, on a flat, stable surface, and meet local safety-distance requirements from structures and ignition sources.
You’ll also want to ensure your appliances are ready to be connected and create a clear path for the delivery vehicle.
How far must a propane tank be placed from my home or other structures?
Most residential installations require the tank to be situated at least about 10 feet away from buildings, property lines, or ignition sources.
This safety spacing helps ensure your tank is positioned according to code and local standards.
Should I be present during the propane tank installation, and what about pets and children?
Yes—it’s advisable to be at home during the installation. Being present allows you to communicate directly with the installers about where the tank will go, and ensures that access is granted.
During the installation, there will be equipment and activity around your home, so keeping children and pets safely away from the install area is important for everyone’s safety.
What questions should I ask the installation company ahead of time?
Because each home and tank installation is unique, you should ask the installation team if there are any site-specific instructions you should follow before they arrive.
These might include questions about surface preparation, clearing the path for delivery, appliance readiness, and post-installation maintenance or safety checks.
A good provider will walk you through what to expect and answer your questions.