Underground Propane Tank Installations
Common Concerns and Questions About Installing an Underground Propane Tank
An underground propane tank is right for you if…
- Your propane tank is 500+ gallons (most underground propane tank sizes are 500 or 1,000 gallons)
- You have at least 12×5 feet in your yard to install the tank
- You have a place to install the tank where it won’t be near vehicles or traffic
- You don’t want a propane tank to be seen above ground
Is installing a propane tank underground safe for my home and family?
Yes! Propane is an environmentally safe fuel. Burying a propane tank underground does not pose a risk to your family, soil, or water supply.
Underground vs. Above Ground Propane Tanks
Both underground and above ground tanks are safe and affordable. Choosing between the two comes down to your needs and preference.
Underground propane tanks are popular for homeowners who use at least 600 gallons of propane or more per year and have a 500+ gallon tank. Underground tanks are marked by a discreet dome showing about 12 inches of the ground.
Above ground propane tanks are typical for residents who use less propane or in areas where the terrain does not allow for an underground tank. Above ground tanks can be easily hidden with creative landscaping or fencing.
When it’s Time to Upgrade to a 500 Gallon Underground Propane Tank
It’s common for your propane needs to change as your family grows or living styles change. For example, many homeowners find they need more propane when their kids become teenagers or come back from college.
Many homeowners with 250 gallon or 500 gallon above ground propane tanks would prefer a discreet underground tank. If this is you, ask your propane supplier what your options are for upgrading to an underground tank.
500 gallon underground propane tanks are great for…
- Homes greater than 1,500 sqft
- Homes with two or more bathrooms
- Households with four or more people
- Homes that use propane for whole house heating and one or more appliances
Many homeowners save with a 500 gallon underground propane tank because they can fill up less often.
We Hold Our Customers’ Opinions in the Highest Esteem
“Kauffman replaced our 500 gal underground tank with a new 1000 gal tank, worked non-stop and completed in less than 8 hours. Took away old tank and excess soil and gave credit for propane in old tank. Exceptional work, extremely pleased.”
Doug R., Kauffman Gas customer
Specifications for Underground Propane Tank Installations
The most common underground propane tank size for residents is 500 gallons.
Many commercial businesses use 1,000 gallon propane tanks.
Propane Tank Dimensions
Propane Hole Dimensions
Underground Propane Tank Location Regulations
Diagram Notes
- Regardless of its size, any ASME tank filled on-site must be located so that the filling connection and the fixed liquid level gauge are at least 10 feet from the external source of ignition (i.e. open flame, window A/C, compressor, etc.). Intake to direct vented gas appliances, or intake to a mechanical ventilation system.
- The distance from your house to your underground propane tank may be reduced to 10 feet minimum for a single container of 1200 gallons water capacity or less if it is located at least 25 feet from any other LP-Gas container of more than 125 gallons of water capacity.
- Minimum distances from underground containers shall be measured from the relief valve and filling or level gauge vent connection at the container, except that no part of an underground container shall be less than 10 feet from a building or line of adjoining property which may be built upon.
- Where the container may be subject to abrasive action or physical damage, it must be either a) placed not less than 2 feet below grade or b) otherwise protected against such physical damage.
Kauffman Gas Helps You Choose The Right Size Tank for Your Home
We want the propane tank in your home to serve you the best way it can. Give us a call to discuss your propane needs, and we’ll help you choose the right size tank.
Hours are 8:30am-4pm Monday-Thursday, and 8:30am-3:30pm Friday
What to Expect & What to Ask About Your Underground Propane Tank Installation
1. You should be home during the installation
Technicians will conduct a leak test which requires access to your house to make sure your underground propane tank has been hooked up safely, so it is preferable that you are home during the installation process.
If you can’t be home, you may be asked to allow the technician to enter your home.
2. Ask who owns the excavation equipment
Suppliers don’t always own the excavation equipment necessary for the installation. This can cause scheduling issues.
When a supplier owns and operates all the necessary equipment, you won’t be burdened with scheduling issues or multiple companies needing access to your home.
3. Your underground propane tank installation should be complete in one day
Start to finish – your propane supplier should be in and out within 4-6 hours.
4. Your yard should be kept clean and impact should be minimal
Professional propane suppliers should work hard to minimize the impact to your yard during installation. Ask for references so you can determine if the technicians are known for being efficient, clean, and respectful of your yard. While you might need to sprinkle some grass seed, the work should be seamless!
5. Ask how often the underground tank will be maintained
If you lease your propane tank from your supplier, you should expect a special visit approximately every three years to make sure your underground propane tank is in top shape!
Service Area
We provide propane gas delivery, installation, maintenance, and HVAC services to residents and businesses in:
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