Subterranean tanks should be set back far enough from any road, street, driveway, or parking lot (at least 10 feet), so that vehicles passing through these locations do not collide with or run over the underground tank dome.
Is it possible for a buried propane tank to explode?
Yes, a propane tank buried underground is full of combustible liquid that is under pressure. Propane tanks, on the other hand, are tough and durable containers due to the tight requirements that govern their manufacture. Exploding subsurface propane tanks are uncommon due to the built-in safety procedures.
If an underground propane tank is exposed to high temperatures, such as from a fire, the contents will heat up and expand. An explosion can occur if there are flames or a resource that can be ignited.
Is it possible to use an above-ground propane tank?
If you want to use propane as a source of heat for your home or business, you’ll need to install a tank to hold the fuel reserves. You have two choices: an above-ground propane tank or an underground propane tank.
You can choose which type is best for you and your property by weighing many variables. Please keep in mind that burying a propane tank designed for above-ground use is dangerous and generally illegal. In any case, before installing your tank, ensure sure it conforms with all applicable EPA standards and local zoning restrictions.
Is it possible to leave a propane tank in the sun?
While your tank shouldn’t be kept indoors, it also shouldn’t be kept in direct sunlight. On a hot summer day, the temperature of an improperly stored tank can easily rise above 120F. The pressure inside your tank will increase as the temperature rises. A relief valve is built into portable propane tanks and operates when internal pressure builds up. The gas will slowly disperse through the valve into the air and could ignite if the valve is released.
Is it possible for a propane tank to explode in the sun?
Yes, however this is more common with the portable 20-pound tanks used for grilling, rather than the larger tanks. Temperatures can quickly soar on a hot summer day. The pressure within the portable propane tank will rise as the tank heats up. Temperatures in the tank, however, would have to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) to produce a breach. Outside, in the shade, is the safest place to keep a propane tank.
Overall Cost
The actual tank will cost the same whether you choose an above-ground or underground installation. An subterranean tank, on the other hand, will be more expensive up front due to the additional costs of:
- Excavation: This requires contractors to check that your foundation is solid, that the tank is at least one foot below ground, that it is securely installed, and that it is backfilled properly for safety.
- Additional labor: The building of an underground tank necessitates the use of more people and equipment, increasing labor expenses.
- Sacrificial anodes are an additional expenditure to the homeowner that are placed around the propane tank to assure long-term corrosion protection.
The additional costs of installing an underground propane tank might easily treble the cost of installing an above-ground propane tank.
In addition, underground tanks can be more expensive to maintain. Anti-corrosion coating is required for subterranean propane tanks to defend against underground factors that could damage the outer material. The coating must be inspected and tested on a regular basis to guarantee that it is functioning properly. It will also need to be replaced if the anti-corrosion coating has been weakened. The homeowner will incur increased costs as a result of these maintenance actions.
Installation Process
Before beginning excavation, just as with an above-ground tank, make sure you have all of the necessary permissions, arrangements, and safety checks in place. The procedure of installing an underground propane tank will take between 2-3 hours once excavation has begun.
You may need to contact your septic provider to dig the hole for the underground propane tank if your home has one. It’s possible that the propane delivery equipment will run over the septic tank if there isn’t enough cooperation, resulting in significant damage.
To show what the installation process for an underground tank looks like, watch this video:
Safety of the Tank
Underground tanks are often safer than above-ground tanks. One reason is because these tanks are more able to maintain their temperature in adverse conditions, particularly in the freezing cold.
In the event of a leak, underground tanks are also safer. Propane is a green fuel, therefore if a leak occurs, it will not harm the surrounding water or soil. Unlike an above-ground tank, there is no risk of the fuel escaping into the atmosphere and igniting a fire.
As a result, depending on the weather, an underground tank is a better option. The exception to this rule is in flood-prone locations, when above-ground tanks are recommended.
What is the minimum distance between a propane tank and a house?
A basic installation takes only a few hours and can be scheduled in a matter of days, depending on the intricacy, weather, and the availability of our technician or Certified Partner. The materials to install your tank, tank bases/blocks, gas line required to install the tank (up to 10 feet from where the line enters the house), fittings to hook up to the gas line, and travel up to 80 kilometers each way are all included in the basic install package.
To ensure the procedure go as smoothly as possible, our professionals have produced the following preparation checklist.
Ensure that all of your propane appliances are properly installed and vented, and that the gas line is connected to an exterior wall. The sole exception is if you live in British Columbia, where you can install the appliances after the tank has been installed, allowing your gas-fitter to perform the final connection while installing your appliances.
Gravel, cement, or a stable ground base should be present where your tank will be installed. Depending on the amount of tank you require, the ground must be level and particular clearances must be adhered to.
The clearance required for a 420-pound cylinder or vertical-style tank our smallest permanent tank built for auxiliary heating for water heaters, fireplaces, pools, and heaters is 3 feet away from windows and doors and 10 feet away from any sources of ignition and air intakes. This tank can be positioned against a structure.
The clearance must be 10 feet away from your home, any building or structure, the property line, windows and doors, and any sources of ignition and air intakes for a 500 USWG horizontal-style tank suitable for residential heating (for example, heat pumps and air conditioners).
Is it possible to have propane tanks close to the house?
Residential propane tanks are simply tanks that have been filled with propane. That propane is extremely flammable and has a hard time with high temperatures. That’s why there are safety precautions in place (such as how far away a propane tank must be from the house).
They certainly can be. ‘Stationary aboveground propane tanks’ are the name for these tanks. Propane tanks, on the other hand, must be placed in accordance with municipal, state, and federal requirements.
We’ll go over the fundamentals of propane tank positioning for tanks with capacities of 100, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 gallons. Example: How far away from the house must a 250-gallon propane tank be? The minimum distance is 10 feet from the home (or, more precisely, from the opening of a building; in other words, from the window).
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is in charge of regulating propane tank placement on private land (HUD). In 2020, they released a new document titled “Conforming the Acceptable Separation Distance (ASD) Standards for Residential Propane Tanks to Industry Standards,” which deals with the minimum distances for propane tanks.
Let’s start with a 100-gallon propane tank and work our way up to 500-gallon, 1,000-gallon, and 2,000-gallon tanks.
It’s worth noting that some laws are state-specific. We’ll go over the basic rules that normally apply, but you should be aware that some states may have somewhat different minimum distances.
What is the life expectancy of a propane tank that has been buried?
The propane tank is the heart of your propane-powered home, providing gas to your appliances and keeping your family warm and comfortable throughout the year.
But how well-versed are you in propane tanks? Here are some fundamentals to get you started.
The size and use of a propane tank, as well as how well it has been maintained for, determine how long it will last. A high-quality, well-maintained galvanized propane tank should last at least 30 years, with some aluminum and composite cylinders lasting even longer. Propane tanks built underground have a 20 to 30 year average life expectancy, depending on the soil type and how well the tank was installed.
Propane tanks are available in a variety of sizes; the right size for your Middle Tennessee or Southern Kentucky house is determined by the propane appliances you plan to use.
The following are some of the most common propane tank sizes, as well as some of the equipment that they typically power:
120 gallon For use with water heaters, space heaters, and pool heaters (holds 100 gallons of propane)
250 gallon For use with generators, pool heaters, and a variety of other equipment (holds 200 gallons of propane)
500 gallon For use with central heating and pool heaters (holds 400 gallons of propane)
1000 gallon Ideal for large households and businesses (holds 850 gallons of propane)
Federal, state, and municipal legislation and regulations govern the location of propane tanks, which must be followed at all times. Here are a few of the most significant:
- A portion of an underground tank of this size must be at least 10 feet from a building or property line.
Do you have any further concerns concerning propane tanks? To learn more, contact an expert at Advance Propane today!