How To Remove an Underground Propane Tank

Did you know the average household uses upwards of 1,200 gallons of propane per year, just for heating?

Since propane is both an affordable and environmentally-friendly form of energy, it’s no wonder that countless households get propane delivered to them every year. But what can you do when you have an old propane tank that you want removed—especially if it’s underground?

Fortunately, propane tank removal is a simple process if done by qualified professionals. Keep reading to learn how to remove a propane tank buried underground.

Removing a Propane Tank You Own

Underground propane tanks range in size, but even the smallest underground tank weighs about 1000 pounds. It’s also important to remember that propane is a hazardous material and even skilled professionals have to be careful when removing an unwanted tank, especially if it’s old and rusty.

Hire a Professional to Remove Your Underground Tank

You cannot trust your average handyman to remove an underground propane tank. For safe removal, you will need to hire a licensed propane company to remove your unwanted tank. These companies have the certifications and trained technicians needed to dispose of old propane tanks properly.

They will also have the necessary tools to pump out and deal with any leftover propane. If the tank you’re getting rid of has a propane level of 5% or more, a drainage fee may apply.

Cost of Propane Tank Removal

Whether the propane tank is owned by you or your propane company, you will probably have to pay a drainage fee and a pickup fee for removal. However, the exact amount of these services will vary from one propane company to another. You will need to get in touch with them to find out for sure what to expect.

It’s important to keep in mind that you may also be reimbursed or compensated for any leftover propane in your tank. While you won’t earn a fortune this way, it will at least alleviate the cost burden of having the tank removed.

Alternatives to Removing Underground Propane Tanks

If having your underground propane tank removed sounds like too much cost or trouble, you have another option. Why not leave it where it is?

Underground propane tanks have several benefits—most notably the ability to store your propane out of sight. Since it’s underground, you don’t have to deal with an ugly tank in the middle of your yard. So the best option is usually to fill the tank with foam filling and then leave it alone.

This isn’t a do-it-yourself project, and you’ll still need a certified professional to do the work for you. But it comes with several benefits over removing your tank outright.

First of all, removing an underground propane tank can result in an unappealing and sizable hole in the ground. Your propane company is under no obligation to fill it for you, and so not all services will.

Even if the propane company offers to bring soil to fill in the hole with, it can still mess up your yard. If you have detailed landscaping that you don’t want to be disturbed, it’s probably best not to remove the tank. Finally, using foam filling to seal and retire a propane tank can be more cost-effective than having it dug up and hauled away.

Getting Help With Propane Tank Removal

As you can see, you have several options when it comes to underground propane tank removal.

Your needs will be different depending on whether it’s an abandoned tank that came with your property or if it’s owned by your current propane delivery company. As you’ve also seen, it might be better to use foam filling and leave the tank where it is.

Whatever your next steps should be, if you’re based in Long Island, Propane Depot can help. From helpful recommendations to affordable propane delivery, contact us to learn what we can do for you.

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