Installing an Underground Propane Tank: The Long Island Homeowner’s Guide
You’re looking to use propane in your Long Island home. You’re hoping to install your propane tank underground. But you’re wondering: what does underground propane tank installation entail? That’s a great question and one that we can answer. So, without further ado, here is everything you need to know about underground propane tanks and the process of their installation.
The Installation Process
Though every company’s installation process will vary slightly, installations more or less entail a specific set of steps. These steps include the following.
Finding an Appropriate Spot for Installation
You can’t bury a propane tank anywhere you want. There is safety criteria and local codes that need to be met. As such, the first step of the process is the scouting of an appropriate burial area.
The installation team will walk your property and keep an eye out for open spaces. They will then map out those spaces and see whether or not they interfere with other objects on your property.
For instance, there could be electrical wires underground that make a certain space an inappropriate burial spot. Or, there could be a septic tank buried that prevents the burial of the propane tank. The installers will want to know these things so that they can facilitate a clean burial.
Generally speaking, it’s required that buried propane tanks be at least ten feet away from their corresponding homes. At the same time, they must be at least ten feet away from the outskirts of their respective properties. The installers will need to keep these criteria in mind as well.
Burying the Tank
Once an appropriate burial spot has been identified, the installer will start digging. This is done with an excavator, as it enables the hole to be dug quickly. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the tank.
Tip: Ask if the company you are considering does their own excavation or hires an outside company to excavate for the underground propane tank. A company that has their own equipment is in control of the job and the outcome.
After the hole has been dug, the tank will be lowered into it. This is done carefully so as to prevent any cracking or wear and tear. The tank is then hooked up to propane lines and properly secured. Finally, it’s buried underneath fresh soil, ensuring that it’s not exposed.
Note: Properties on or by the water may require a concrete slab and the tank strapped to it to prevent floatation.
Covering the Tank
Generally speaking, when a propane tank is buried, valves and other attachments are left sticking out of the soil. To prevent these entities from meeting physical trauma, a cover is placed over them.
Don’t worry: the cover is fairly aesthetically pleasing and shouldn’t do much to detract from the look of your property. It’s generally green and should blend in with the surrounding landscape.
Understanding Underground Propane Tank Sizes
Propane tanks are available in a variety of sizes. Note, however, that most underground models are either 500 gallons or 1,000 gallons in size.
500-gallon propane tank
A 500-gallon tank measures around:
- 9 feet, 10 inches in length,
- 5 feet in height
As such, it requires an excavated hole of around 12 feet in length, 5 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth.
1,000 gallon propane tank
The 1,000-gallon tank measures around:
- 15 feet, 11 inches in length
- 5 feet, 6 inches in height
It requires an excavated hole of around 18 feet in length, 5 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth.
2,000 gallon propane tank
The 2,000-gallon tank measures around:
- 24 feet in length
- 6 feet in height
It requires an excavated hole of around 28 feet in length, 6 feet in width, and 7 feet in depth.
The Benefits of Underground Propane Tanks
Long Island homeowners in Suffolk and Nassau County prefer underground propane tanks. There are several benefits to be had from installing an underground propane tank. They include the following.
A Better Aesthetic
Propane tanks aren’t awful to look at, but they don’t exactly blend in with the landscaping. As such, if you want your yard to maintain as nice of an aesthetic as possible, you should bury your propane tank underground.
It will still be slightly visible (or at least its cover will be), but it will be much less visible than a full propane tank would be.
A Little More Room to Move
As was noted, underground propane tanks still possess above-ground elements. However, these elements take up much less space than do full propane tanks. As such, they allow more room to move around and more room to store or place other items.
A popular thing to do is to plant flowers and other plants around underground propane tanks. This way, you can use the additional space not only to pursue a fun hobby but also to spruce up the yard.
Increased Safety
Generally speaking, underground propane tanks are safer than above-ground propane tanks. There are a few reasons for this.
For one, underground propane tanks are insulated by the soil. As such, they aren’t as affected by fluctuating temperatures.
Fluctuating temperatures cause the propane gas to expand and contract with heat. Underground, the fluctuations aren’t as severe, especially in the warmer months. This enables underground propane tanks to hold more gas.
There’s also the issue of leaks. If an underground tank leaks, the propane will stay underground, giving it almost no chance of catching fire. If an above-ground tank leaks, the propane could potentially catch fire, leading to a tragedy. So, in short, underground propane tanks are the safest options.
Need Underground Propane Tank Installation on Long Island?
Are you looking to install a propane tank underground? Need underground propane tank installation on Long Island? Propane Depot is:
- An expert underground propane tank installers for commercial and residential customers
- Licensed and insured
- Able to schedule excavation and installation quickly and conveniently because our in-house team owns and operates the excavation equipment.
We know everything there is to know about the installation of underground propane tanks. Whether you need a rank for commercial or residential purposes, our team can accommodate you.
Click here to request a quote or call us at 631-400-SAVE
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