Hey all,
I am weighing the costs of above ground vs underground propane tanks. An above ground 1,000 gallon tank goes for $1,000 (or I can rent it) while an underground 1,000 gallon tank goes for $3,000 including the price of two anode bags (cannot rent the underground tank). In terms of cost alone, it’s an easy decision.
Does anyone have any advice or experience with underground propane tanks? I don’t have a shallow water table, but am wondering about tank lifetime of an underground tank.
Thanks,
Rob
Replies
I have installed underground LP tanks for standby generator fuel strorage at DOT communication sites. In each case a concrete slab was called for in the specifications to secure the tank to insure that it did not float. If your area is not subject to high goound water levels you may be able to omit this step. However if I was going to all the trouble and expense to install an underground tank in the first place why not to it right. The DOT wants these tanks underground for security purposes and to also keep the tank pressure up when it is way below zero to insure an adequate fuel supply on a long generator run in winter. LP goes to 0 PSI at around -20F. Most local or state jurisdictions will also require an undergrond tank permit which mandates additional paperwork and yearly inspections. Additionaly you may need to get a rider on your insurance policy for a UST(underground storage tank) Why not just install an above ground tank at a tolarable location and avoid the hassle. Roger
I don't know about your climate, but here in non-freezing Southern CA, I've never seen an underground propane tank. (Then again, maybe it's just that they're well hidden.) Here, propane is only used in areas where the lots are huge, and people have plenty of room to hide an above ground tank in the landscaping. In general, tanks are placed downhill from the house, because the gas is heavier than air, and will go away from the house if it leaks.
-- J.S.
Unless the above-ground tank will simply be too unsightly, or you live in an area where it can be expected to get below -30F for more than a few hours at a time, above-ground is the way to go. Below-ground you have more regulatory hassles, more concerns about corrosion, etc.
(We were on propane the first winter in our current house, and temps dipped to about 35 below at times. No problem with pressure.)
The one other consideration that was not mentioned was spottign the tank conveniently for the filling truck. Hank Hill doesn't like to drive the big truck across your lawn that much.
Had to look it up, but propane is almost the exact opposite of natural gas. The specific gravity of propane is 1.55, NG is .55 (air = 1).
So, the downhill from the house advice is good.
Yeah, ask the supplier how long their hose is. I'm guessing, from how our unit was spotted, the hose was at least 50 feet, but it may be longer, and it may vary from supplier to supplier.
I'm in a rural part of central california. Most parcels in my area are not served by natural gas, so propane is the only economic alternative. In my area, a certified above ground 300 gal tank delivered and installed to the site is around $750 as opposed to $50 per year tank rent. I've rented the same tank now for 15 years and wish I had purchased it outright at the beginning. In our county, there are elaborate rules about burying tanks. Usually they are required to be in a concrete vault with leak detection devices and ventelator fans installed which makes underground storage way outside the price of the normal homeowner. The county issues permits for underground tanks and charges an annual fee for inspection also.
I have two tanks which I rent for now. They're above ground and ugly but that can be remedied, I'm thinking off a false outhouse if permits allow. I dislike renting as that then allows the filling company to enter my property unwarranted and that just bugs me on principle. Granted they would only do so if I reneged on them but the contract I had to sign seemed ambiguous. They have already filled and billed when I didn't call and getting a bill from a supplier unexpectedly and at their leisure doesn't sit well with me. Buy if you can, use your imagination to camouflage it.
Hey all,
Thanks for the tips, especially the camouflage ideas. I've got moose in my neighborhood, maybe I'll paint it like a moose. Perhaps that would be a bad thing during rut.
Rob
Look around for a used one. Much cheaper. Check the regulator to see if it's current.
I built a fence enclosure around my 250 gal tank, with a cut out to access the fill/vent/regulatof assembly. Stuck some plants on it. Looks nice.
I spoke with the local propane company that services us about this same question. We have a high water table at about 3-4' below surface depending on rain fall, coastal tide and location to the lake. There recommendation is to not use an undergroung tank mainly because of the cost and that the anode bag must be replace every few years, depending on soil conditions.
One thing about owning your own tank is that you can get propane from any company and some places give a better price because of this. It's hard to negotiate a price for 250 gals of propane when they own the tank and no other company will fill it.
Rental has it's benefits too. You never have to maintain it, they do. Ours rental around $50 per year.
Interesting question - not possible to go underground here with it - regulatory issues.
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renting or buying, aboveground or underground tanks
Most people make the decision based on cost and esthetics. I think it also depends on how long you're staying in your house. If a while, then it might be worthwhile to buy - especially for your size tank. Otherwise, just rent. I'd get quotes from companies to see what the difference in propane price is, too, and if it's significantly cheaper. There is quite good information on the pros and cons of buying aboveground and underground propane tanks here.