A lot of homeowners that find large propane tank to be visually unappealing may wonder, “can you bury a propane tank?” Luckily, there’s a way to take advantage of this great fuel for household without having to worry about the potential unpleasant sight it may create which involves underground propane tank installation.
In case you’ve pondered about the question of can you bury a propane tank, you can be relieved because at least safety-wise, it is totally feasible to bury one. Underground propane tanks have been around for long and proven to be safe.
DIY project enthusiasts may wonder on the other hand, can you bury a propane tank by yourself? While some tasks involved in the process such as landscaping, backfilling, excavation, and fill purchasing can be done through DIY route, other tasks like safety examination, gas piping, cathodic protection, and tank installation should be handled by a professional only.
In general, underground tanks installed at residential area range between 120 and 1000 gallon, with 500 gallon being the most common. The required distance from the tank to the buildings is dictated by national codes, where it is said that tanks should be installed at least 10 feet away from any building, line of property, or prospective sources of ignition. Moreover, they must have not located farther than 100 feet from an access road or driveway to be reachable by the hose of delivery trucks.
The approximate dimension of hole needed to bury a 500-gallon tank is 5 x 5 x 12 feet. To prevent the tank coating from being damaged from debris and rock, it must be bedded in and backfilled with sand. Several inches of the dome at the top must be exposed to create access for regulators and valves service.
As an addition of extra coatings needed to prevent corrosion, cathodic protection is another must-have for any underground tank. Generally, this involves attached sacrificial anodes to the tank, which is zinc ingot or magnesium enveloped in sacks of designated material. The anodes contain metal that falter to prevent corroded steel tank. The anodes can be replaced and last up to 50 years, but recurring examination is needed to check if they still properly protect the tank.
To determine the best location for underground tank, it is recommended to consult with the propane dealer. Selecting a trustworthy and reputable propane dealer is important for safety measures. Aside from asking can you bury a propane tank in your local area, you also need to ask about customer support, training, and insurance as well.
