Is it better to install an underground propane tank or an above ground tank?

Let's weigh the pro's and con's here...

You can rent above ground tanks. If anything happens with that tank such as a gauge stops working, a leak, a valve that doesn't function properly...It is the suppliers problem. They have to deal with it at their expense. This also applies to any mandated 10 year refits or that type of thing. That's why you pay them rent! Most propane companies will NOT rent you an underground tank. You have to purchase it. This is mostly because if your relationship goes sour, they can't easily come and get their tank back! Also it is a lot more labour and a more expensive tank to install than an aboveground.

Depending on where you live, if you have any substantial amounts of snowfall, it can be difficult to find the fill connection on an underground tank. They are usually under a ground level cover. Most propane companies will expect YOU to keep that clear so they can fill the tank, they aren't going to dig around your yard looking for it. So if that isn't watched, you might have missed deliveries and have to pay extra for unscheduled deliveries.

An underground tank will not be subject to extreme temperature swings, so they will perform better in extremely cold temperatures than an aboveground tank. When you get down to below minus twenty an aboveground tank can struggle to vapourize the liquid, where the underground tank is "heated" by the earth.

Not every propane supplier offers, or has ever installed an underground tank. They have to be installed using very specific methods and materials for back filling. If it isn't done properly then YOUR tank could be compromised by a poor installation done by a third party.

Last thing I will mention is also a maintenance issue. An underground tank has an additional component requirement that above ground tanks do not. That is a device to protect the tank from corrosion. Usually it is in the form of a sacrificial anode. This anti-corrosion device must be tested and documented at least once a year to ensure it is protecting the tank properly. There is the cost of the tank inspection to be considered, but also additional costs of replacing the anode if necessary.

To sum all of this up I'll say this...I would only recommend an underground tank when you have no choice. If the property layout is difficult and you need to bury the tank so it isn't in front of the bay window...Absolutely consider an underground tank! But I only use them as a last resort.

Edit: Richard, An underground propane tank is built to a different standard than an aboveground tank. You should NEVER! EVER bury a normal above ground tank. Especially without cathodic protection! If you only had the fill connection above ground where was the pressure relief valve? Buried? not good my friend...

Underground Propane Tank

RE:

Is it better to install an underground propane tank or an above ground tank?

I'm in the process of building a house and my builder suggested installing an above ground propane tank vs. having two above ground tanks. I'm not sure which is better, or safer to install. By law it has to be 10ft away from house. I would like it to be underground so I don't have to...

Better is in the eyes of the beholder. Most people put cheap plastic lattice around them but I don't happen to like that idea. When we put in a bigger tank I had a backhoe come in and dug a hole for it. I put 6"x6" beams down and spiked them together all the around this tank and left two feet as a walk area all the way around it Once the tank was put in the hole I placed 6"x6" timber completely across the top and put 6 mil plastic over it and about six inches of dirt on top of that. The fill valve is the only thing sticking up and it is screwed to the side of the shed where it won't get hit or damaged. I never see it but after 3 years the propane company needed access to inspect it so I dug up the dirt moved the beams to the side and they said that it is re certified for another 5 years so covered it back up. No fuss no mess. Hope this helps you and good luck.

Richard

Better depends on what YOU want. A buried tank is less "ugly", but if there is a leak, or a problem with the tank down the road you may be digging it back up.. I would suggest placing it above ground, which is cheaper, and easier to work on. Use some 6' lattice and some 4x4 treated post and you can hide it. Also some creeping vines that flower would look nice to hid the lattice.

I assume this to be a UK question as it doesnt say. Its up to you where and how you have the tank provided it complies with the regulations and the 10ft applies to highways and boundaries as well.If it couldnt be buried then they wouldnt make one that can. I have come across several and all you see is what amounts to a manhole cover in the lawn for example.They are corrosion protected and tested/inspected every 10 years by your supplier.

Better check with your local building codes, as I'm not sure of any place that will allow underground propane tanks.

Most of us build a ornamental fence around the tank and plant some vines or flowers around it.

If you trust the builder to build your house, take his advise. He has been around, so trust his experience.