Propane Tips for Underground Propane Tanks – PT 13

Propane tanks are available in many different sizes with many available options and it’s no surprise that an ever increasing number of homeowners and builders are installing underground propane tanks as they continue to select propane as their energy source of choice.

If your home is already equipped with an underground propane tank or you’re considering the installation of a underground propane tank, here’s some good news. You’re certainly in good company.

In 2006, the Propane Research & Education Council empowered the NAHB Research Center to conduct a survey with a group of over 200 builders located in various geographic areas across the country.

Here’s what the study revealed:

• First of all, awareness of underground propane tanks is strong; eight out of ten professional builders indicated that they are aware of the use of underground propane tanks.
• For homes built off the natural gas main, 34% of the homes use an underground propane tank.
• In the previous 12 month period prior to the survey (March 2006), twenty one percent of the new homes were outfitted with underground propane tanks storage systems even if they were located near the natural gas main.

Here’s some important tips to consider if you’re considering an underground propane tank.

First of all, if you’ve got a large family, go ahead; think big. One of the advantages of an underground propane tank is that you can install a larger sized tank and it’s buried and out of sight. The larger tank may be the best suitable choice for your family’s needs. Your propane provider can help you determine the best sized tank for your home.

Now about location. You’ll want to consult with your propane provider (who will be installing the tank and providing subsequent delivery services). A good propane provider will be interested in ensuring that your tank is installed according to state and local regulations. Since the tank is underground, in order to protect the tank from electrolysis and corrosion, a bag of magnesium (referred to as an anode bag) will be attached to the tank with a wire.

With your tank buried and out of sight, a dome will be visible at the ground surface. This is where valves, connections, and tank fittings are located and where your delivery driver will connect to fill your tank. All fittings and connections are centrally positioned and safely protected by the dome walls and cover. Since all of the fittings are hidden and protected by the dome, an underground propane tank provides an excellent aesthetic solution for your landscaping.

Ongoing maintenance, no problem. Just make sure you select a propane provider who provides comprehensive services that include the regular inspection of all valves and important components.

With the right propane provider as your partner, your underground propane tank will serve you with green, efficient, and dollar smart energy for many years to come.

Question: We currently have an above ground tank on a property we just purchased, we would like to have an underground tank as we understand that this will be out of sight. Can we use the current tank and just put it underground?

Terry Garnett: That’s a great question and we get asked that a lot. No, you cannot. We talked about this earlier. Under the lid are many of the service valves utilized for the propane tank, however, one very important valve -the relief valve- is not located under the lid. It is actually located on the body of the tank on an above ground tank.

So if you bury an above ground tank, you bury the relief valve.

On an underground tank, extensions are put on all valves to bring them above ground level. So, you cannot use an above ground taken for an underground tank. They are two different tanks.

Question: I live in an area of central Texas where we have a lot of flooding, and we had a lot of flooding this last year. Our entire yard was under water. Is there any potential damage to my propane lines?

Terry Garnett: Water may pose more of a detrimental effect to underground tanks and regulators that are not installed correctly- too low. Your delivery driver should be assessing your system on his scheduled visits, but I recommend notifying your provider for a Hazmat Safety Check and Inspection if you experience anything like that.

Question: I keep reading about Hazmat safety inspection. What is that?

Terry Garnett: We are a Licensed Hazardous Materials provider. We term many of our services under that title in abbreviated format-Hazmat. A Hazmat Safety check is a pressure test of your gas line, a visual inspection of your system, and performance assessment and documentation of the propane appliances in your home.

Terry Garnett’s Propane has been serving Central Texas communities for over 30 years. For Same Day Delivery, call Terry Garnett’s Propane at 512-484-4480 (or toll free 1-800-950-8289) for all of your propane needs.

Propane Tips: How to Choose a Propane Tank – PT 12

Propane was first identified by Dr. Walter O. Snelling of the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1910. In 1912, Dr. Snelling and some colleagues established the American Gasol Co., the first commercial marketer of propane. Thanks to Dr. Snelling’s discovery, propane has become your best choice for dollar smart and green efficient energy for your home or business.

If you’re currently in the process of making the wise decision to switch to propane for your home, you may be wondering how to choose a propane tank.

There can be several aspects to consider; what size tank, above ground or under ground tank, in addition to many other options.

A top quality propane provider will assist in your planning by asking key questions that will help them recommend the right propane tank and system for your home.

Now for a important point regarding professionalism and safety. There are certainly many things a handyman can do around the house however installing a propane tanks is not one of them. Installing a propane tank is not a do it yourself project.

You’ll want to have your propane provider’s skilled and licensed personnel handle all phases of installation and calibration of your system.

It’s also very important that you select a propane provider who offers:

• A solution that includes both materials and labor
• Delivery and installation of propane tank
• Choice of purchasing your propane tank or renting
• 2 stage regulator system
• 10 feet exterior line
• Anode systems with underground propane tanks
• Return trips to complete everything including final start up
• In addition, above ground propane tanks may be fenced, latticed, or xeriscaped with native plants to create an aesthetically pleasing installation for your home.

Interviewer: Are there different brands of propane tanks that are better than others?  How do I know that I’m getting a good quality brand and not the cheapest tank possible?

Terry Garnett: There are probably three or four manufactures of tanks in the Southwest United States, and I have used all of them and they are good tanks. I prefer the Trinity tanks out of Dallas, Texas. They are American made.  There are tanks made in Mexico and shipped here that are less expensive.  I do not feel in general they are of the same quality as their American counterparts. They seem to start breaking down and not working as well- problems with the valves. When inquiring about a tank, I would ask where it was manufactured.

Interviewer: We are building a new home and we have become sold on powering the home with propane.  How do we competitively research tanks on the internet?  How do we go about knowing what to look for?  How do we know we are getting a good deal on a tank and how do we know what tank size to get.

Terry Garnett: Well, it all goes back to selecting a proper provider with experience that understands what your needs and has the ability to meet them.

For example, when we size a propane tank, what we look at is not just current use, we look at any future expansion possibilities that you may have.

Adequate sizing is important. It is important to establish a relationship with a provider you have confidence in that can consult with you in a professional and effective manner.

Interviewer: Compared with the tanks that are used for ethanol, methanol, and gasoline, are the propane tanks actually more volatile or puncture prone or how does the safety of a propane cylinder stack up with a gas can?

Terry Garnett: Propane tanks are very safe and their construction heavily regulated. They are not puncture prone, and comparing them to a gas can is like comparing a Volvo to a unicycle.

Interviewer: I don’t really plan on doing any of the work myself.  Is it really important to know where my gas service lines are?

Terry Garnett: It’s always good to know where your tank is and where your gas service lines are.  Know where the shut off to your system is and how to shut it off. Remember ALWAYS locate your gas line before you dig.

Interviewer: Okay, next question, I live in an area of central Texas where we have a lot of flooding, and we had a lot of flooding this last year.  Our entire yard was under water.  Is there any potential damage to my propane tank and propane lines?

Terry Garnett: Water may pose more of a detrimental effect to underground tanks and regulators that are not installed correctly- too low. Your delivery driver should be assessing your system on his scheduled visits, but I recommend notifying your provider for a Hazmat Safety Check and Inspection if you experience anything like that.

Interviewer: I keep reading about Hazmat safety inspection.  What is that?

Terry Garnett: We are a Licensed Hazardous Materials provider. We term many of our services under that title in abbreviated format-Hazmat.  A Hazmat Safety check is a pressure test of your gas line, a visual inspection of your system, and performance assessment and documentation of the propane appliances in your home.

Interviewer: I have read that propane is basically odorless and odorless in its natural state, if that’s true, how does the smell get involved with propane?

Terry Garnett: Yes, propane in its natural state is odorless.  For that reason a chemical compound called ethyl mercaptan is introduced to the propane and stays with it for life.

Interviewer: Regarding the the driver that brings propane to my house, how much education does the average driver get about propane?

Terry Garnett: Well, to begin with, our drivers are licensed with The State of Texas Railroad Commission; L.P. Gas Division, and they undergoa series of training and tests that must be passed before the license is granted. Then each licensee must keep is license current through requalification seminars and subsequent testing. Then there are  Federal hazardous material and  State D.O.T. requirements and qualifications that must be adhered to as well.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us today. I’m sure our readers will appreciate your experience.

Terry Garnett: My pleasure.

Terry Garnett’s Propane has been serving Central Texas communities for over 30 years. Call Terry Garnett’s Propane at 512-484-4480 (or toll free 1-800-950-8289) for all of your propane needs.