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.