Tanks Come in Many Sizes and Shapes… Including Hard-to-See
Propane tanks can be large or portable — and safely buried, virtually invisible to a homeowner. There are two main types of propane tanks. DOT cylinders, familiar to homeowners with propane grills, are generally used above ground and typically don’t contain more than 25 gallons of propane. Horizontal ASME tanks can hold 250 to more than 1,000 gallons and are safe to bury underground, out of sight.
On average, a 500-gallon tank can easily provide the energy for a four-bedroom home, while a tank with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more can fuel a larger home with additional energy demands such as a swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and patio lighting. A large, centrally located ASME tank can even provide propane to an entire development of homes.
Your propane retailer can advise you on proper tank size and location and handle both the installation and the gas hookup to the house. From start to finish, you’ll get the help you need to do the job right.
Tank Placement
Propane can be small and portable, or fuel a home discreetly, almost invisibly, from an underground tank.
An ASME propane tank can be buried with minimal excavation costs, leaving only a small dome visible just inches above the ground. This dome allows for easy servicing and refilling, and it can be easily screened with shrubs or other plantings to blend seamlessly into a home’s overall landscaping.
When selecting a location for the placement of a DOT cylinder or ASME storage container, you should evaluate only accessible, safety-approved sites. Considerations should include:
• Building and safety codes: These vary from location to location. Precedence must be given to state and local regulations and NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Your propane professional will refer to this standard when planning placement of your containers. Extra copies are available from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Generally, tanks fall under a 10-foot rule with regard to clearance from the home and other structures. There are additional distance requirements for the point of transfer and the positioning of the tank’s safety release valve.
• Ease of access: Delivery trucks will need adequate access to refill tanks or exchange cylinders.
• Customer’s desires: Aesthetics play an important part in project success. Be sure to review proposed tank placement with your customer and discuss landscaping, if necessary.
Renovations and Retrofits
For homes with legacy utility systems, it’s easy to make the switch to propane.
Propane’s energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint make it an attractive choice for homeowners seeking to remodel or simply upgrade an appliance. Whether your project is large or small, you’ll want to engage your customers about the benefits of propane.