Having licensed professionals install a propane tank on your property will give you access to an eco-friendly and affordable fuel source. As propane is flammable when mixed with air, associations and government agencies have installation regulations for public safety. To ensure your system meets requirements, below are three steps to follow. 

How to Prepare for Propane Tank Installation

1. Choose a Location

Making sure the propane tank is far away from structures is crucial, so choose a location wisely. The installation company will provide insight on specific rules in your city and state. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, for example, requires tanks that hold up to 500 gallons be at least 10 feet away from a building. For residential installation, the National Fire Protection Association also lists 10 feet as the minimum. Where underground septic equipment and utilities are located should also be taken into account. 

2. Get the Proper Permits

Before work is underway, the installers should secure permits with the appropriate offices in your jurisdiction, such as the fire department. This means work performed on the property is legal. Without it, you might have to detach the above-ground tank or dig up underground equipment for a code inspector to examine. You would have to pay for the work and could also be subjected to fines for unlawful installation.  

3. Consider How to Guard Equipment

Even before the propane tank is installed, you should still think of how to separate it from the rest of the yard. Have fencing materials ready so you can create a border around it. For underground systems, get long poles or markers to push in the ground near it. When tending to the landscape, you’ll know not to place heavy tractors or additional equipment in that part of the yard, as the weight could crush the tank or attachments. 

Whether you want to put a propane tank on concrete blocks in the yard or bury it below ground, the technicians at Martindale Guadalupe Gas Company are qualified to assist. Based in Caldwell County, TX, the family-run company has been the go-to source for tank installation and propane gas delivery in Caldwell County for more than 70 years. For a free service estimate, call (512) 357-6497. See photos of the team’s work on their website and learn about the benefits of using propane-powered equipment on Facebook.