When planning a propane installation, the placement of the tank gets determined by safety, convenience, and the law. There are federal regulations about how far the tank should be from buildings, appliances, and other features of your home. There may also be local ordinances about this issue, so check in with your propane company, too. In the meantime, you can familiarize yourself with the federal regulations below.

Why Should Propane Tanks Be Placed So Far Away?

If you don't comply with laws about propane tank distance, you can be fined and may be forced to move the tank. Beyond this, it can be dangerous to place the tank too close to the home, especially if it’s too close to vents or sources of ignition like an air conditioner. Fumes can escape from the tank and may catch fire if you aren't careful. They're also toxic to breathe.

The Best Place for an Above-Ground Tank

If you have an above-ground tank, the size is the main factor in determining how far it should be from the home and any appliances. A small tank holding under 125 gallons can be close to the home, but has to be at least ten feet from windows, AC units, and vents. It also needs to be at least five feet from any crawlspace entrances. A tank over 125 gallons but under 500 also has to be ten feet away from any structure, and one over 500 gallons has to be 25 feet away.

The Best Place for an Underground Tank

A buried tank of any size up to 2000 gallons also follows the ten-foot rule. When determining the distance from vents and appliances, measure to the tank's exposed valves and vents. When determining the distance from the structure and the property line, measure to the nearest part of the tank.

If you want to ready your home for propane delivery, talk to the experts at Owens Energy. Based in Show Low, AZ, and serving Navajo County, they offer 24/7 service you can rely on. They offer a range of options to suit your budget, including both sales and rentals of propane equipment, as well as comprehensive repairs. Learn more about them online or call (928) 537-8900.