How to Prepare for a Propane Tank Installation

There are many reasons to switch to propane, but that doesn’t mean it’s a hassle-free process. If installing a propane tank makes you nervous, you can feel at ease knowing a professional technician is qualified to install your propane tank and lines.

Even so, there are several things that you can do to set the stage for a quick and safe installation as you prepare for your upcoming appointment. Here are some tips to help you prep for the big day.

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
   Don’t assume you can get the Amazon two-day delivery experience with a new propane tank. In most cases, you’ll need some time to sort things out — sometimes as much as a couple of weeks. Why the lengthy timetable? Because the process of installing a propane tank often requires permits and other documentation that can take days to arrive. Set expectations and plan in plenty of time as you and your propane provider research your local requirements.
2. Select the Right Tank
   Along with permits and regulations, you also want to consider the logistics and size of the tank you should install. This starts with an assessment of your home’s needs. For instance, if you’re just fueling a few appliances or a hot water heater, you may only need a smaller 56-gallon or 120-gallon tank. You’ll want a much larger tank if you have a propane furnace or fireplace insert. Renting or buying your tank is another element to consider in installing a propane tank, which influences the cost to install propane tank.
3. Choose Above or Below Ground
   Next up, consider where your tank will be located, starting with whether you’ll tuck it out of sight or bury it right into the ground next to your pet cemetery. There are pros and cons to placing your tank directly in the ground. For instance, a buried tank isn’t an eyesore. It’s also safer and more efficient due to more consistent temperatures. However, it can also be a larger installation project. Whatever path you choose, consider what you need to do to prepare for your installation team. For example, do you need to clear a path to the installation area? Are you aware of septic tanks and leech fields if you’re digging? If you’re going with an above-ground tank, do you need to create a level space for concrete slabs to hold your new tanks? Figuring these details out early will save you time in the long run. If you’re unsure of the specifics, ask your propane company what they need from you before arriving on-site.
4. Prep Indoors, Too
   Once your outdoor prep is completed, think about your home’s interior. For example, do you need to install any gas appliances? Are new fuel lines required to connect appliances to your incoming propane tanks? This is another area where working with a professional from a company like Paraco Gas is highly recommended. Make sure a trained technician looks over everything. Also, ensure you have fire and carbon monoxide detectors installed around your home, and get a gas leak detector for your basement.

Now That’s Cooking With Gas!
Once you’ve made the important decisions and prepped the inside and outside of your home, it’s time to pass things off to the professionals. When you work with a reputable company, the technicians will make the installation a low-impact experience. You don’t have to worry about grabbing a shovel and getting to work.

All you need to worry about is keeping your children and four-legged friends clear of the installation site (easier said than done).