Installing a new propane tank may seem simple, but there's more
to it than meets the eye. Get expert advice from Steve Dodson of family-owned Wildhorse Propane
& Appliances on proper propane tank installation.
PASO
ROBLES, Calif., Sept. 13,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- It might seem that
installing a new propane tank is a simple process. Choose a flat
spot, not too far from a driveway or the house and put the tank
there, right? "Well, there's actually a little more to it than
that," reports Steve Dodson, a member of the family-owned
Wildhorse Propane & Appliances.
While propane tanks are generally very
safe, it's essential to follow all safety guidelines.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established
guidelines for propane tank placement to ensure safety:
- For tanks between 125 and 500 gallons, maintain a minimum
distance of 10 feet from buildings, property lines, and ignition
sources.
- Larger tanks (1,000 to 2,000 gallons) require a 25-foot setback
from buildings and property lines.
- Smaller tanks (less than 125 gallons) should be at least 5 feet
from windows and 10 feet from air conditioners.
- Underground tanks up to 2,000 gallons need a 10-foot
setback.
While propane tanks are generally very safe, it's essential to
follow all safety guidelines. Propane tanks are designed to
withstand extreme conditions, and explosions are extremely rare. In
the event of a fire, pressure relief valves are designed to release
the gas upwards, minimizing damage to surrounding areas.
The Wildhorse team helps choose the safest location. The team
also makes sure that all of the connections are installed and
connected properly both outside and inside. For new propane
services, the Wildhorse team offers underground gas line
installations for the entire propane service area from Paso Robles and nearby communities to all of
Monterey County, San Juan Bautista and Hollister in San
Benito County.
Gas lines are run from the tank and directly to each appliance
or piece of machinery that requires propane. Wildhorse's
underground pipe service installers are experts at properly running
gas lines in places that are hidden and away from the potential of
being damaged.
Considerations for the best location include:
- A propane tank, regardless of size, needs a stable, flat
surface with easy access from the driveway or street. Some propane
customers choose for a concrete slab to provide a clean, solid
platform that can support the tank's weight. Some choose a packed
surface of decomposed granite (DG).
- A location that does not get muddy during the rain, or from
water runoff is ideal and a slab or compacted DG helps achieve
this. Ground that gets too wet is subject to instability and
surfaces that are not level are also subject to erosion from water
runoff.
- The propane delivery driver needs to park within about 80 feet
of the tank for refills. The tank can be placed at least 5-feet
from a driveway or road with no obstacles that have to be
negotiated.
- Avoid areas with power poles, trees or shrubbery that block
access to the tank or anything that might fall on the tank in the
event of storm or earthquake. Also avoid low hanging wires,
branches, and fences that block access.
- Choose an area that avoids septic tanks, underground utility
lines other than the gas line connections, and sprinkler or drip
systems.
- If there is livestock on the property, fence them away from the
tank. Large animals can damage the connections, meter cover and
meters by rubbing and scratching on the tank.
- Make sure the area is well-ventilated to allow for safe gas
dispersion in the event of a leak.
Is it okay to landscape around the propane tank? Some people
don't like the look of a big propane tank sitting in their yard.
Reasonable landscaping is acceptable and drought tolerant, native
California plants are ideal. Place
them far enough away from the tank that the minimal watering they
require doesn't create wet ground.
Decorative fencing that allows sufficient space is also
acceptable as long as there is plenty of room around the tank.
Avoid planting trees so close to the tank that overhanging branches
are a problem or roots will destabilize the soil.
Keep the area directly around the tank clear of debris, weeds, and
anything that the wind might blow into the area.
The important thing is that there is enough room to move around the
tank to fill it and inspect it at each delivery.
Professional installation, maintenance and service is critical.
The Paso Robles propane tank
installation team ensures that all safety regulations are met and
that the installation is done correctly. Wildhorse Propane &
Appliances has been serving Paso
Robles and nearby communities, Monterey County communities around
Salinas, Prunedale, Aromas, Carmel, Monterey and the Monterey Peninsula, and San Benito County, San Juan Bautista and Hollister since 1980.
Propane tank installation is not all the local, family-owned
company does:
- Residential and commercial propane service.
- Farm, ranch and agricultural propane service.
- Appliance sales and installation.
- Propane safety.
- Gas line and pipeline installation.
- Portable tank-fill up referrals.
- 24-hour emergency service.
Wildhorse Propane & Appliance
50557 Wildhorse Road
King City CA, 93930
(800) 682-6624
Media Contact
Scott Brennan, Access Publishing,
(805) 226-9890, scott@accesspublishing.com
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SOURCE Wildhorse Propane & Appliance