Propane is an efficient fuel that is quickly gaining popularity among homeowners. Propane can power many household appliances, making it an ideal alternative to electricity and other fuel sources. However, before you start using propane, you must install a tank on your property, which means you should understand the rules and regulations for doing so.
For safety reasons, strict guidelines govern propane tank location and proximity.
How Far Can a Propane Tank Be From Your House?
The National Fire Protection Association regulates all aspects of propane safety. The NFPA has a minimum distance requirement for propane tanks to reduce the risk of fires from leaks or prevent exhaust from escaping inside your home. A professional and reputable propane installer will follow these regulations to keep you and your family safe.
Propane Tank Placements by Size
According to NFPA installation requirements, aboveground and underground tanks must be a specific distance away from homes, driveways and property lines. However, the exact regulations will vary based on size.
1. 100-Pound Tanks
People use 100-pound tanks to power small household appliances like cooking ranges or fireplaces. Though they are smaller and more portable than other options, they still have strict requirements to follow.
If you have a 100-pound tank, you can have it filled off-site or on-site. If you do not have your 100-pound tank filled on-site, it needs to be 3 feet from all building openings and 5 feet away from any ignition source, direct vent intakes and mechanical air intakes. Tanks filled on-site need to be three feet from any building openings and 10 feet from any ignition source, direct vent intakes and mechanical air intakes. These regulations help ensure safety in the rare event of a propane leak.
1. 120-Gallon Above-Ground Tanks
These tanks can be ideal when you occasionally need substantial propane power. For example, 120-gallon propane tanks can power heated swimming pools or emergency generators. If you plan to install a 120-gallon tank on your property, you’ll need to remember some specific measurements.
A 120-gallon above-ground tank should be 5 feet from any building opening and 10 feet from ignition sources. You will also need to install your 120-gallon above-ground tank away from a direct vent and mechanical air intakes. You can install up to four 120-gallon tanks next to a building to meet your power generation needs.
3. 250-Gallon, 325-Gallon and 500-Gallon Above-Ground Tanks
Many residential properties that rely on propane have 250-gallon, 325-gallon or 500-gallon above-ground tanks. These run everyday appliances, heat homes and provide a dependable power source for various other things. A large tank like this will require fewer refills, which can be beneficial if you use propane daily. However, you must adhere to stricter installation requirements to prevent hazardous conditions that can endanger your household.
If you have one of these tanks, you must install it 10 feet away from any building, ignition source, direct vent intake and mechanical air intake. These tanks must also be at least 10 feet away from property lines.
4. 1,000-Gallon Above-Ground Tanks
If your home is 4,500 square feet or larger, you may need a 1,000-gallon tank to keep the lights, heat and appliances running. Like 500-gallon tanks, they require stringent installation standards.
Above-ground tanks of 1,000 gallons or more must be at least 25 feet from buildings and property lines. However, this distance can be 10 feet if there are no other propane gas containers within 25 feet of the installation.
5. Underground Tanks
Underground tanks must follow similar clearance restrictions as aboveground tanks, while also adhering to depth guidelines. These measurements depend on tank size.
- 100-gallon tanks: The NFPA requires burying these tanks 44 inches deep, and the hole must be 9 feet and 6 inches long and 4 feet wide.
- 500-gallon tanks: Bury these tanks 4 feet and 6 inches deep, and the hole must be 14 feet long and 5 feet wide.
- 1,000-gallon tanks: These larger tanks have the same depth requirements as 500-gallon tanks. However, the hole should be 5 feet and 6 inches wide and 20 feet long.
All underground tanks up to 2,000-gallon water capacity must be 10 feet from any building, ignition source, direct vent intake and mechanical air intake, regardless of how deep underground they are.
If any of these numbers seem confusing, don’t worry. A professional propane installer can help explain the distances and assist with underground tank excavations.
Where Should You Place Your Propane Tank?
Due to NFPA regulations, most propane tanks must be at least 10 feet from your home. However, this minimum distance applies to tanks starting at 500 gallons. This distance also includes underground tanks that can hold 2,000 gallons. Other sizes will have more specific regulations. To be safe, install all your tanks at least 10 feet from your home. However, if you have a larger above-ground tank, such as one that can hold between 1,000 to 2,000 gallons, it must be at least 25 feet from your home.
Also, you should not install propane tanks under building overhangs, awnings or near ignition sources, mechanical ventilation intakes or direct-vent gas appliances. Ignition sources include central air conditioner compressors or window AC units.
For safety, propane tank refills must occur at least 5 feet from your driveway, so it’s crucial to place your propane tank in the ideal spot on your property. Even if you have concerns about curb appeal and maximizing your yard space, you can still meet these needs, comply with safety standards and maintain easy access to your tank.
Working with a professional propane tank installer can help keep your home safe while maintaining your aesthetic appeal. You’ll also want to look into local, state or federal regulations and ordinances to see if they apply to your installation.
Contact Foster Fuels for All Your Propane Needs
If you want to install a propane tank on your property to benefit from this alternative fuel, Foster Fuels can help. We can install new or rental tanks on your property and follow all the guidelines to keep you safe. We can also find ways to make your propane tank installation work so you can maintain your home’s aesthetic appeal, such as an underground installation.
We offer autofill services, so you never have to worry about your propane supply running low. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of our services and how we can help you achieve your alternative fuel goals.
