Your Complete Guide to Propane Tanks

If you use propane for your home, grill, or RV, understanding your tank is crucial for safety and efficiency. You clicked here for a must-have guide, and that is exactly what we will provide. This comprehensive overview covers everything from tank sizes and safety regulations to essential maintenance tips that every user should know.

Understanding Propane Tank Types and Sizes

Propane tanks are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The right tank for you depends entirely on your needs, whether you’re firing up a backyard grill or heating your entire home. They are categorized by how much propane they can hold, measured either in pounds or gallons.

Small, Portable Tanks (20 to 100 lbs)

These are the most common tanks for recreational and supplemental use. They are designed to be moved and are often used for specific appliances rather than a whole-house system.

  • 20 lb Tank: This is the standard size for most gas grills. Holding about 4.7 gallons of propane, it’s perfect for backyard barbecues. You can find these at nearly any hardware store, grocery store, or gas station, often through exchange programs like Blue Rhino or AmeriGas.
  • 33 lb Tank: Often used for forklifts, these tanks are also popular for mobile food trucks and some heavy-duty outdoor cooking equipment.
  • 100 lb Tank: This is a tall, slender cylinder that can power multiple appliances. It’s a great option for homeowners who use propane for a gas fireplace, a clothes dryer, or a cooking range, but not for central heating. It holds approximately 23.6 gallons of propane.

Large, Stationary Tanks (120 to 1,000+ Gallons)

These larger tanks are installed permanently on a property to provide fuel for whole-home systems, including heating, water heaters, and generators. They are refilled on-site by a propane delivery truck.

  • 120 Gallon Tank: Also known as a 420 lb tank, this size is ideal for homes that use propane for hot water and several other appliances but not for the primary heating source.
  • 250 Gallon Tank: This is a good entry-level size for homes that use propane for heating but have lower overall usage, or for powering a backup generator.
  • 500 Gallon Tank: This is the most common residential tank size. It is suitable for most homes that use propane for heating, hot water, and other appliances. It provides a good balance of storage capacity without taking up excessive space.
  • 1,000 Gallon Tank: Reserved for very large homes, commercial applications, or agricultural use, this tank minimizes the frequency of refills needed for high-demand systems.

Owning vs. Leasing: Which is Right for You?

When you get a large stationary tank, you have a major decision to make: should you buy it or lease it from a propane company? Each option has significant pros and cons.

Leasing a Propane Tank

Most homeowners choose to lease their tank. The propane supplier installs and maintains the tank on your property for a small annual fee or for free, as long as you buy your propane exclusively from them.

  • Pros: No large upfront cost for the tank and installation. The propane company is responsible for all maintenance, repairs, and safety checks.
  • Cons: You are locked into a single supplier. You cannot shop around for better propane prices from other companies. The per-gallon price may be slightly higher to offset the cost of the tank.

Owning a Propane Tank

Buying your own tank is a larger initial investment but offers more freedom in the long run.

  • Pros: You have the freedom to buy propane from any supplier, allowing you to shop for the best price. This can lead to significant savings over time.
  • Cons: You are responsible for the full cost of the tank and installation, which can be thousands of dollars. You are also responsible for all maintenance, safety inspections, and recertification, which is required every 5 to 10 years depending on local regulations.

Essential Safety and Maintenance Tips

Propane is a safe and reliable fuel source when handled correctly. Following these essential tips will ensure your system operates safely for years to come.

Proper Tank Placement is Key

Stationary tanks must be installed according to strict safety codes. While your professional installer will handle this, it’s good to know the basics:

  • Tanks must be at least 10 feet away from any building or property line.
  • Tanks must be at least 10 feet away from any external source of ignition, like an air conditioning unit or a generator.
  • The tank must be placed on a level, stable surface, like a concrete pad.

How to Check for Leaks

Propane has an additive that gives it a distinct “rotten egg” smell to alert you to leaks. If you ever smell gas, act immediately. If you want to proactively check for slow leaks around the fittings:

  1. Mix a solution of dish soap and water.
  2. Apply the soapy water to the tank’s valve and fittings with a sponge or brush.
  3. Open the tank valve. If you see bubbles forming, you have a leak. Close the valve immediately and call your propane supplier for service.

Understanding the 80% Fill Rule

Propane is delivered as a liquid but turns into a gas inside the tank. This liquid expands and contracts with temperature changes. To allow for this expansion, tanks are never filled more than 80% of their total capacity. This is a critical safety feature, not a way for the company to shortchange you. Your propane technician’s equipment is calibrated to stop filling automatically at the 80% level.

Keep the Area Around Your Tank Clear

Maintain a clear space of at least 10 feet in all directions around your tank. Do not store flammable materials like wood, trash, or gasoline cans nearby. This clear space is important for ventilation and gives service technicians safe access to your tank. In the winter, be sure to clear a path to the tank and brush off any heavy snow or ice that accumulates on top of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know how much propane is left in my tank? Most large tanks have a float gauge on the top, protected by a dome. The gauge is a dial that reads from 5 to 95, representing the percentage of propane in the tank. A reading of “40” means the tank is 40% full. It’s a good idea to call for a refill when the gauge drops to 30%.

Can I paint my propane tank? Yes, but you must use a specific color. Propane tanks are typically painted a light, reflective color like white or silver. Dark colors absorb heat from the sun, which can cause the pressure inside the tank to increase to unsafe levels. If you decide to paint it, use a color specifically approved for propane tanks.

How long does a propane tank last? With proper maintenance, a high-quality steel propane tank can last for 30 years or more. However, they require periodic inspection and recertification by a qualified professional to ensure the valves and seals are in good working order.