How A lot Does Propane Tank Set up Price? (2025)

How A lot Does Propane Tank Set up Price? (2025)

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Propane serves as a reliable gas possibility for rural owners missing pure gasoline entry. Putting in a propane tank runs $600 for primary above-ground setups to $5,000 for underground methods, with most owners spending about $1,400.

Your private home’s sq. footage straight impacts the ultimate worth, as greater properties want tanks with larger capability. For the standard 2,000-square-foot home, count on to pay round $1,400 for full set up.

With respectable care, these tanks final 20–30 years, making them strong long-term investments for properties past pure gasoline strains. Whereas smaller above-ground tanks value much less upfront, underground installations hold your yard wanting good and protect the tank from harsh climate.

I’ll stroll you thru the actual prices by dimension and placement kind on this article, serving to you choose what is sensible on your property. My recommendation comes from information supplied by licensed installers and development supplies databases.

On the lookout for a propane tank set up firm? Use the device under to get quotes from top-rated native plumbers in the present day.

  • Count on to pay about $1,400 for propane tank set up, with costs starting from $600 for modest above-ground models to $5,000 for underground methods.
  • Above-ground tanks make upkeep simpler, whereas underground tanks look higher and arise higher to climate extremes.
  • Security guidelines require correct clearance from properties (often 10+ ft) and sometimes require permits, plus yearly security checks.
  • For properties older than 10–15 years, changing the entire system fairly than simply swapping tanks makes extra sense for higher heating effectivity.


How A lot Does It Price to Set up a Propane Tank?

The price of putting in a propane tank varies dramatically primarily based on components particular to your set up, together with the scale and site of the tank. Most householders pay round $1,400 for a whole-home propane tank. Nonetheless, propane tank costs can dip as little as $500 or as excessive as $5,000 or extra.

Low Common Excessive
$500 $1,400 $5,000+

How Do Propane Tank Set up Prices Differ by Measurement?

The price of a propane tank varies by dimension. Tanks vary from 100 gallons or much less to large 1,000-gallon tanks that may warmth a whole dwelling. Bigger tanks naturally value greater than smaller ones. Right here’s what you possibly can count on to pay primarily based on dimension and what every tank dimension works greatest for:

Tank Measurement (Gallons) Common Price Typical Residence Measurement (Sq. Toes) Widespread Makes use of
100 $600–$800 Underneath 1,000 Cooking, water heating, single equipment
120 $700–$900 1,000–1,200 Cooking, water heating, garments dryer
250 $800–$1,800 1,200–1,500 Small dwelling heating, a number of home equipment
330 $1,000–$2,500 1,500–2,000 Medium dwelling heating, a number of home equipment
500 $1,200–$3,500 2,000–3,500 Entire dwelling heating, all home equipment
1,000 $1,500–$5,000 3,500+ Massive properties, small companies, backup mills

Right now’s House owner Tip

Propane tanks don’t maintain their most capability. For instance, a 1,000-gallon tank doesn’t include 1,000 gallons of propane. As a substitute, the tanks solely maintain 80% of their whole capacities for security causes. Due to this, a 1,000-gallon tank holds 800 gallons of propane.

The video under evaluations propane tank sizes and which one you could want on your dwelling:


The Full Propane Tank Sizes Information

Listed here are the frequent sizes of whole-home propane tanks and the place they greatest match.

100 Gallons

A 100-gallon tank works effectively for operating a single dwelling equipment like a range, dryer, or water heater in smaller homes. These compact tanks (roughly 4.5 ft lengthy by 3 ft excessive) match properly in properties the place area is tight. Security guidelines restrict these tanks to 80 gallons of propane when stuffed, so that you’ll want refills each two to a few months with common use. Owners usually pay $600–$800 for these entry-level tanks, making them a less expensive alternative for restricted wants.

120 Gallons

The 120-gallon tanks are barely bigger than their 100-gallon counterparts, serving an identical goal. Just like the 100-gallon fashions, they will’t energy many home equipment for too lengthy, in order that they’re greatest suited to occasional makes use of. On common, this tank prices between $350 and $600.

250 Gallons

A 250-gallon tank gives a strong capability with out going overboard, making it superb for a handful of bigger home equipment. For instance, you possibly can energy a scorching tub, range, fire, or water heater. Though the compatibility will depend upon the specifics of the equipment and the way ceaselessly you utilize it, a 250-gallon tank is usually a good possibility. These tanks often value between $450 and $1,000.

330 Gallons

A 330-gallon propane tank takes issues a step up however nonetheless doesn’t maintain sufficient propane to energy a full-sized family for a very long time. After all, it might work for smaller properties and particular person functions, just like the 250-gallon tank. It prices between $500 and $1,400.

500 Gallons

The five hundred-gallon tank is what most folk select for traditional single-family properties within the 2,000–3,500 sq. foot vary. These can deal with your heating system plus all of your home equipment — water heaters, stoves, dryers, and fireplaces — on the identical time. Underneath regular use, you’ll refill this dimension tank two to 4 occasions yearly, extra in chilly climates like New England and fewer in milder southern areas.

These greater models stretch about 10 ft in size with a 3.5-foot diameter, in order that they want substantial yard area if positioned above floor. My neighbor in Michigan paid $1,350 for his above-ground set up, however underground setups can run as much as $2,500. The value leap occurs as a result of underground tanks want a deep gap dug plus particular rust-resistant coatings.

1,000 Gallons

The 1,000-gallon propane tanks supply a formidable capability greatest suited to bigger properties and smaller companies. They work effectively for heating bigger properties, powering quite a few home equipment, or powering a backup generator for days.

These fashions often value between $1,500 and $3,000 for an above-ground set up or as much as $5,000 or extra for an in-ground set up.


How Does Location Have an effect on Propane Tank Set up Pricing?

When organising a propane tank, you’ll select between above-ground or underground placement. Every possibility has totally different advantages and prices it is best to weigh primarily based in your property and preferences.

Set up Kind Common Price
Above-ground tank $600–$1,500
In-ground tank $1,500–$5,000+

Above-Floor Tank

An above-ground tank is cheaper for owners with sufficient yard area and tighter budgets. These value a lot lower than buried options since they don’t want intensive digging or particular protecting therapies.

Above-ground propane tank in a backyard
Picture Credit score: Canva

The primary benefits are:

  • Decrease prices: Most householders spend between $600 and $1,500 relying on tank dimension
  • Simpler fixes: You possibly can see issues instantly and get them fastened shortly
  • Easy refilling: The supply driver can simply spot and fill the tank
  • Yard stays intact: No have to tear up your landscaping with main digging

These tanks want a strong basis — often a concrete pad at the very least 4 inches thick extending 1 foot past the tank edges. This concrete work provides about $200 to your set up, nevertheless it’s essential for security. Native constructing codes typically require concrete pads, particularly in locations with freezing winters or unstable floor.

In-Floor Tank

Underground propane tanks make sense for owners who care about how their yard appears to be like and need higher safety from climate. These sit a number of ft under floor with only a small dome, fill valve, and gauge seen on the floor.

Propane gas tank buried underground
Picture credit score: Adobe Inventory

Going underground gives a number of advantages:

  • Higher wanting yard: Nearly invisible as soon as the grass grows again
  • Climate safety: Surrounding soil guards towards harsh climate
  • Safer in case of leaks: Being buried reduces fireplace dangers
  • Regular efficiency: Floor temperatures keep extra steady than air

Count on to pay $1,500–$5,000 for an underground propane tank. The upper worth covers the excavation work (often a gap 5–7 ft deep) plus the particular anti-corrosion coatings wanted for buried tanks.

Don’t neglect — you’ll in all probability want to repair up your garden after they dig the massive gap on your tank. That’s one other expense value planning for.


Which Elements Impression Propane Tank Set up Price Estimates?

Apart from the propane tank sizes and site components, a handful of further components contribute to the ultimate value of your propane tank set up. These components can considerably influence your ultimate invoice, so it’s important to contemplate them and funds accordingly.

Distance From the Home

Most contractors comply with the Nationwide Hearth Safety Affiliation necessities for propane tank distances when putting in a residential propane tank. Some areas might not require you to comply with these pointers, however many do.

For instance, beneath these pointers, you could want to put in your 500-gallon tank at the very least 10 ft away from your own home and any combustion sources. Septic drain fields can additional prohibit the position space.

Since your installer might want to set up pipes from the tank to produce propane to your own home, prices will enhance. Extra trenching is important to steer the strains to your own home, as are extra supplies, time, and labor. So, the additional away your propane tank is from your own home, the extra you’ll pay in set up prices.

Inspections and Permits

Like most constructing and home-related tasks, putting in a propane tank typically requires particular permits. The permits on your venture will fluctuate primarily based in your space, however many areas require owners to acquire particular permits earlier than finishing the venture.

These permits typically value between $25 and $50, though prices may be larger in some areas.

Moreover, bear in mind to funds for inspection prices. If you happen to set up an in-ground propane tank, you’ll often have to have an inspector study it for leaks and verify the valve for indicators of points. This typically prices between $50 and $75 yearly, though prices could also be larger or decrease in some areas. 

Labor

Labor value is a main issue contributing to the quantity in your ultimate venture invoice. The extra time and labor essential to finish the venture, the pricier it will likely be.

Typically, above-ground propane tanks are extra inexpensive, as they don’t require as a lot labor to put in. Nonetheless, if you must pour a concrete pad for the tank, you possibly can count on to pay extra to rent one other contractor to pour the pad.

In distinction, an in-ground propane tank usually prices greater than its above-ground counterparts. These installations entail an excavation course of to arrange the location for the tank. On prime of that, trenching may be essential (relying on the tank’s distance from your own home) to put in pipes that deliver the propane to your own home.

This takes extra time and interprets to larger labor prices. Nonetheless, prices will fluctuate between propane corporations, so get a couple of quote.

Preparation

The preliminary preparation is vital when putting in a residential propane tank. If you happen to’re putting in an in-ground propane tank, your installer might want to excavate the location to arrange for the propane tank. Typically, it prices between $50 and $200 per cubic yard to excavate an space.

On the flip aspect, in case you’re putting in an above-ground propane tank, you would possibly have to pour a concrete slab. Necessities for concrete slabs and propane tanks fluctuate primarily based on location, however some areas require you to pour a concrete pad for the tank to take a seat on. The price of the concrete pad varies primarily based on its dimension, location, and the contractor you rent to finish the duty.


Shopping for Vs. Leasing a Propane Tank

When getting arrange with propane, you possibly can both purchase your individual tank outright or lease one from a propane firm. Every strategy has actual execs and cons value interested by.

Shopping for a Propane Tank

While you purchase your tank:

  • You possibly can store round for the most affordable propane from any provider.
  • You keep away from yearly rental charges ($150–$180) that corporations cost.
  • You determine precisely the place to put it and when to schedule upkeep.
  • It often pays for itself inside 5 to seven years in comparison with leasing.

On the draw back:

  • You’ll want $1,000–$2,000 upfront to buy the tank.
  • You’re on the hook for inspection prices and repairs.
  • You’ll have to deal with permits and ensure every part meets code necessities.

Leasing a Propane Tank

While you lease a tank:

  • You pay little or nothing upfront.
  • The corporate takes care of inspections and most repairs.
  • They deal with all of the permits and code compliance complications.
  • It really works effectively for shorter-term conditions (like in case you would possibly transfer in just a few years).

The drawbacks:

  • You could purchase propane solely out of your leasing firm (typically at larger costs).
  • Many contracts have minimal yearly buy necessities.
  • You may have much less say about when upkeep occurs.
  • You’ll pay extra over time than in case you purchased the tank.

Frankly, in case you’re staying in your house for greater than 5 to seven years, shopping for makes higher monetary sense. I’ve seen too many people get caught with above-market propane costs from their leasing firm. That stated, leasing is sensible in case you worth comfort over long-term financial savings or aren’t prepared for the upfront buy.


What Are the Advantages of Putting in a Propane Tank?

Propane tanks supply an array of advantages which will attraction to numerous owners, whether or not you reside inside metropolis limits or far past them in a rural space. From a decreased carbon footprint to versatile makes use of, propane may be an impressive alternative for all types of energy wants.

If you happen to’re searching for a extra environmentally pleasant approach to warmth and energy your own home and its home equipment, propane may be a superb possibility. It’s a clean-burning different to different gas sources but comes at an inexpensive worth and is extensively accessible.

Its clean-burning nature means it doesn’t trigger as a lot soot and scale buildup on home equipment as gasoline or diesel. This interprets to a decreased want for frequent upkeep, longer equipment lifespans, and elevated heating effectivity.

It’s non-toxic and nonpoisonous, making it a superb substitute for pure gasses that may wreak havoc on the surroundings in the event that they spill. Propane doesn’t contaminate the soil, even when it does spill underground, making it a superb alternative for owners who need to set up a buried tank.

Versatile Makes use of

Propane is a flexible gas supply that may adapt to totally different wants. You should use it to energy your own home’s heating setup you probably have a propane furnace or comparable heating system. It really works to supply scorching water, energy cooking home equipment, and dry clothes.

You should use it to warmth your pool as summer season ebbs into fall, energy your fire for cozy nights, and even energy numerous varieties of development and landscaping gear. It additionally works to energy some outside grills for a tasty barbeque or to step in and energy your generator as an alternate energy supply when the electrical energy goes out.

Handy Various to Pure Gasoline

Whereas accessing pure gasoline strains to energy a house in a metropolis may be a breeze, this isn’t at all times the case for rural owners. The story appears to be like significantly totally different for many who stay greater than a hop, skip, and leap out of metropolis limits. These owners typically don’t have easy accessibility to a pure gasoline line, so bringing one to their dwelling can value tens of 1000’s of {dollars} if it’s even an possibility.

With a propane tank, the priority of bringing a pure gasoline line to your own home turns into a factor of the previous. Propane is available nationwide, and plenty of suppliers supply scheduled deliveries to make sure you by no means run out of it.

For the reason that tank is put in in your property, you don’t want to fret about connecting to a community of present pure gasoline strains. As a substitute, you pull straight from the put in propane tank, eliminating the necessity to pay tens of 1000’s of {dollars} in pure gasoline hookup prices.

Decrease Working Prices

Propane is a cheap different to different types of energy, like pure gasoline or electrical energy. This makes it a superb alternative for owners who need to lower your expenses in the long term, as operating every part in a home may be costly.

For instance, a propane water heater can produce as much as two occasions as a lot scorching water as an electrical unit in the identical timeframe. The story is far the identical with different home equipment all through your own home, so the financial savings add up shortly.


Skilled Vs. DIY Propane Tank Set up

Whereas DIYing some dwelling tasks to save cash is a possible possibility, it’s not a viable alternative for many propane tank installations. Right here’s what you must learn about DIYing your propane tank set up versus hiring a professional.

Doing Propane Tank Set up Your self

Putting in a propane tank as a DIY venture is doable with the right expertise. Nonetheless, these tasks typically require a concrete slab or heavy equipment to excavate a gap for the tank. And since you’re coping with flamable gasoline, we don’t suggest putting in a propane tank with out skilled help.

If you happen to get the right permits and DIY this venture, the prices related to renting heavy equipment and different instruments can climb practically as excessive as hiring knowledgeable. On prime of that, you’ll have to dedicate hours to the set up, so ultimately, it may be extra value and time-effective to rent a professional.

Hiring a Skilled for Propane Tank Set up

In lots of circumstances, hiring knowledgeable is one of the best ways to deal with a propane tank set up. The professionals have the heavy gear essential to deal with jobs like these, so that you gained’t have to fret about renting and transporting the outsized instruments to your own home.

On prime of that, there’s no guesswork concerned, as they’re professionals with intensive expertise within the business. Since hooking up the pipe system appropriately may be advanced, having a licensed plumber do it for you is usually your greatest wager.

Listed here are just a few suggestions that can assist you discover a skilled in your space:

  1. Do a fast search: Search for native professionals providing propane tank set up providers close to you. Discuss to family and friends about their experiences and collect suggestions.
  2. Choose prime suppliers: Learn by firm evaluations to weed out sub-par suppliers and choose just a few extremely rated choices.
  3. Receive quotes: Contact every supplier and procure a customized quote on your venture.
  4. Examine: Use the quotes you get out of your prime picks to check your choices.
  5. Choose a supplier: Select the supplier that most closely fits your wants.
  6. Schedule an appointment: Name the supplier you select to schedule an appointment to finish the set up.

So, Is Propane Tank Set up Value It?

For folk residing past pure gasoline service areas, propane tank set up makes full sense. Having your individual tank saves you from the surprising $15,000–$50,000 value of operating pure gasoline strains to rural properties, whereas propane home equipment run 30%–40% extra effectively than electrical variations.

A appropriately sized system cuts yearly heating payments by 10%–30% in comparison with electrical warmth, plus it retains your own home operating throughout energy outages (which occur greater than you’d like in rural areas).

The true query isn’t whether or not to get a propane tank however fairly what dimension and magnificence make sense on your scenario. If you happen to care about how your yard appears to be like, underground set up improves aesthetics however prices $500–$1,000 greater than seen setups. If you happen to’re watching your funds, above-ground tanks work simply as effectively at a lower cost.

Do not forget that these methods final many years — my cousin’s tank has been operating robust for 22 years with simply primary upkeep. This spreads the upfront value throughout a few years of dependable service. From speaking with dozens of rural owners, I can inform you that propane tank set up delivers distinctive worth, particularly for nation properties, trip properties, and anybody bored with paying ever-increasing electrical heating payments.


FAQs About Propane Tank Set up

How lengthy does a 500-gallon propane tank final?

A 500-gallon propane tank provides a median 2,500-square-foot dwelling for 2 to 4 months throughout winter or 4 to eight months in hotter seasons. Your precise utilization relies upon closely on your own home’s insulation, native climate, what number of propane home equipment you run, and the place you set your thermostat. I’ve seen that reducing your thermostat by only one diploma can lower gas use by 2%–3% over time.

For a household utilizing propane for heating plus a number of home equipment, you’ll seemingly want two to a few refills throughout chilly months within the northern states. To keep away from operating out on the worst attainable time, contemplate getting a tank monitor that warns you when ranges drop under 30%, or arrange automated supply along with your native provider.

How a lot does it value to fill a propane tank?

Propane runs about $2.60 per gallon proper now (early 2025), although costs swing fairly a bit relying on the place you reside and the season. To fill a 100-gallon tank prices round $208, a 250-gallon tank about $520, a 500-gallon tank roughly $1,040, and a 1,000-gallon tank about $2,080 (all stuffed to 80% for security causes).

You’ll pay extra throughout winter chilly snaps when everybody wants heating gas and fewer throughout summer season when demand drops. Sensible owners use funds plans with fastened month-to-month funds, lock in charges with pre-purchase applications earlier than winter hits, or join automated supply which regularly comes with worth breaks. Name just a few native suppliers straight — my final verify confirmed costs within the Northeast operating practically $1 extra per gallon than within the Gulf states.

How deep ought to a propane tank be buried?

Most propane tanks are buried a number of ft beneath the bottom. The outlet dimension is dependent upon the scale of the tank. For instance, a 500-gallon propane tank often wants a 12x5x6-foot gap that situates the tank just a few ft underground.

How far ought to a propane tank be from my home?

Most often, buried propane tanks should be at the very least 10 ft from the home. Nonetheless, they are often additional away from your home however would require an extended propane line and enhance your set up prices.

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