Installing my Underground Propane Tank

[@bobarmbruster2696]

Very nice, and Jake(?) from Davis Gas gave a very nice and informative explanation of the install and reason behind every thing.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

He sure did. Great experience from David Gas in Gainesville Florida. Thanks!

[@zh3401]

The long term success depends a good deal on the soil content. I learned the hard way when my 1000 gallon tank rusted through in 7 years. County extension confirmed this. My new one is in a cement box with a steel lid.

[@MrTackleberry79]

What's in your soil that I should watch for in my own?

[@zh3401]

@@MrTackleberry79 Low soil PH. Mine is only 3.4. Accelerates rust, raise the PH with calcium carbonate or block it with a barrier.

[@lettyortiz9700]

Who built your cement box?

[@zh3401]

@@lettyortiz9700 local company that makes cement culverts. It is a commercial catch basin for storm water. 6’x6’x16’

[@righand]

Cathodic protection?

[@TrinityRidge1959]

Holy moly I have a 350 gallon tank for 2 old people and we go through at least 4 fills a year at least. I'm going to put in a wood burner next spring to get away from my constant fills. Great info

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Balsam Acres, I think if you use it for any kind of heating or for a generator that runs all the time, than it won't last very long. A wood stove sounds like a great idea provided you have the wood. Thanks!

[@TrinityRidge1959]

@@HomesteadEngineering no generator but heating yes. I live in a land of trees. Northern near the upper p of Michigan. Good luck and you definitely have a plan if you do not need heating. Niice work

[@TheLaLaFarm]

Very smart install. When we built our house, we had two 1,000 gallon tanks buried and it operates our cook tops, on demand hot water heaters, and a 23kw stand by generator. We only use about 5% of the available fuel annually. Good video. I laughed at the end when you showed the stove. We have the same cook top, same backslash design and pattern and a water filler over the stove. We are very like minded.😄. - Rick

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Rick, its funny how we come across folks through KZbin that are amazingly similar in what we do: Pete B.: kzbin.info/door/yUG2htFsMtlhuvBHKYxPrQ Engineer 775: kzbin.infofeatured RanglerStar: kzbin.info/door/MIjEnXruVHtvgSVf6TgfUg I am curious if you think of yourself as a prepper or is it just a business that has a lot of prepper elements? We should definitely get together for a day. I come up there for a tour in the morning then you come here for a tour in the afternoon. We would probably both learn a few things. Thanks!

[@TheLaLaFarm]

@@HomesteadEngineering most of what we do is focused on survive ability in the case of loss of resources and protection of what we have built. So while I do not refer to myself as a "prepper", I am certainly prepared for whatever comes down the road. I watch a lot of prepper channels and adopt some information from some channels, but not from others that I would consider borderline radical. Going though life full of or creating fear for ourselves or others I don't view as particularly productive. But finding peace through preparedness reduced anxiety concerning uncertainty about the future exponentially. So I probably refer to myself as more under the radar prepperish. I think it would be cool to do a mutual visit. You are far more ahead technologically than we are though. That would be really cool. Maybe get together in February or so - right now working on my garden structures and greenhouse on the weekends when I am not working. Be well!!! - Rick

[@HomesteadEngineering]

@@TheLaLaFarmYes, very well said and I agree 100%. February sounds good, I'll be putting out the garden by then and hopefully be finishing up my chicken coop. Maybe you could advise me on what it would take for me start goats when you see my layout. Thanks!

[@Gunns57]

Great job. We installed two 1,000 gallon tanks underground and a whole house gennie. Its been a boon for us.

[@Gunns57]

I didn't see them add the anode?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

look at 2:23

[@Fedgery007]

Neat! Don’t forget to seal up that siding penetration.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Now that you mention it, I better go check on that... Thanks!

[@homerfantastic]

Very similar to our setup here in Florida. Our tank feeds clothes dryer, range, on demand water heater and grill.. We wouldn't have it any other way.

[@meatball6930]

neptune Trace I’m in Florida also and just bought a house with a 250 gallon tank. I had no experience with them and didn’t realize i didn’t own it. I hate the company that it’s leased from-they are known for being crooks and I’ve dealt with them before with other services. So i just moved in and it has propane in it to use for awhile and I’m thinking about telling them to take it out and pay to have a new one installed that i would actually own-plus it’s cheaper to fill if you own. Do you own yours? What size is yours for running all those appliances? How often do you need a fill? How much do you think it’s costing you a year? Sorry for the personal questions-I’m just very curious and i have to get rid of this company and don’t want them on my property!

[@jannyjt2034]

Wow. Can't wait to get that myself. Great video.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Janny, your going to love it!

[@ShadowPoet]

Holy shit did you say 15 YEARS? Wow. That's one hell of a good investment if you ask me.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Andariel, keep in mind that I am not using it for heat. If I did it would be about 1 year. Thanks!

[@Deep_Divers]

Excellent video!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thanks!

[@GottaLoveGoats]

Great video, thank you! I am piping 1 1/4” Home-Flex PE pipe from my 250 gallon propane tank to my RV (approx to 150 feet away). The connection to the first stage regulator is 3/4” and so is the connection at the trailer. How do I reduce the pipe size from 1 1/4” to 3/4” for those connections?? Or can I pipe 3/4” that far?? I cannot find this information anywhere. I will appreciate any help you can provide. 🙂

[@HomesteadEngineering]

You might ask your local gas company that you plan to use to refill it. They might be willing to help out if they are going to get your business.

[@GottaLoveGoats]

@@HomesteadEngineering thank you for the response! That’s actually a great idea. I’ll contact them. 👍🏻

[@aron6998]

So wait what state is this bc galvanized piping is not allowed in most states due to the coating flakes heavily when used in a propane system, these fittings should be black iron imo

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Florida

[@anniegee8349]

Do you live in a southern climate? We have issues here with propane freezing at the valve, and it's especially bad if it's a tank we got filled in the summertime. I guess they sometimes mix the propane with something else with a higher freezing point? Anyhoo, this is intriguing to me because if buried deep enough it could potentially fix our freezing valve and pipes problem, but I guess it'd have to be buried past the frost line? Hmmmm. You've got me thinking anyways. Please if anyone else has done this in a northern climate let me know! I'd hate to bury the thing and have it freeze where I can't fix it.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Annie, yes we are in Florida so I am not too familiar with freezing issues. I'll ask my installer when he comes back on Tuesday. Thanks

[@aron6998]

If you are having freezing issues you need to have your supplier inject methanol into the tank, sounds like you have a tank with a moisture issue and the methanol will allow the water vapors be mixed and burned off through your appliances

[@WilliamSmith-pz5nw]

If the tank was not purged correctly from the beginning you may have this touble for years to come.

[@jeas4980]

Because it's liquid propane...as you branch off into different appliances...is there a need for pressure regulators? or are those relegated to the appliances themselves? (I'm putting in 2 gas stoves and my husband is scaring the CRAP out of me.)

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Jea, I am not an expert on this but I believe that what comes out of the tank will be a gas not a liquid. Setting that aside, every appliance must have its supply regulated properly. So I set myself up with three options: 1. I put a regulator on the supply to my kitchen stove that knocks the pressure down from 10 psi to 0.5 psi 2. I put a regulator on the supply to my grill that knocks the pressure down from 10 psi to 0.5 psi 3. I have a quick disconnect (at the 10psi) that I can attach a 25' hose that has a QCC1 connector on the other end of it. This is the same connector that is on the 20lb grill tanks everyone uses. That way I can connect it to anything that uses a standard grill tank. What ever I connect it to will have its own regulator that is setup for that appliance be it a generator or a grill or whatever. Note: I also have a regulator that knocks the pressure down to 10 psi right out of the tank before it branches off So for you, if both of those stoves run off 0.5 psi then you would just need one 0.5 regulator and then branch to both stoves. If they run off different pressures than you will need two separate regulators. Again, I am not an expert so you should ask a professional. I hope I have not confused you even more... Thanks!

[@jeas4980]

@@HomesteadEngineering No. Not at all confused. Thank you so much for your help! Much appreciated.

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Just wondering what was done for frost heaves, if this is in a area where the ground freezes down 2 or 3 feet in the winter time. Lines at the house and tank could move up and down 6” with the frost going into and out of the ground. Nice looking job, great explanation. I was in the propane business for 35 years , but we never had a buried tanks in my cold part of the world.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I am in sunny Florida so that is not a problem where I am at. Thanks!

[@klbass68]

Did they leave the dirt work around the tank a mess? Or grade it nicely after you stopped filming?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Kevin, Its been a while so I don't remember. I have my own tractor so it would not make much difference to me.

[@BrockPageProductions]

Do you know how often I should change out my anode bags?

[@dirtyd9792]

I'm looking to purchase a tank. How much did your tank cost ?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

The tank installed and connected and filled was about $5,000. It depends on how far the run is from your house to the tank.

[@antoniobrown3219]

Great question! I'm looking at like a $15K investment +/- for my Generac, upgraded electrical, buried propane tank and all of the installation. "IF" I can stay around that price point I hope to get this done Summer 2022. 🤫🤞🏾🙏🏾

[@jimballard7023]

Where u at in Florida? Who did u use? I’m near Tampa looking at 22kw generator. Thanks.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Jim, I am in North Central Florida and we used David Gas. Before you install a large generator, I think you should watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafVmpicZsp8d6s Thanks!

[@ms.fortune2957]

Okay 15yrs to cook & grill. How much is needed to heat ur house? & for how many yrs? How many sq ft is your house? Thanks for Sharing🎉

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello Sharon, the heated space of our house is around 4,000 sq ft and we are in Florida. It takes a lot to heat a house so I would guess maybe 2 tanks/year and maybe 3-4 tanks/year if your up north. When we lived in a double wide trailer with low insulation, we burned through around 2 tanks/year. We will not be using it for heat. Thanks!

[@ms.fortune2957]

@@HomesteadEngineering Okay great. That's good for a 4,000 sqft home. That helps me get a good idea. Thank u🏆 Oh & its "SHARRON"....lol

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Sharron, I have not used it to heat the house, so definitely get a 2nd opinion. That was just a guess. Thanks!

[@seasonedseasons]

just to clarify ... the amount of propane you have will last 15 years on those appliances or the tank itself will last 15 years ..... how long can you store propane under prime conditions ?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Debra, we go through about 25-30 gallons/year so I expect this 400 gallons to last approximately 15 years. I believe you can store propane indefinitely as long as the tank holds out. Thanks!

[@seasonedseasons]

@@HomesteadEngineering alright ... thank you for clarifying for me ....

[@zoiken4]

@@HomesteadEngineering just curious how many years until the vessel requires internal inspection? here in Australia we re-test tanks every 12 years.

[@garyzimmerman8679]

What about filling your 20lb tanks for your RV or portable grills?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello Gary, I have 8-20lb tanks but I swap those at Lowes to get new ones.

[@ES-ch2gk]

Great job!👍🏼

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Thanks!

[@Fahrenheit38]

With the cost of propane today, might be more expensive to fill it now then it did to install the tank

[@jeffbradley4289]

Why don't you hook it up to a back up generator as well ?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I do have a dual fuel generator and I can hook it up if needed but that will probably never happen because I have battery backed solar. You might like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKaah4t_apmeb68

[@adrianugalde5633]

No anchor kit? I take it your water table is very low?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

That is correct. Our water is 60 feet deep and we are about 130 feet above sea level.

[@travistaylor509]

At the end, are you saying the 500 gal of propane will last you 15 years??

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello Travis, its a 500 gallon tank that actually hold 400 gallons of propane. Yes, I think it should last 15 years or more. Its already been almost 2 years and the gage has only dropped from 73 down to 72 although it is not really accurate. Thanks!

[@kathybaudoin2138]

Excellent!

[@jeffnelson8797]

So there’s a regulator on the tank does the house regulator have to be on the outside or if there was a crawl space could it go in there or is there a different option. Mine I need line to go inside but the dirt will be flush with the wall. How does that work?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Jeff, all my regulators are outside. I would check with a professional before placing any regulators inside your house. That said, I think there are secondary regulators on appliances such as the stove that are inside the kitchen. Thanks!

[@gustavomolina888]

¿porque entierran los tanques de gas propano?

[@donaldmccarthy4956]

If your tank is 15 years old is there any way that the vendor can inspect the tank to make sure that it will last another 5 or 10 years or is it wise to replace it then.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

IDK, you will have to ask your local propane dealer. Thanks!

[@WilliamSmith-pz5nw]

@@HomesteadEngineering Yes Ask your dealer to test the anode bag. That will give you an indication of tne tank condition.

[@adamjrsingleton4109]

As long as the identity plate hasn't rusted off, tank will be in good shape. Once that plate comes off, by law it can't be filled.

[@julianbermudez9621]

I am a propane service tech and I would have never made a hole in that screen.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

We could have fabricated a nice header but it would have added cost and the small slits have worked out perfectly so far.

[@elprieto3183]

Good video 3 things 1 it's a quality tank not a good choice Arcosa is better 2 it wasn't anchored for floating 3 no dry screening was used to cover tank maybe its different in other locations i set tanks in mid Texas solid rock

[@mr.folmar2668]

How do you anchor your tanks? I am considering going from an above ground tank to underground. Also what is dry screening? Thanks

[@elprieto3183]

@@mr.folmar2668 we use anchors on both ends of the tanksthat we drill into the ground kinda looks like a anchor for hanging pictures but of course bigger and dry screening is a soft sand that we use to cover the tank it keeps the tank from scratching because even though its metal it expands with weather/ temperature

[@mr.folmar2668]

@@elprieto3183 got it thanks for the help

[@jimkennedy9238]

I am thinking of doing exactly what you've done in this video. I have 2 appliances to run inside my home, a gas generator, and pool fire features. I have started calling companies for a quote, but I'm curious about price. Given your experience being more than mine. What can I expect to pay for a 500 gal propane tank installed underground? I live in FL.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello Jim, you can expect to pay around $5,000 for the complete install including the first fill (as of the time this was filmed). Be advised, a large generator can burn through the entire tank in a couple weeks. Thanks!

[@jimkennedy9238]

@@HomesteadEngineering Thanks so much for the response. I was briefed on the gas generator. I was told to power my entire house, like during a hurricane outage, I would burn through the gas in just a few days (5 days tops). I was fine with that.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

@@jimkennedy9238 Jim, you might want to check out this generator video I recently posted. Look at the end of the video: "the best way" to use a generator to power your house. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmrZp6ZontGIf9E

[@zoiken4]

"you don't want anything obstructing the relief valve" proceeds to have first stage Reg obstructing relief valve......

[@zoiken4]

are those fittings on that riser schedule 80? doubt it, looks like Gal Mal fittings on the High pressure side, not safe.

[@joaquinsolorio6810]

Next time install a 2" pipe from top to anode bag to keep it wet

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Good idea!

[@davidfscott]

I wonder if you could coat the tank with line-x or something similar to make it last for a real long time?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

David, I don't know but they told me it would last the rest of my life so that was good enough for me. Thanks!

[@nancymorrissey4467]

Our central Florida soil sand eats away at metal. Did you take any precaution steps for tank failure?

[@aron6998]

We use to coat underground tanks with cold process roofing tar prior to backfilling but that was before manufacturers refined the coating that they apply at the factory so with their coating plus the anode underground tanks last a good while as long as cathodic protection tests are done on a regular basis and replace the anode once it reads less than -.85 on a volt meter

[@TheBj562]

What’s kind of expense did this 500 Gallon rank run you? Trying to get an idea of total cost , trenching and tank ran you. Thanks.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello BJ, Total cost was just under $5,000 and that included the propane. I dug the trench myself and it was about 80-100 feet. It also included all the extra outlets for the grill and such. Thanks!

[@jimcole6423]

I tarred mine before burying.

[@offgridwanabe]

There must be a reason to bury it?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Yep, see above comment. :)

[@Bward216]

So you don’t have to see it.

[@considertheant2292]

Looking to do this in Lee County Florida, where was this done? Looking for a reputable company.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Davis Gas: [phone]

[@austinosborne2638]

Sooner Propane in Naples. Jack White has been doing it for years.

[@thomasrose730]

South florida gas one of the best in lee county sooner goes through South florida gas to fill so why not cut out the middle man.

[@ridgerunner7980]

spitter starts at 70 -75 %....put the gauge on 85 %

[@kenton6098]

No compaction during backfill?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I believe he did compact it with his bucket and they also "watered" it in with the hose.

[@johncorey1911]

Only downfall I see is no shutoff valve at the tank to segregate under ground line to check for leaks in the poly line.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

There is a shutoff valve at the tank.

[@johncorey1911]

@@HomesteadEngineering I must be missing something. The tank has a shut off, naturally. Then pigtail from pol to regulator. Looks from video the regulator hooked directly to underground line. I still see no shut off valve between regulator and line. Inles the valve at second stage regulator has the gauge hook up. But then still no way to segregate under ground portion without unhooking regulator. Unless we do different here where I am.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

@@johncorey1911 OK, I got ya now and you are correct. There is no way to isolate the ground line from the regulator.

[@johncorey1911]

@@HomesteadEngineering thanks for clearing that up. Appreciate it.

[@johncorey1911]

@@HomesteadEngineering you segregate the ground line from regulator with a cutoff valve. Then on second stage side a second vale to connect a gauge. At least that's what we do at company I work for. Makes it easy to find undergroundcleaks if aine added or anything.

[@tazsnoop1044]

Should put a biogas digester and produce your own gas for the tank

[@samschannel531]

That produces methane, which is cryogenic and can’t be liquified with just pressure, so you’d just have compressed gas, not liquid. Much less storage.

[@rodneycampbell9832]

How is the anode bag connected to the Tank

[@HomesteadEngineering]

It is connected with a wire to a grounding terminal. You can see it inside the access panel. Thanks!

[@TerraFirmaX]

what would be the reason for burying it other than temperature?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Looks better. Lower risk of being compromised/shot at. Protected from trees falling, vehicles crashing into it, etc. Thanks!

[@lettyortiz9700]

Prettier

[@AmbarRodTV]

Hello, I'm a producer for NBC4 in Washington DC. We are doing a story on propane tank storage safety tips. Could we use your video in our story for air and digital?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hello Ambar, I would not object to your use of the video under the following conditions: 1. You use it in a positive light 2. You watermark it with "Homestead Engineering" 3. You send me a link to the finished product after it airs 4. Note: I am not the guy in the video wearing the purple/blue shirt and I can't speak for him on permissions. Thanks!

[@timvatter2559]

What is the advantage of putting in underground versus on a pad?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Tim, the advantages of an underground tank are: 1. It looks better. Basically, you can't see it 2. It's better protected from things like gunshots or someone running into it with a vehicle 3. The pressure stays lower as it is not in the sun Note: the biggest advantage of an above ground tank is that you can see if there are any problems developing and take care of them before they become a real problem Thanks!

[@mfgallonjaust7171]

You can fill it up more and it can be an undercover house where you can’t tell the person is prepped from a far

[@lawrencehile9902]

saw that machine almost whiplash ya, gosh

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I do tend to get too close to the action and I think he was just backing me off the plate...

[@victor-jm7ck]

15 years on 400 gallons? only 2.2 gallons a month.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Well you got me curious so I went out and checked the gage. I am down to 70% from 74% at the time of this video 3 years ago. The gage is not really accurate but at this rate I am its going to last a very long time.

[@tecramos]

I am curious though, what are you going to do when SHTF and the masses of people (the same ones that made fun of you for being a prepper) that know you are a prepper are going to flock to your house demanding or begging the resources you gathered even if you barely have enough to feed your own family.

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I am going to defend it. I hope that my videos will inspire people to prepare for themselves while they still have a chance.

[@acasteel7031]

What would happen if a tree fell on the tank top?

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I suppose it depends on the size of the tree and where it hits. If a large tree fell on the access port and struck a valve, that might cause a problem. I am generally not too worried about it. Thanks!

[@acasteel7031]

Thank you. I love the idea but noticed you had trees nearby. I wondered if one fell if there would be an explosion. Thank you for your reply