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Aboveground vs. Underground Propane Tanks

Written By: on May 16, 2022

Comparing Cost, Installation, and Safety.

propane tank options arizonaAre you planning to invest in a new propane storage tank for your northern Arizona home? If so, you have the choice between an aboveground or underground tank.

Many homeowners only consider appearances when deciding where to position their fuel storage. Lots of folks don’t like the idea of a visible propane tank in their yard. And while this is one factor to consider, others could impact you more significantly: Cost, installation time, and safety.

The team at Superior Propane, Inc. has plenty of experience helping people find their ideal fuel storage option. Let us break down what to consider when choosing between an aboveground or underground propane tank.

Comparing Cost of Aboveground & Underground Tanks

As you might imagine, the expense of installing a new propane tank varies based on a range of factors. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of installation makes certain options undesirable.

Here’s a breakdown of costs for each type of tank:

Aboveground Tank Costs

Underground Tank Costs

The main cost factor is the size of the tank, which ranges from:
  • 120-gallon (for low-BTU appliances)
  • Up to 1,000-gallon (for large homes and businesses)
While the tank costs about the same, you should also factor in costs for:
  • Excavation
  • Additional Labor
  • Sacrificial anodes and coating to protect the tank from corrosion

You should expect to pay approximately twice as much to install an underground propane tank as an aboveground propane tank. Additionally, your can expect to have higher maintenance costs with an underground tank, including regular checks of its corrosion protection.

Comparing Tank Installation Processes

If you choose Superior Propane, Inc. to install your propane tank, we guarantee professional service from our team of experienced technicians. We also want you to know the different installation processes before choosing your tank.

Installing Aboveground Tanks

Installing Underground Tanks

  • We will need to secure necessary permits before installation.
  • We might need to lay concrete padding or blocks for increased stability.
  • Installation is reasonably simple and quick.
  • There will be more permits and safety checks than with an aboveground tank.
  • Excavation and installation will take several hours.
  • You need to take extra precautions if your property has a septic tank.

Comparing the Safety Factors

Propane is one of the safest fuels around. Still, you want to consider the relative safety of all your storage options:

Safety Factors with Aboveground Tanks

Safety Factors with Underground Tanks

  • These tanks are more readily exposed to extreme temperatures.
  • They are more vulnerable to damage, both natural and manmade.
  • However, aboveground takes are easier to access for repairs and maintenance.
  • Underground tanks are protected from extreme weather and temperature fluctuations.
  • Because propane is non-toxic, it poses far less of a leak risk.
  • They are more susceptible to damage in a flood situation.

In general, underground propane tanks are considered safer than aboveground models. That said, propane is an incredibly safe fuel, and both types of storage tanks will be reliable for your home.

So…Which Tank Should You Choose? Let Us Help You.

An underground tank might be best if tank safety and keeping your fuel storage out of view are important to you. However, aboveground tanks are less time-consuming and more affordable to install and maintain.

At Superior Propane Inc., we’ve helped countless Arizona families—dating back over twenty-five years—find the perfect storage for their home’s propane. We want to help you too! Please reach out to us and we’ll help you get started.