Propane Tank Questions

[JD5210]

I have an underground 500 gallon propane tank. I was wondering how long they last?

I live in the western part of VA. It is close to the house and the ground around it is raised, so I would think it does not get to wet. I did a search and found the soil type is silt loam or silty clay loam, and averages 22 to 32 percent clay and 2 to 6 percent sand.

Another question how often does the anode bag need to be replaced?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I would think soil pH is more important. Your local suppliers would know about your area. From 3000 miles away, I wouldn't even guess.

 

[kenmac]

the soil in that area is most likely has been attacking that steel tank for a long time.
One would think it had some sort of cathodic protection, such as anodes, etc,. But who knows.

JMO,, I wouldn't want one that was buried at all .

 

[ovrszd]

I struggle with the buried tank issue also. I can't think of any reason to bury one beyond just not wanting to look at it. I understand that to an extent. But then we start talking about long term and I've never heard of a solution to analyzing the condition of the tank. Until it fails. That part bothers me enough that I have no problems with looking out my shop window and seeing a propane tank.

 

[m1garand762]

My parents tank has been buried for over 30 years. As of now it’s not leaking or at least not enough to be detectable heavy clay soils

 

[ovrszd]

My parents tank has been buried for over 30 years. As of now it’s not leaking or at least not enough to be detectable heavy clay soils

My above ground tank is a '51 model. I have no evidence of how long it would have lasted buried.

 

[Cycledude]

This is the first time I ever heard of propane tanks being buried !
As far as I know there aren’t any buried here in Wisconsin.

 

[3Ts]

I have a 1000 gal buried tank. The propane supplier is supposed to check the cathodes with some sort of meter every couple of years.

 

[i7win7]

States with soft sandy soil, in a hurricane zone. the tanks can pop out of the ground. If you have a buried tank and expect a hurricane land fall, you want to make sure tank is filled.

 

[bnold]

1,000 buried here as well.