Most places do say that they have no tanks for sale. Some say they have them, but they are holding on to them for customers that want to rent. The one company I have found offers their tank for sale at about $3700 - $5100 installed. It just happens to be a tough time to be contemplating this whole ordeal.
Propane Tank, rent or buy 500gal
- Thread starter gmason
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gasman1075
Bronze Member
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Steel is high right now and the tanks are more expensive currently that they have been in the last 6 - 8 years ( here in NE ) a used UG should be inspected visually before sale and it needs to have been cathodically protected while under ground. I wouldn't pay $2700 for a 15 year old UG tank unless it came with a 15 year warranty. Or unless it had been protected and I inspected it.
So in my situation, it's underground. I'd have to go with a 15 year warranty. I doubt they'd do that IF I wanted to buy their tank for that price. I do not, so it's moot. I foresee it coming down to going with another company to buy a tank and get their tank out. I might consider buying it for $1200 maybe with demand being what it is.
jyoutz
Super Member
I spent $8800 last year to run natural gas 1500’ to my house, convert the furnace, and install a new tankless water heater. I sold the propane tank for $800. My gas bills are now 1/3 what I used to pay for propane. I know the payback will take years, but I do enjoy the ability to heat cheaply and reduce my monthly cash flow. I even ran a NG line and converted my gas grill to NG.
bumperm
Veteran Member
Again, I think you have the ball on this one. IF they abandon the tank, it doesn't remain their property . . . it becomes yours. I wouldn't offer them a dime more than what you offered already. I'd play hardball and call their bluff. It doesn't seem it would make economic sense for them to pull the tank. That said, if you "buy it" I'm thinking they sure as heck are not going to offer you a 15 year warranty on a used underground tank!
Diggin It
Super Star Member
I paid around $700 for my 500G surface tank in '98. No idea what they would want for them now.
Neighbor was told last year their 500G buried tank was leaking and had to be replaced. They were told their were no 500's available and ended up with a 320G (or so) surface tank. Don't know what they paid for it. The old 500 was abandoned underground. I'm not sure it really was leaking or just some fitting somewhere and the company yanked their chain.
Neighbor was told last year their 500G buried tank was leaking and had to be replaced. They were told their were no 500's available and ended up with a 320G (or so) surface tank. Don't know what they paid for it. The old 500 was abandoned underground. I'm not sure it really was leaking or just some fitting somewhere and the company yanked their chain.
Loved it when I had NG in the past. Don't even have the option where I am now. 8K seems like quite a chunk to throw down in one shot, but if you're gonna be there a while I guess that works.
bumperm
Veteran Member
My, then two year old, 1000 gal underground tank had a leak. Company that installed it couldn't find the leak, so I purchased an electronic leak detector (not all that expensive). I found the leak was at the bottom of the combi-valve (the combination valve that comes up near the surface etc.). Company said I'd have to excavate around the tank valve at my expense. I figured that was BS, so plasma cut some steel plate and welded up a large crowfoot wrench with T-handle to fit the valve. They came out and two of us unscrewed the valve with my wrench - it was on very tight. All we had to do, besides dumping the small amount of propane in the tank, was re-thread the valve on there with more pipe dope and teflon tape. Problem solved.
seville009
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about 15 years ago I remodeled my basement and got rid of my hot water tank and put in a tankless water heater (both on propane). That tankless water heater cost about $2,000, and I think paid for itself within two years due to the savings. Plus nice long hot showers. I always advise people to switch when asked. They are great.
bumperm
Veteran Member
Not meaning to be argumentative, but that seems a very short payback time, even considering recent energy cost increases. A quick search . . . "According to a study by Consumer Reports, the payback period for tankless water heaters can range from 12 years to 27.5 years, with electric models on the lower end of the spectrum and gas models on the upper end.Feb 21, 2022"
