running my own propane line?

MattEffinCameron · Oct 31, 2018

Do I have to hire a licensed professional to install a ~100lb propane tank outside my barn and run a line a short distance inside to a shop heater or can I do it myself? I live in Connecticut if that matters (as I suspect it might).

Fuddy1952 · Oct 31, 2018

I'm in Virginia, in the county in the country.
Here a homeowner basically can do anything he/she wants.

I just looked this up for Connecticut...
"The tank would have to be installed by a person licensed to do this work in Connecticut, e.g., a master plumber."

Over the years I've done lots of things not to code, but common sense

. Sometimes getting a license, inspections, etc. opens a can of worms.
I buy my propane from the place I bought the tank and get a really good price. They do a leak down test which is a gauge on the line, open then close main tank valve. If it holds that pressure 24 hours all is well.
Me, I use soapy water and small brush (or a match

...joking!).

AllDodge · Oct 31, 2018

Depends on your local and state laws on the subject. In KY we can run it in the hose or anywhere else so long as its our home. Call the local propane company they should know if you can. Now you might need to stretch the truth about looking it to the possibility of getting a 500 gallon tank. Asking about a 500 gallon they they might be better answering your questions because there is something in it for them.

You can get a heat which runs off a 100 pound tank and they come with a 15 foot hose

RNeumann · Oct 31, 2018

The propane company that sets the tank and or fills the tank has “rules or code” they follow. Most of the time a homeowner can do the work on their own property. The propane company will want to see a pressure gauge at at least 10psi on the line when they come to set the tank and hook it up.

For code almost everywhere will require a permit/inspection of the heater. The propane company would only want inside to light a pilot light and or verify that their wasn’t a leak and the unit was in good working order.

Ritothebull · Oct 31, 2018

The gas company wanted $1,500.00 to run 50' of line through the attic to a new gas stove plus the cost of setting a 100# tank on an existing slab, I bought the flex-line for $150.00 and found a new 60# tank for 40 bucks and did it myself. You can find all the code info on line.

kcflhrc · Oct 31, 2018

I wouldn't think twice about doing it myself. As long as I was confident in my knowledge and ability.

Jstpssng · Oct 31, 2018

You will probably own your tank so no need to even talk to the propane company. The person to ask is your local code enforcement officer. Once you get it hooked up check all of your connections with soapy water, watching each joint carefully for bubbles.

repete · Oct 31, 2018

MattEffinCameron said:
Do I have to hire a licensed professional to install a ~100lb propane tank outside my barn and run a line a short distance inside to a shop heater or can I do it myself? I live in Connecticut if that matters (as I suspect it might).

Are you talking about one of the maybe 12" 4' tanks that you will take down to get filled? If so, I would do it myself in 1/2" Black Iron pipe and use the approved flex connectors at both ends. Add a "drip leg" just before the valve on the inside to catch any debris before it goes into your furnace.

In my area it is WAY cheaper to take the tank in to get it filled as opposed to having a truck come out to fill it.

HillStreet · Oct 31, 2018

MattEffinCameron said:
Do I have to hire a licensed professional to install a ~100lb propane tank outside my barn and run a line a short distance inside to a shop heater or can I do it myself? I live in Connecticut if that matters (as I suspect it might).

Matt,

If it were me I would have the professional installer install it, and have the gas bottle on a service. In my younger days in Connecticut I installed a lot of stuff myself. Now that I look back I understand why they say “It’s OK until it isn’t”. It is much better to transfer all that liability to the people that know. No offense, I’m sure you, me and many others can do it so you go right ahead. Maybe I’m just getting “too careful” in my older days. Hmmmm, that sounds like a new thread.