Lakes Gas: Your Propane Tank Experts

What Size Propane Tank Do I Need?

125-Gallon Propane Tank

The compact 125-gallon propane tank is ideal for smaller energy needs.

Dimensions: Approximately 4 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter for vertical tanks.

Applications:

• Fueling fireplaces, gas ranges or low-demand water heaters
• This tank is a great option for households that rely on supplemental propane systems.

250-Gallon Propane Tank

The 250-gallon tank is versatile and perfect for moderate energy use.

Dimensions: About 7.5 feet long and 30 inches in diameter for horizontal tanks.

Applications:

• Powering multiple appliances like dryers, stoves, space heaters, fireplaces and water heaters
• These tanks balance capacity and affordability, making them a popular option for many homeowners.

500-Gallon Propane Tank

The 500-gallon tank is designed for high-demand households.

Dimensions: About 10 feet long and 38 inches in diameter.

Applications:

• Heating small to medium homes
• Fueling propane appliances and standby generators
• This tank is a great choice if propane is your primary heating source.

1,000-Gallon Propane Tank

The 1,000-gallon tank takes care of even the largest propane demands.

Dimensions: Approximately 16 feet long and 41 inches in diameter.

Applications:

• Heating large estate homes or multi-unit properties
• Supporting multiple heating systems, appliances and agricultural use
• If you have extensive energy needs or achieve economies of scale by filling in bulk, this tank size delivers.

Should I Buy or Lease a Propane Tank?

Choosing between buying and leasing a propane tank is an important decision. Both options have their advantages, depending on what works best for your specific needs and lifestyle.

Leasing a propane tank is a hassle-free and cost-effective solution for many homeowners, especially those who want to avoid the up-front investment of purchasing a tank. When you lease, your local Lakes Gas office handles everything — installation, regular maintenance and required safety inspections. This means fewer worries for you and greater peace of mind, because you’ll know that everything is in compliance with safety standards. Leasing eliminates the need to budget for unexpected repair costs, as we ensure that the tank remains in good working order.

Another advantage of leasing is that, if you add propane appliances like a range, a fireplace or a water heater to your home and need a bigger tank, we make it easy to switch.

For those new to propane or unsure about their long-term needs, leasing offers a convenient, low-risk way to access propane without the commitment of ownership.

If convenience, peace of mind and minimal up-front investment are your top priorities, leasing might be the perfect fit.
When you choose to purchase a propane tank instead, you gain full ownership, which gives you the flexibility to select your preferred propane supplier.

However, it’s important to consider that ownership also comes with responsibilities. Maintenance, repairs and routine safety inspections fall on your shoulders, and these expenses can add up over time. Additionally, if you ever decide to upgrade or replace your tank in the future, those costs will also be yours to manage.

Whatever you decide, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully to confirm that your propane solution aligns with your lifestyle, budget and future propane usage.

How Is a Propane Tank Installation Done?

When you choose Lakes Gas to install your propane tank, our team makes the process smooth and worry-free. A member of your local Lakes Gas office may need to visit your property for a site survey to determine the ideal size and placement of your tank. These surveys are typically completed within a week of your contacting us.

We’re experts in local regulations and will guide you through any necessary permits or paperwork. If a site survey isn’t needed, we’ll usually schedule your tank installation in 7 to 10 days.

We’ll take care of your lease agreement, ensuring that every detail is covered. This document will outline everything you need to know about your Lakes Gas propane system, including the tank, the regulator and all associated outdoor equipment. Our expert team will set your system up safely and efficiently; you can count on us to keep things running smoothly.

For our Wisconsin customers, here is more information about tank installation:

Installing or upgrading to a new aboveground tank with Lakes Gas is a seamless process, typically completed within a few hours. Our team is experienced in handling every step with precision and care, so you can count on a safe and reliable propane system.

Here’s how we do it:

• Preparation: We’ll place a durable concrete pad or blocks as the foundation for your tank.
• Installation: Our skilled service crew will carefully lift and position the tank, ensuring that it’s securely set and leveled.
• Connection and testing: Once the tank is in place, we’ll run propane gas lines and conduct a thorough system test to check for leaks.
• Filling the tank: A Lakes Gas delivery driver will then fill your tank with propane, and it will be ready for use!

We’re with you every step of the way. After completing the installation and safety inspection, our team will personally review everything with you. We’ll explain how your system works, walk you through essential safety procedures and answer any questions you might have.

At Lakes Gas, we pride ourselves on delivering expert service with a personal touch. Your safety and satisfaction are always our top priorities.

Propane Tank FAQs

Q. Should my propane tank be installed aboveground or underground?

A. Choosing the right propane tank installation — aboveground or underground — is a key decision, and Lakes Gas is here to guide you every step of the way. With years of expertise in propane solutions for Upper Midwest homes like yours, our team is committed to helping you find the best option for your needs. Let’s break down the benefits of each to help you decide.

The advantages of an aboveground propane tank:

• Cost-effective: No excavation is needed, keeping installation affordable.
• Easy access: With the tank fully visible, maintenance and inspections are straightforward.
• Quick installation: Our skilled technicians can typically have this option set up in just one day.

Aboveground tanks are ideal for homeowners seeking a convenient and budget-friendly solution.

The advantages of an underground propane tank:

• Aesthetics: Keep your landscaping pristine — this tank stays out of sight.
• Space optimization: With the tank buried, your yard remains open for other uses.
• Weather resilience: Underground placement shields the tank from freezing and extreme weather changes that are so common here in the Upper Midwest.

Underground tanks are perfect if you’re looking for a discreet, space-saving option that blends seamlessly into your property.

Whichever option you choose, your local, reliable Lakes Gas team is here to ensure that your installation goes smoothly, with a tank tailored to your needs.

Q. Can I paint my propane tank?

A. If you are leasing your tank, the answer is no. Lakes Gas handles all tank maintenance for leased tanks. If you do wish to paint a propane tank you own, understand that the tank is painted a light color for safety reasons. The propane inside your tank expands as conditions heat up. The lighter tank color allows the heat outdoors to reflect away from the tank, keeping the propane in the tank at a safe pressure. Colors darker than a light tan absorb too much heat, which can cause the propane to expand to dangerous levels. If your tank has rust on it, give us a call, and we’ll check it out to see what should be done about it.

Q. I don’t like seeing my propane tank in the yard. Can I cover it up?

A. For safety reasons, aboveground propane tanks should never be enclosed or covered. However, there are ways you can minimize the appearance of your propane tank. A fence or a lattice screen can be placed a safe distance from the tank, and climbing plants can help hide the tank even more. However you wish to screen the tank from view, make sure that you follow propane safety best practices (call your local Lakes Gas office for more information) and that your propane delivery driver can still safely get to and fill your tank.

Aboveground tank guidelines: In addition to distance from the house, there are other distances to be considered.
No matter the size, any propane tank filled on-site must be positioned with care. To ensure safety and compliance, the filling connection and the fixed liquid-level gauge need to be at least 10 feet away from:

• External sources of ignition (like open flames, window A/C units or compressors)
• Intakes for direct-vented gas appliances
• Intakes for mechanical ventilation systems

Underground tank guidelines: There are guidelines determining the placement and installation of underground tanks as well.
The depth of the tank has to be considered:

• 100-gallon tanks must be buried 44 inches deep.
• 500 – 1,000-gallon tanks must be buried 4 feet, 6 inches deep.

The size of the hole for the tank is also regulated:

• 100-gallon tank holes must be 9 feet and 6 inches long and 4 feet wide.
• 500-gallon tank holes must be 14 feet long and 5 feet wide.
• 1,000-gallon tank holes must be 20 feet long and 5 feet, 6 inches wide.

There are other recommendations and guidelines for underground propane tanks, including:

• Tanks must be designed, manufactured and coated for underground installation.
• Sacrificial anodes, which are designed to draw corrosive properties away from the tank and are usually made of zinc or magnesium, should be placed around the propane tank.
• Underground tanks placed near roads or driveways should have added protection against damage or abrasion.

In addition to NFPA guidelines, each state has its own regulations for propane tanks. Here are some state-specific regulations and guidelines for the states in the Lakes Gas service area.

• Illinois
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Wisconsin

• Propane tank construction, placement and installation must comply with all regulations in Title 41 of the Illinois Administrative Code. These regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, Division of Petroleum and Chemical Safety.
• Special applications must be submitted to the OSFM for tanks larger than 2,000 gallons or when the aggregate total of LPG storage on a site exceeds 4,000 gallons.
• Applications must also be submitted for all LPG dispensers and for the relocation of propane tanks.
• Municipalities may have additional regulations covering requirements such as setback distances or restrictions on underground tank installations. Contact your local government before adding or replacing a propane tank.
• Propane tank installers must be trained according to National Fire Protection Association standards and receive regular retraining.

• Regulations for the installation and maintenance of propane tanks fall under the jurisdiction of Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
• Propane businesses are prohibited from filling tanks owned by another propane business without written consent.
• All propane system and tank installations must meet setback requirements for property lines, buildings, windows, intake vents and other regulated areas.
• Propane tanks larger than 2,000 gallons individually, or propane storage systems exceeding 4,000 gallons in aggregate, require a permit from LARA’s Storage Tank Division.
• Additional local propane tank regulations may apply. Contact your city or township with questions about local requirements.

• Propane tank placement and installation must meet Minnesota Department of Public Safety standards.
• Installation or replacement of underground propane tanks, pipes or dispensers must be reported to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at least 10 days before installation.
• All underground propane tanks must be installed and serviced by an MPCA-certified contractor.
• Aboveground residential tanks below 1,100 gallons do not require MPCA notification.
• Propane tanks between 500 and 1,000 gallons and located within 500 feet of water that can be used for recreational purposes must be registered with the MPCA, be labeled, have secondary containment and have a sign posted.
• All new and replacement underground tanks, submersible pumps and dispensers must include secondary containment along with interstitial monitoring.

• Bury underground tanks below the frost line for year-round use.
• Owner must maintain a clear, safe path for the delivery truck.
• State fire marshal regulates design, construction and operation of equipment.

• Install tanks at least 50 feet from the road.
• Tanks within 1,000 feet of public water or a well need secondary containment.
• A licensed professional must handle installation according to all regulations.
• Tanks and buried lines require corrosion protection, such as anodes or impressed-current systems.

• Installations must be handled by DATCP-certified professionals.
• Do not place a tank where a septic system blocks the delivery truck.
• Leak-detection and tightness testing every two years, plus corrosion protection.

Lakes Gas has been proudly serving the Upper Midwest for decades, including residents in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois and Michigan. Our experienced team makes propane tank installations simple, safe and affordable. When you choose Lakes Gas, you get more than just a tank — you gain peace of mind and exceptional service tailored to your home’s specific energy needs. Call us today or visit our website to schedule your propane tank installation or inquire about leasing options. With Lakes Gas, hassle-free propane solutions are just a phone call away.