Posted: March 9, 2026
Whether you rely on propane at home, on the farm, or to power your business, you likely appreciate its many advantages. Homeowners enjoy efficient heating, precise cooking, cozy gas fireplaces, and reliable backup generators, while agricultural and commercial users depend on propane for everything from crop drying and equipment operation to space heating and production processes. Propane delivers dependable performance across a wide range of applications—but how much do you know about propane storage tanks? Do they need maintenance? When should they be replaced?
Here’s what you need to know about caring for your tank—or tanks—for decades of safe and reliable performance.
Today’s propane tanks are built for safety and durability. Aboveground propane tanks are designed to withstand the elements for 30 years or more before they need to be replaced. Some aluminum and composite cylinders can last even longer. On the other hand, underground propane tanks can have a shorter average life expectancy, between 20 to 30 years, depending on the soil type and whether the tank was installed properly.
A properly installed propane storage tank should require very little maintenance. We inspect your tank for signs of problems every time we deliver fuel, but there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your tank in good shape.
Keep an eye out for signs of corrosion or rust on the exterior of an above-ground tank. Check that the tank is always sitting level to the ground—particularly after heavy rains that can saturate the ground and cause shifting. Have your propane appliances serviced and connections and pressure checked annually, and avoid letting your propane tank hit empty to avoid leaks and pressure problems.
With an underground tank, one of the key benefits is that it doesn’t detract from your home’s curb appeal. It can also be safer, depending on your home’s location. A small downside is that it can be a little harder to know if there are any problems.
However, correct installation of an underground tank should include sacrificial anodes (typically, we recommend one bag per 500 gallons). These anodes absorb natural electric currents in the ground and water that would otherwise corrode and deteriorate your tank. In addition, you should have us perform regular maintenance and check regulators.
While pressure problems don’t directly affect your tank, they can result in leaks and problems with your equipment. The best way to avoid these types of issues is to make sure your propane tank is always at least a quarter full.
Residential customers can sign up for our convenient and reliable Keep Full delivery service (or ask us about installing a wireless tank monitor) to avoid pressure issues and the inconvenience and expense of a run-out.
For commercial and agricultural customers, we will work with you to set up a bulk delivery schedule that is designed to meet your business’ needs.
A big advantage of leasing your tank from us is that we take care of all the maintenance and repairs and ensure your tank is in good shape.
We can help you determine the right size propane tank for your home or business. We’ll discuss factors like the size of your home, how you use propane and whether you will be adding propane appliances or equipment in the future.
Find out why we’re the go-to resource for residential and commercial propane services in Northwest and Central Ohio and West-Central Indiana. Contact us today for more information.