Posted: July 14, 2025
Propane is a reliable, efficient energy source for heating your home and water—and it can power everything from stoves to clothes dryers. If you’ve ever swapped out a tank for your grill, you might think installing a larger home propane tank is just a bigger version of the same task. But don’t be fooled—setting up a residential propane tank isn’t a DIY-friendly project. In fact, trying to do it yourself can be dangerous and may even violate local laws or safety codes. Here’s why it’s best to leave propane tank installation to the professionals.
While propane is very safe when handled correctly, it can be highly flammable, and improper installations can lead to catastrophic accidents. A propane tank that isn’t installed correctly may leak, posing a severe fire or explosion risk.
The propane in your tank is highly pressurized, and your system uses a regulator to decrease the pressure as it enters your home. The pressure settings are different for natural gas than for propane and when the regulator is set incorrectly, it can lead to a gas leak. That’s true whether pressure is too high or too low. The problems that result when pressure is too low are why we are required to do a pressure test after you have a runout.
Professionals—like the team at Mercer—are trained to handle propane safely, ensuring the tank is securely placed, connected, and tested for leaks. We also adhere to strict procedures to prevent static electricity or sparks during installation. Without the necessary knowledge and equipment, a DIY installation exposes you, your family, and your property to unnecessary risks.
Various local, state, and federal organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association, have established standards and regulations around tank placement. Rules apply to clearance from structures, and the depth of underground installations, to name a few. Additionally, obtaining the necessary permits often requires an inspection by qualified professionals. Navigating this complex legal landscape on your own can be both frustrating and time-consuming.
What’s more, skirting the rules can incur fines or penalties and probably will void your insurance policy.
Installing a propane tank isn’t as simple as hooking up a 5- or 10-gallon tank to the grill on your patio. You need specialized tools and materials, such as pressure gauges, pipe sealants, and regulators. And you need to know how to use them for this specific job.
If you think installing your own propane tank might seem like a way to save money, think again.
Even without any fines for an unlicensed propane tank installation, doing the work yourself could cost you in the long term. Hiring a licensed professional ensures the work is done to code, reducing liability risks. Most reputable installers will provide a warranty on their work, as well.
On the other hand, most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damage caused by propane systems not done by a professional. If an accident occurs because of a DIY installation, you could be held liable for any injuries or property damage.
In addition, improper installation can cause inefficiencies, leading to wasted propane and higher energy bills. And fixing your mistakes could cost as much—or more—than just hiring a pro in the first place.
When it comes to propane, it’s best to leave the installation to the experts. The pros at Mercer Landmark Energy can help you determine the best size tank for your needs, identify the best location for your tank and make sure it’s installed safely. We’ve been providing propane services for all kinds of homes and businesses in Northwest and Central Ohio and West-Central Indiana since 1988.
Whether you’re new to propane or just need to replace your tank, contact us for more information today.