Domestic LPG Gas Storage: How to ‘Hide’ Your Tank
Installing an LPG tank for all your energy needs? Exciting times!
As your reliable LPG supplier, we'll get everything up and running in a smooth fashion, making sure you start enjoying warm heating and hot water in no time.
However, we realise above ground LPG tanks sometimes aren't the garden feature you were hoping for and that you may want to find ways to keep your domestic LPG gas storage out of sight to safeguard your beautiful garden views. That's completely fine – our video and this article will guide you on what you can do whilst ensuring safety is still kept front of mind!
The good news is that both above-ground and underground tanks can be discreetly concealed, but there are a few precautions to bear in mind to ensure LPG tank safety at all times.
The information given in this article is based on a standard domestic LPG tank of 1410 litres or 0.6 tonnes. Larger tanks and commercial installations may require additional space to any measurements given. For more advice, get in touch with our customer services team or your Flogas account manager.
Hiding your tank
Can you conceal an LPG tank?
Yes you can. If you are proud of your outdoor space and want to maintain its aesthetics, there are many ways you can keep your domestic LPG tank out of sight.
Of course, underground tanks are stored beneath the ground, so won’t need much cover anyway. But, as for above-ground tanks, which come with the benefit of being easier to access, you can securely conceal your tank to safeguard your garden views..
But again, there are a few simple distance rules to remember to prevent avoidable issues. See below for more information, depending on just how you choose to screen off your above-ground tank.
Can you put plants around a tank?
If you have a green thumb, growing plants and evergreen shrubs around your above-ground LPG tank could be a creative, natural way to ‘hide’ it.
To prevent fire hazards, keep at least a 1m gap. This will keep your tank happy and your vegetation blooming all year round.
Can you put a fence around an LPG tank?
Fancy a fence? Different fence styles will work just right as a good-looking cover for your above-ground tank.
You could opt for a:
- Closed-panel fence on two sides – Leave a 1m safety distance between the fence and the tank. You don’t want to suffocate it! Also, keep two sides open for access and adequate ventilation.
- Open-block or ranch fencing – If you’re a ‘three-sides’ kind of person, open-block or ranch fencing could suit you best. Again, leave a 1m safety gap, and keep one side open for delivery, access, and ventilation.
- Full-wrap fence – If you want to keep your tank hidden on all sides, a ‘hit and miss’ type of fencing is best. This will ensure 50% ventilation, and with gate access, it can be easily reached for delivery or maintenance.
Can you paint an LPG tank?
No! It's essential that you keep your tank as it is. Painting it can affect its protective coating, reducing its lifespan.
Also, never remove its emergency information stickers. These are crucial to help you and our team look after your tank should there be any issues.
Building near an LPG tank
Can you put buildings near an LPG tank?
If you are considering building next to an above-ground tank, ensure there is always a three-metre safety distance. And don’t forget to keep a line of sight to favour access and deliveries!
In the case of underground tanks, refrain from building anything on top of your subterranean tank - that includes decking, patios, trampolines or even a plant pot! Not only will this prevent avoidable damage to your tank, but it will also facilitate access for top-ups and maintenance purposes.
Can you park a car next to an LPG tank?
Cars and LPG tanks aren’t the best of friends. Ideally, your vehicle should be kept at least 6 metres away from your domestic LPG tank to prevent risk of ignition or collision. This is true for both above-ground and underground tanks. It might seem like a great idea to create a hard-standing parking area above your underground tank, but you mustn't!
You may well be aware of the dangers of parking your motor next to an LPG tank, but there is a chance that visitors or other drivers in the area may ignore the risks and park too close to your LPG gas storage site.
To be on the safe side with your above-ground tank, it might be worth fitting bollards, boulders, or raised curbs to separate your tank from your driveway or designated parking space.
If you want to learn more about how to safely ‘hide’ your tank, feel free to get in touch. At Flogas, we are always on hand to answer any questions you may have!
