Propane Storage Tanks

Q. What size propane tank do I need?

A. Propane tank size varies depending on the BTU requirement of the propane appliances as well as the annual usage by the customer.  Phillips Energy installs propane tanks ranging from 120 gallons to 30,000 gallons.  The most common sizes installed for residential applications are 120, 320, 500 or 1,000 gallons.

Q. Where can my propane tank be installed.

A. There are specific codes regulated by NFPA, as well your local jurisdiction that dictate where the tank can be installed.  Our estimators will gladly go over options with you prior to the tank installation.

Q. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the propane tank?

A. Propane tanks require maintenance and inspections on different intervals, depending on the maintenance or inspection that is needed. These requirements should be met by a Certified Propane Technician. As the owner of the tank, Phillips Energy provides these services at no additional charge to our customers.  For customers who own their propane tank, Phillips Energy provides these services – however additional charges typically apply. Additionally, if the tank were to need repair, if Phillips Energy owns the tank we are financially responsible for the repairs. If the customer owns the tank, the customer is financially responsible for the repair. You can see why in most cases, customers prefer Phillips Energy to own and maintain the tank.

Q. How do I know who owns the propane tank?

A. For most customers, Phillips Energy owns and maintains the tank and regulators, whether the tank is aboveground or underground. If you have a question about your tank's ownership, please contact our office.

 

Q. What do I do if I think my propane tank may have a leak?

A. Distinguish all smoking materials and other open flames.  If possible, shut off the propane tank.  Do not use any type of phone in the area.  Vacate the area, call the local fire department and call Phillips Energy, Inc. immediately so that we may dispatch a CETP trained propane professional. Click here for access to additional safety information.

 

Q. What are the benefits of oil storage tanks?

A. Having an oil storage tank on your property has many benefits. A storage tank means having your own fuel, safely stored and purchased at a great value. 

 

Q. Are oil storage tanks safe?

A. Today's state-of-the-art oil fuel tanks are composed of corrosion-resistant steel and fiberglass and can last homeowners for many decades. This allows for exceptional safety. Many new heating oil tanks are installed below-ground using new, innovative technologies. 

 

Q. What is the chance of my oil storage tank leaking?

A. According to a major national study, the chance of a leak from an underground oil tank is less than one-quarter of 1%. The Virginia DEQ has stated that of the reported leaks, "often these heating oil tanks do not impact a receptor (e.g. drinking water well or stream) and have a minimal impact on the environment." In fact, the DEQ has revised the procedures for responding to discharges from small heating oil aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs) of 1,000-gallon capacity or less to allow for more flexibility at sites with a minimal impact on the environment.

 

Q. What is the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund?

A. While tank releases are extremely rare, Virginia provides FREE, automatic coverage for the clean-up costs of a leak or spill. Every oil tank in the Commonwealth of Virginia is protected under the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund, a state-mandated program that is run by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Owners/operators can request reimbursement for up to $1 million per occurrence, for costs above the $500 deductible for residential clean-ups (higher for commercial incidents). Read more about the program by visiting the site here and reading this PDF.