Basics of Underground Propane Tank Regulators

The term “underground regulator” may be misleading. This is because the burying process of the regulator differs from that of the propane tank. The regulator sits in an underground dome or shroud which provides protection from the surrounding earth and backfill. Typically, the tank shroud (housing) and lid will provide adequate protection for the regulator. However, if we bury your propane in a location where water collects, additional protection will be necessary.

For example, if your propane tank is buried in a location where the water level may even temporarily rise above the level of the vent, we provide additional regulator protection even if the drainage seems sufficient. Propane tanks that are buried where drainage is sufficient don’t always require additional regulator and vent production. However, the regulator vent discharge must be above the highest probable water level. Any regulator that has been underwater for any length of time requires replacement as soon as possible.

Protecting underground tank regulators is essential for safe and continuous operations downstream of the tank. Additional protection is necessary in such areas where the tank is subject to collecting water during heavy rains. In this case, we can attach a simple vent pipe to the regulator’s vent inlet. The vent extension allows your propane regulator to properly “breathe” in the event it becomes submerged in water.

We install and attach regulator vent extensions at the time of propane tank installation. Contact us with the link below to for more information or to schedule your propane tank installation service today.