We see things in the course of our day that we automatically assume are okay because they are the way we are used to seeing them. In the business of real estate propane tanks on the outside of houses are as commons as homes on the market (we all know how common those are). Where are these tanks often located?
Right up against the house.
If the tank is less than 125 gallons, it is allowed to be against the house following a few rules. Here is a propane tank I found against the home on a recent inspection. First off it is on a hill. Generally speaking it should be on a secure base. It is difficult to see in the photo, but this tank has been shimmed using a concrete block that has obviously settled.
Next notice the two pipes on either side (another issue for another post). That is the oil fill and vent for the oil tank in the basement. All though I could not find anything that prohibits installing a propane tank in front of the oil fill, I bet the oil guy doesn’t like it too much.
What is definitely not allowed is for the tank to be closer than 3 feet to a window opening. This tank sits less than three feet from three windows. In fact it is right in front of the basement window. My guess is it was placed here because the more correct location further down the yard would have been too far for the hose to reach from the fill truck.
Convenience over safety is too close for comfort.
James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
2010 - 2011 SNEC-ASHI President
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC
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