Can you install a propane tank for a kitchen stove on your own?

Question

We bought a propane kitchen stove and my fiance wants to install all the copper pipe and wiring and such for the stove himself then have the propane company connect the tank. is that safe? should we let the propane company do it for us? It costs alot more then we want to pay to have it done by them.

Answer 1

Typically gas is installed with "Flare Fittings." There is a special tool to flare copper tubing so you can use the fitting.

You also have to use coppor tubing that is rated for gas and propane.

I have included a link below.

If he has never done this before he needs to be darned sure he knows what he's doing before he starts, including getting all of the information he can out of the local Home Depot guy, perhaps having the guy show him how to properly flare the tubing.

I think you'd agree that proper installation is pretty important.

Answer 2

OK here it is, state laws vary so call your L.P. Gas Administration. Now here are a few things you need to know. The kind of regulator you will need is a "two or twin stage", or just make sure it is low pressure. A typical pressure gauge wont work for checking, you need an inches of water column gauge. You need about 9 to 13 inches WC from the regulator, that's less than 1 pound PSI.And remember the threads in the tank valve are left handed, thats POL fitting. Also don't use plastic line (you will want to bury the line) if you have moles or other digging critters, they will chew through it. Copper or water pipe is OK. The one guy mentioned using soap to check for leaks and that’s ok but nothing takes the place of a proper leak test with a meter. And most companies must do a leak test for new customers, or if there has been an interruption in service. It would be a good idea to put a shut off valve behind the stove, and remember. If the stove has a standing pilot (instead of electronic igniter) it will show a leak on the meter, so that’s a good reason to have that valve behind the stove not to mention it’s a safety thing too. Also if you use copper DO NOT let it come in contact with concrete. Over a period of time the copper and something in the concrete will cause a chemical reaction and the copper will leak where it's touching the concrete. Check with the LP Gas Admin and find out how close you can have the tank from the house. Prob no less than 10 feet. And as far as that $1.00 per year tank rent, companies usually only do that if you use a LOT of gas, like 3 or 4 tank fulls or more per year, or if your brother works at the company. I have heard lease prices from $40 per year to $60 or more, and can depend what size you get. They typically come in 250, 320, 325, 500, or 1000 gal size. just remember the propane guy will only fill to 80% and if its hot weather even less. So a 250 filled to 80% would be 200 gal. The gauge is also in % so depending on what size tank you get, lets say you get a 250 cause just running a cook stove that would be plenty big enough, every 10 % would be 25 gallons so 30% is 75 gallons. If you buy a tank and not rent/lease one, remember. 1. make sure it has a data plate, that tells you everything about the tank, gallons,(will have W G for water gallons) serial number, year made, all that stuff, so you can see it’s a propane tank and not an old 1940's butane tank or even worse an anhydrous tank. A reputable company won't fill it unless it has a data plate. 2. look it over and see that it does not have deep rust pits and the valves are all there, and the legs are on it and not bent up. 3. You would rather have the valves all separate, not all on one, that’s called a multi valve and it can cost a lot more to replace parts, if you can find them. The old multi valve is almost obsolete anyway. 4. Steel cost is way up, so tanks cost more, however you look around and can get a good used tank for about a dollar a gallon so a 250 would be about $250.00. But look around and you may find one for a lot less. Refurbished and new tanks are very expensive. If you can find a tank with a regulator, and some gas in it even better, or even just pressure that may help you find leaks if it has any before you fill it. Thats where the spray bottle of soap comes in. Spray everything on that tank, relief valve and all... oh wow, I kinda went on and on did'nt I? Sorry about that. Thats prob more than you wanted to know. Bet by now you're gonna go electric. well if you could possibly have any more questions I'd be glad to try and answer them, if I don't know I bet I can find out real quick.

Answer 3

Propane Kitchen Stove

Answer 4

You never do this type of installation by yourself, it requires a licensed trades person. Several reasons for that, most oblivious being if it is not installed properly you could end up dead from an explosion or gas leak, not to mention the jeopardy you place on your neighbors. And there is also the insurance issue to consider, if a claim is required no insurance company will pay out if the work was done by yourselves. Pay the money, it will be well spent.

Answer 5

As long as it's done corrrectly, and they are no leaks, then you shouldn't have a problem. Use a spray bottle and spray a solution such as soapy water on your piping to check for leaks once the tank is connected and filled. Don't use shortcuts, but have him do it the right way the first time. Best of luck to you...........

Answer 6

the propane company "usually" pressure checks your system for leaks before installing the tank. If your friend has a bit of experience he can get everything set up prior to that.

He may wish to pressure check it himself before the company comes to hook up the bottle.

Answer 7

Your question reminds me of a joke I once heard.......

A man decided he wanted to try skydiving for the first time He charted a plane and took his jump. When he pulled the ripcord, nothing happened.........tried the reserve chute....nothing!
As he was falling to the earth, he looked down and saw a man coming up towards him. As they passed, the 1st man shouted "Hey, do you know anything about parachutes?" The 2nd man yelled back "Hell no, do you know anything about gas stoves?"

Answer 8

If he is reasonably handy, he should be able to do it himself. Just make sure all connections are checked with soapy water. There can be NO LEAKS. Check all connections again the next day.

Answer 9

Yes you can install it yourself. I think you need to know what you're doing before you attempt to do it. Gas is not something you do not want to play around with it if you're a newbie.
Your state may be different, but in most states. It would not have to be inspected to my knowledge.

Answer 10

GENERALLY THE PROPANE COMPANY WILL SET THE TANK AND REGULATOR AND CHARGE A DOLLAR A YEAR LEASE FOR TANK AS LONG AS YOU FILL IT FROM THEM.