If you’re one of the 4.8 million UK households living off the mains gas network, a bulk gas tank could be the answer to your heating, cooking and hot water needs. LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is a popular alternative to oil and electricity for off-grid properties, and a bulk tank means a supply piped straight to your appliances, just like a mains connection, without needing to be on the grid.
This guide covers what bulk gas is, the benefits, your options for above and below ground tanks, what to know before you install, and the safety rules to keep in mind once it’s in.
What is LPG – and why choose it?
LPG is a colourless, low-carbon hydrocarbon gas, stored as a liquid under pressure and turned into gas as you use it. It’s efficient enough to power central heating, cookers, gas fires, tumble dryers, and even forklift trucks, which makes it a flexible fuel for off-grid homes and businesses.
Bulk gas simply means storing a larger volume of LPG in a fixed tank on-site, rather than swapping cylinders in and out. It comes in a range of tank sizes, so there’s an option to suit a family home or a larger commercial site.
Benefits of bulk gas tank installation
- Cost-effective: Buying in bulk avoids the peaks and troughs of cylinder pricing, so your fuel costs are more predictable
- Flexible: One tank can power your heating, cooking, hot water and more, all from a single, simple connection
- Lower carbon: LPG burns cleaner than oil, coal and other solid fuels, making it a greener choice for an off-grid property
- Built for higher demand: For farms, agricultural sites, transport and construction businesses, a bulk tank keeps pace with heavy use, without the hassle of constantly swapping cylinders
Above ground vs below ground bulk tank installation
One of the biggest decisions with bulk gas tank installation is whether to site your tank above or below ground. Both are safe, well-established options – the right one comes down to your property, your budget, and how much you want the tank to be seen.
- Above-ground bulk tanks. Above-ground tanks are usually quicker to install and cheaper to maintain, since there’s no excavation involved and everything is easy to reach for servicing and inspections. They do take up some visible space on your property, though this can be softened with fencing or planting if you’d rather it wasn’t on show.
- Below-ground bulk tanks. Underground tanks keep your gas storage out of sight, buried beneath the ground with just the inspection hatch visible at the surface. Being underground also protects the tank from temperature swings, which can help keep performance consistent year-round. The trade-off is a more involved installation, since it needs excavation and a reinforced setting, and a below-ground tank is naturally harder to check for damage.
- Which option is best for you? There’s no single right answer here – it comes down to your site and your priorities. If keeping the tank out of sight matters most, an underground tank is usually worth the extra installation cost. If you’d rather keep costs down and ensure it’s easy to access your tank, an above-ground tank is the more straightforward choice. Ground conditions and your local authority’s planning rules can have an impact – but don’t worry, that’s exactly what a site survey is for.
What you need to know before you install
- Planning permission: This can apply depending on your property and where the tank will sit, so it’s worth checking with your local authority before committing – our site survey will flag anything relevant to your site
- How ownership works: Bulk tanks are usually supplied and installed as part of a supply agreement with your gas company, tied to a set contract period. Once that period ends, you’re generally free to switch supplier, and your tank can transfer with you
- Tank sizing: We offer tanks from 600kg to 2000kg, so there’s a size to suit a family home or a larger commercial site
- Ordering and gauge levels: Once you’re up and running, keeping on top of your gauge is straightforward – see our gas services page for guidance on reorder levels, minimum orders and delivery times
How bulk gas tank installation works
We start with a free site survey, so our team can assess your property, confirm the best spot for your tank, and check everything meets LPG safety codes and clearance distances.
Once we’ve agreed the location, our Gas Safe registered engineers install the tank and connecting pipework, then carry out the safety checks needed before connecting your supply. After that, it’s just a case of booking your first refill and settling into a regular delivery routine.
Essential safety guidelines for your bulk gas tank
- Keep the area around the tank clear: Cut back vegetation, and don’t store anything, even empty boxes, within the clearance zone
- Keep access clear for deliveries: Our tanker needs a reasonably clear run to reach the tank and refill it
- Have it serviced regularly: A qualified engineer should check the tank, valves and pipework periodically to keep everything running safely
- Keep the gauge somewhere visible: Knowing your fuel level at a glance helps you avoid running low
- Report anything unusual straight away: Don’t wait for a scheduled visit if something looks damaged or smells wrong
What not to do
- Don’t build, park or store anything within the tank’s clearance zone: As a guide, that’s around 3 metres from buildings, boundaries and drains, though a fire wall can sometimes reduce this on one side. Your site survey will confirm the exact distances for your property
- Don’t smoke or allow a naked flame near the tank: LPG vapour is heavier than air, so it can settle and linger if there’s ever a leak
- Don’t try to repair, paint over or interfere with the valves or safety fittings yourself: Leave this to a qualified engineer
- Don’t let vehicles reverse over or park on an underground tank’s inspection hatch: It needs to stay accessible and undamaged
- Don’t let your gauge run down to empty: Running out means relighting your appliances, which isn’t a quick job
If you’re ready to make the switch to bulk gas, get in touch for a free site survey. We’ll help you choose the right tank, size and location for your property, and take care of everything from installation to your first refill.