What every quote should include
A complete propane tank quote covers six line items:
- Tank cost (purchase) — by size, aboveground or underground
- Installation cost — site prep, anchoring, regulator, connections
- Excavation (underground only) — sand bedding, cathodic protection, backfill
- Permits and inspection — typically $50–$200
- First-fill propane — gallons and per-gallon rate
- Tank pickup fee at contract exit — for leased tanks, specified upfront
Questions to ask
- Is the tank new or used? What's the manufacture date?
- What's included in installation (anchoring, regulator, connections to appliances)?
- Is excavation included for underground (sand bedding, cathodic protection)?
- Who handles permits and inspection?
- What's the warranty on the tank, regulator and installation work?
- Lead time from order to install — including permit wait?
- Annual maintenance — included in service plan or charged separately?
Compare apples to apples
The headline 'tank price' is often misleading because installers bundle differently. The right comparison is all-in total to operational: tank + install + excavation + permits + first-fill. Get this in writing from each candidate.
FAQ
How many tank quotes should I get?
At least three. Include at least one propane dealer who can supply both tank and ongoing fills, and one independent installer if you're going customer-owned and want bid-for-bid pricing.
Can I negotiate the tank price?
Yes, especially on customer-owned tanks. Installers have material flexibility on labour and accessory items; tank manufacturers have less. First-fill propane rates are also often negotiable for new accounts.