Propanetank install and hookup ???????

[bcoke]

I will try to make this as short and understandable as possible, On my property I have the main house and a Smaller cotage [the original house now a guest house].......We are in Vermont at the end of the power line so frequent outages are common......as we age I contracted for two whole house generators......the main house has lp gas inground 1000 gallon tank @ 65 feet from the generator and needs to be hooked up ......Gas company qoute 650-750 dollars for hookup you dig the hole.........the cottage will get a 500 gallon above ground tank @ 50 feet from generator again 650-750 hookup you dig the hole.........is this normal that the do not dig the trench for the line ?????????? Long story endless I got an electrical contractor who in the bid states he will supply trench for lp line as necessary........... now both are avoiding the dig..........by the way they [electric contractor has dragged this out should have been done early november ] now snow and freezing my question is who diggs the %$@$^^$$ trench ......angrly bobbycoke

 

[finn]

Here the propane company digs the trench for new installations. The first 50 or 65 feet was free . Father was a nominal up change.

In your case, since a backup generator uses little propane on a regular basis, it’s crazy to expect the propane company to foot the bill for the installation.

That means it should be part of the electricians quote to provide backup power.

 

[yeldogt]

I have never had an install where the propane company did the dig ( PA/NJ/NY/MA/SC) ... years ago when they were all locally owned they would coordinate with a subcontractor -- still ...homeowner responsible for the contract with the digger. Now ... with them all owned by someone else they don't even do that. This has caused many more installs with double 100g tanks -- because you can place them up closer to the house or equipment.

Another problem: In some jurisdictions, new service has to be installed by a licensed propane company -- they do the checking .. town inspects. I'm getting a new tank -- the propane company must install the line and check it before it's inspected and backfilled. Contractor can not install line.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Just installed a 500 gallon on a house next door that I helped build. Propane company did not dig, never heard of them doing the digging around here. We had the same guy who dug the foundation do the tank, a local friend of mine.

 

[bcoke]

I did not mention that While I was waiting I dug the trench 2 feet deep for the cottage [both lp line and electrical hook up ] they are 95% done [length] just need bottom flattening and sand and the last few feet at hookup sites......the house I dug the trench @ 12-18 inches deep about 6 feet short of Inground tank because I knew snow and cold were coming [Vermont duh!!!!!] and I do not trust my backhoe skills near tank [= BOOM] ......been on phone to each now we have a good plan electric will finish trenches and have ready for propane install by end f day this Thursday and Friday ..........propane will deliver tank and set up tank and hookup Tuesday so all should be done . we shall see..........I just felt stupid that I did not get an end date in the contract I must be getting senile!!!! the excavator for the house did the hole and trench for the 1000 gal when we were building T just wonder why propane companies are so independent ..........nobody is asking for the trenching to be FREE we will pay $$$$$$$$$ as it is necessary..........man when I was in business customer service was expected not today ..........imho ......Bobbycoke now broke

 

[Bretny]

Since you ended up digging the trench are you going to chsrge them for it?

 

[smalltown]

bcoke Sounds about right to me. About 18 months ago I had a propane tank (100 lb) installed at the rear of my garage. No digging, but they did connect the iron piping through the wall, and up to my the new gas ceiling heater. Labor and parts was ~$500

 

[bcoke]

YES the electrical contractor knows he will get a bill for the trenching from me.....I told him the backhoe will be cheap the OPERATOR not so.....will actually get a credit off the charges......Bobbycoke

 

[bcoke]

YES i will get a credit off the price from the electrical contractor.......he will pay for the backhoe [cheap] and the main cost the OPERATOR [ME].....HE HAS ADDRESSED ALL PROBLEMS NOW HE HAS DONE THE TALK NOW HAS TO WALK THE WALK...........BCOKE

 

[79firebird]

Need a gas permit for both around $150each and piping both will need gas regs depending on the one $100-200 each travel time misc parts etc so ya the price is in the ballpark area. lmpw a fue people gas stubed up next to it but still cost $500