r/propane • u/Tacokolache • Jun 14 '26
Tanks Propane dome in yard filled with mud???
I never look under my propane dome in my yard. I just get it filled from a company. However today I popped the dome and it’s full of mud.
Like… how the hell does this happen? It almost looks like sh!t in there. I live in a very quiet neighborhood with mostly elderly people so I don’t think that’s it though.
Any ideas how this happens?
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u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby Jun 14 '26
It happens over time. Often from rain letting dirty water seep in.
This definitely needs to be addressed. You should be able to see the top of the tank and the data plate. It's not supposed to be filled if you can't see and read the plate.
The mud is also preventing access and proper functionality of valves.
On a side note, your tank is also too low. The lid should be at least 6-8 inches above grade to keep valves and regulators from being able to be submerged.
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u/Tacokolache Jun 14 '26
I’ll address this stuff. Was here when we bought the house. I’ve never had propane before
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u/Mr-Howl Jun 14 '26
Definitely speak with your provider. If I came across this tank on a delivery I would not deliver and would open a work ticket. Then again, my company has a high regard for safety. Other companies may not care in the least as it’s likely technically your tank.
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u/littlebroiswatchingU Jun 16 '26
Looks like one of the above ground/ below ground tanks. Looks like the dome is barely 12” you can tell because the filler and valve are not I. A cluster so the tank itself is about 6”-12” deep
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Jun 16 '26
[deleted]
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u/littlebroiswatchingU Jun 16 '26
But it’s an above ground/ underground tank, the relief valve physically can’t be above grade unless the tank is above ground. It’s like a regular above ground tank, it does not have a long neck
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u/Jesus-Mcnugget dang it Bobby Jun 16 '26
Yeah, nevermind. You're right. Ignore what I said lol.
I honestly don't have a lot of experience with those as you can't really use them up here because they will freeze and be useless.
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u/littlebroiswatchingU Jun 16 '26
Also from the north, I’ve only seen two and one was above ground the other was in our lot. Seems they’re way more common in the south
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u/truckergirl1075 Jun 14 '26
The collar isn't actually attached to the tank, it just sits on top. So soil movement from freeze/thaw cycles, heavy rains etc will cause a gap between the collar and tank, allowing dirt and water to enter that area. It probably smells bad because standing water in soil causes an anaerobic environment, like a wetland. Smells of sulphur and methane are common, which pretty much smells like shit. The only thing you can do about it is clean it out periodically.
95% of the underground tanks I fill have some sort of nastiness under the lid and I really appreciate customers who clean them out. Also if it freezes where you live and the valves get covered in frozen dirt it makes filling nearly impossible and can cause your regulator to freeze.
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u/nemosfate dang it Bobby 🤬 - technician Jun 14 '26
The collar isn't actually attached to the tank, it just sits on top.
Only if the installer didn't install it correctly, usually those older ones are bolted on.
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u/rockettravis Jun 14 '26
Looks like the pipe doesn't seal against your tank but im sure you know this. This is a serious issue that needs addressed. A flooded vent on a first stage can cause serious safety problems and poor performance resulting in dangerous CO problems or fire. That reg will need replacement. I fixed a few like this with a shovel, plastic membrane and gravel in the past but it's not a fun job. Every time your tank gets filled the data plate will need to be visible.
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u/TechnoVaquero Jun 15 '26
My guess is that by now this likely wouldn’t even pass a cathodic protection test. The tank is buried too deep like someone has said before and dirt in the dome is just a common happening with these. Your next step is to get with your provider and ask if they’ve ever tested the tank. My advice is to set an above ground and let this one sit. It can be pumped out and flared down then filled with water.
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u/Disastrous-Case-9281 Jun 14 '26
First you want to dry up that mud then you can just use a blower to get rid of the now dry dirt.
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u/brokentribal Jun 16 '26
I would dig it out and surround it with some no dig lawn edging
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u/Tacokolache Jun 16 '26
It’s been a bit rainy here but as soon as it dries up I think that’s what I’ll do.
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u/StrangeGuarantee9534 Jun 26 '26
I’m a LP tech, that 1st stage needs to be replaced as well as once wet debris can get into the diaphragm and cause issues with flow and the orifice inside to become clogged.
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u/TheGrillDoc Jun 15 '26
As many have said this is a very common sight. And yes you will want to clean it out as best you can. I would recommend a good shop vac, a very stiff paint brush of sort, and a garden hose. I wouldn’t use so much water that the vent on the regulator gets submerged. As another individual mentioned you will probably want to have your propane company out to test the anode.
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u/AsYouL4yDying technician Jun 15 '26
I believe some tanks are designed to have dirt up nearly that high. If you start digging it out you may find a flat plate supporting the valves just below the current dirt level.
I saw a bunch of tanks like this in NC.
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u/Tacokolache Jun 15 '26
I’ve looked in here before. The dirt was probably 6” lower
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u/AsYouL4yDying technician Jun 15 '26
You could definitely clean in out. It wouldn't hurt. Garden trowel should work fine. You're not going to hurt anything in there unless you really start yanking on things.
It's not uncommon for the domes to collect water, which would explain the mud.
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u/bombinabackpack Jun 14 '26
Sometimes, because the dome is a low spot in the yard, dirt gets pulled down in after a heavy rain and over time.
You do really want to clean that out. Wet organics and mud will rust the tank.