Products

We sell premium grade HD-5 propane, which is consumer-grade propane.  HD-5 propane is the highest grade of propane sold to consumers and is what we deliver to a customer’s tank.  Propane is a product that can remain in your tank for long periods of time.  Therefore, propane does not ever go bad.

We are dedicated to ensure that we have a sufficient supply of propane at all times to guarantee that there is a steady supply of propane to serve our market.  Therefore, we haul our propane by our own bulk transports from the refinery to our large bulk propane tanks, which is where our drivers fill their trucks for delivery to our customers.

HD-5 Propane Properties and Information

Propane Formula • C3H8
Propane Boiling Point  • -44°F
Weight of 1 Gallon*  • 4.24 Lbs
Specific Gravity of Propane Gas* • 1.53
Specific Gravity of Liquid Propane* •  .51
BTU per Gallon of Gas* • 91,547
BTU per Lb. of Gas • 21,591
BTU per Cu Ft of Gas* • 2,516
Latent Heat of Vaporization at Boiling Point BTU/Gal • 785

*at 60°F

Direct Propane Services offers a wide variety of tank installations that will meet the needs of the customer.  There are several factors to consider when purchasing a propane tank and we are willing to discuss your propane needs with you.  We offer consultations on choosing the right size and the right location to place the tank.  If you have questions about purchasing a tank, please feel free to call our office today to speak with someone about purchasing a propane tank!

Factors for choosing the right size propane tank
There are several factors to consider when selecting a tank for your home, business or project.  We can more accurately size the tank for you according to your needs.

The Economics of a Propane Tank Size
An important factor to think about when purchasing a propane tank is storage volume.  Customers can buy a larger than needed tank, which will allow them to buy larger quantities of propane during periods of lower gas prices to avoid price spikes that may occur.  For example, if a propane customer has a 250 gallon tank and they use 400 gallons a year they will be forced to order propane 2 times a year.  However, if they had a 500 gallon tank they would only have to order propane 1 time per year and they would save money.  Not only does it give you a price advantage, but it also gives you the ability to prepare for cold winters.  Therefore, selecting a larger tank is very beneficial because it will reduce home heating costs. 

Residential Propane Tanks-Sizes and Factors
Propane is a widely used heat source for many homes in rural and suburban settings.  It is a safe and efficient alternative fuel to natural gas for essentially the same purposes.  Factors that determine the size of tank needed for a residence include: 

• Total square footage of the home
• Propane appliances installed in the home
• Geographical location-smaller homes in colder climates will require larger propane tanks
• Total BTU load (BTU’s of all installed propane appliances)
• Pool heater-propane heated pools are high BTU appliances

Please keep in mind that as your propane company we can more accurately size the tank for you according to your needs.

Commercial and Industrial Propane Tanks-Sizes and Factors
Propane is widely used as a commercial and industrial fuel for numerous high volume usage activities.  These types of large volume applications range from fleet fueling, agricultural heating and commercial kitchen cooking to resale cylinder filling and forklift fueling.  There are so many different industrial and commercial uses for propane that choosing a proper tank size to suit the application requirements can sometimes be complex.  Tanks for commercial propane uses are generally larger than residential propane tanks.  Factors that determine the size of tank needed for a commercial and industrial include:

• Volume or Usages
• Forklift
• Fleet Refueling or Motor Fuel
• Commercial Kitchen
• Dispenser Propane
• Temporary tank installation
• Year round or Part time

Information about Tank Installations
A propane tank installation is something that is to be performed by a licensed propane professional only. Attempting to install your own propane tank is not advisable under any circumstance. Nor is it legal.  Direct Propane Services offers free tank installation bids.  We will send a service technician to your home or business to discuss the installation and answer any questions that the customer has about the installation.  We offer a turn key installation, which makes it convenient to customers and will result ina years of trouble free propane service.  You will only have to call us for your propane installation needs and services.  Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

• The proper placement of the tank.  The tank needs to be installed to meet the distance requirements.
• Pour a concrete pad or have concrete blocks to place tank on.
• You also need to check the regulations in your subdivision and building restrictions that may have certain requirements that need to be met before installing the tank.
• The proper permitting requirements have been met.
• Installation of tank will be in direct path of the propane delivery truck once it is installed.  Preventing a driver from running over septic systems or in a customer’s yard is something to think about before installing the tank.
• For underground installations, some people prefer to dig the hole to reduce cost.  If this is the case, the hole must be dug prior to the service technician arriving to install the tank and must be dug with the correct dimensions.
• Any other preparations that need to be made by the customer or company, will be discussed prior to the installation.

Installation Process
The service technician will arrive at the scheduled time with the proper equipment to install the tank.  The tank will be set and leveled on a concrete pad or blocks if it is an aboveground or in the hole if it is an underground.  After the tank is set and leveled, the service technician will install the gas yard line hooking each end to the gas plumbing stub out and the propane tank regulator.  They will then cover the trenched line up and begin a pressure check (also known as a leak check).  Usually before performing the leak check, the propane delivery driver will arrive during the installation and fill the tank with the requested amount of gas.  Following the pressure check and safety inspection, the installers will light the appliances, check for proper appliance installation and proper operation.  If the customer has any questions, they can ask the technician about the installation, service and/or delivery schedules.

Information about Propane Tanks
We offer a general guide about your propane tank for safety reasons.

Basic Propane Tank Requirements
Several things that customers should know about their propane tank easily seen without having to know the technicalities of propane tanks and the regulations tanks are subject to. Listed below are simple tank related safety and compliance items consumers can see for themselves without having to know technical details.

• Manufacturers Nameplate - Containers without nameplates are not permitted to be filled
• Tank Paint Color - Propane tanks are required to be painted a reflective color
• Regulator Position - Propane regulator must be covered and protected or pointed vertically down
• Level Placement - The tank must be placed above the soil and on level ground

Propane Tank Parts
The visible parts of the propane tank as shown in the picture above play a vital role in the usability and serviceability of the gas tank. All of these parts are attached to the tank at the manufacturer with threaded fittings. These specialized propane tank parts consist of the following replaceable fittings and connections.

• Fill Valve - Point at which hose from delivery truck is attached to the tank for re-fueling
• Relief Valve - Safety relief mechanism designed to vent propane in an over-pressure situation
• Service Valve - Point at which propane is converted to vapor for use with appliance(s)
• Fixed Liquid Level Gauge - Indicates the level of propane is at or above 80% capacity
• Float Gauge- Presents a visible indication of the propane volume in the tank. Also called a dial gauge
• Vapor Return Valve - Connection used during propane delivery to remove excess tank pressure
• Liquid Withdrawal Valve - Used to withdraw liquid propane from the tank

Tanks sizes and Information
We offer several tank sizes above and underground to serve your home, business or project needs.

Direct Propane Services is willing to discuss with you what size tank you want to install and your needs.  We have several sizes to choose from that will accommodate our residential and business customers.

120 Gallon Tank
120 gallon tanks are primarily used as residential tanks for smaller homes that have a lower usage or don’t have heating as one of their usages.These tanks are offered as aboveground installations only.

Features of a 120 Gallon Tank 

• Most common tank used for small homes and mobile homes
• A 120 Gallon Tank holds 96 gallons when full, full is approximately 80% (weather permitting).
• Available for temporary installations                                          
• We install tanks according to the railroad commission codes and regulations.
• Please contact us for pricing and information about the installation.

120 Gallon Tank Specifications

• Dimensions 24 X 67 inches
• Approximate Weight 260 lbs

250 Gallon Tank
250 Gallon Tanks are primarily used as residential tanks for homes that have a normal usage and the larger amount of usage will be predominantly in the winter months.  A 250 gallon tank can be installed aboveground or underground.  

Features of a 250 Gallon Tank

• Most common tank used for residences
• A 250 Gallon Tank holds 200 gallons when full, full is approximately 80% (weather permitting).
• Available for temporary installations
• We install tanks according to the railroad commission codes and regulations.
• For underground tanks, we include high potential magnesium anode for cathodic protection of the tank as well as sand backfill to protect the underground coating.
• Please contact us for pricing and information about the installation.

250 Gallon Tank Specifications

• Dimensions 30 X 92 inches
• Approximate Weight 480 lbs
• Hole Dimensions (for a 250 Underground)
• 4’ Wide • 50” Deep to grade • 8’ Long
• We use anode and sand to pack the underground in.

500 Gallon Tank
500 Gallon Tanks have many usages.  They can be used for all propane home or a home that requires a lot of heat.  We have several commercial accounts such as restaurants, roofing companies etc. who use the 500 gallon tank.  A 500 gallon tank can be installed aboveground or underground.   

Features of a 500 Gallon Tank 

• A 500 Gallon Tank holds 400 gallons when full, full is approximately 80% (weather permitting).
• Excellent tank for home owners that have higher than average usages.
• Available for temporary installations
• Install tanks according to the railroad commission codes and regulations.
• For underground tanks, we include high potential magnesium anode for cathodic protection of the tank as well as sand backfill to protect the underground coating.
• Please contact us for pricing and information about the installations.

500 Gallon Tank Specifications

• Dimensions 37 X 120 inches
• Approximate Weight 940 lbs
• Hole Dimensions (for a 500 Underground)
• 5.1' Deep • 4' Wide • 10' Long
• We use anode and sand to pack the underground in.

1000 Gallon Tank
1000 Gallon Tanks have many usages as well.  We set 1000 gallon tanks for industrial and commercial customers.  We set 1000 gallon tanks for residential customers that have a very large home that is highly above average on its usage.  We also can install a 1000 gallon tank for large restaurants that have an above average usage.  In some cases we can install multiple tanks that can be piped together for high volume use.  A 1000 gallon tank can be installed aboveground or underground. 

Features of a 1000 Gallon Tank

• A 1000 Gallon Tank holds 800 gallons when full, full is approximately 80% (weather permitting).
• Excellent tank for home owners that have large homes with a higher than average usage.
• Available for temporary installations
• Install tanks according to the railroad commission codes and regulations.
• For underground tanks, we include high potential magnesium anode for cathodic protection of the tank as well as sand backfill to protect the underground coating. 
• Please contact us for pricing and information about installations.

1000 Gallon Tank Specifications

• Dimensions 41 X 190 inches
• Approximate Weight 1800 lbs
• Hole Dimensions (for a 1000 Underground)
• 4’ Wide • 64” Deep to grade • 17’ Long
• We use anode and sand to pack the underground in.

Inquiries about larger tanks
Please call our office for discussion about larger tank installations.

LP Gas Consumer Cylinders Sizes and Information
Propane cylinders, most often referred to as bottles, are more commonly used by consumers for a gas grill.  There are different sizes and shapes of propane cylinders, which are used by consumers for a variety applications ranging from cooking and grilling to weed burning.  LP gas forklifts are commonly seen  alongside buildings and warehouses in storage racks for use on lift trucks and propane floor buffers.

The dimensions presented below are approximate measurements of common size propane cylinders found in service today.  The measurements are not exact so please contact us with anymore questions you may have.30# Cylinder

20# Cylinder
Capacity 4.7 gal • Weight (empty) 18lbs • Weight (full) 38lbs •  Overall Height 18 inches •  Diameter 12.5 inches

30# Cylinder
Capacity 7.1 gal • Weight (empty) 24lbs • Weight (full) 54lbs • Overall Height 24 inches • Diameter 12.5 inches

40# Cylinder
Capacity 9.4 gal • Weight (empty) 29 lbs •  Weight (full) 70 lbs • Overall Height 29 inches  • Diameter 12.5 inches

50# Cylinder
Capacity 11.4 gal • Weight (empty) 42 • Weight (full) 92 • Overall Height 40 inches • Diameter inches 15.1 inches

100# Cylinder
Capacity 23.6 gal • Weight (empty) 68 lbs • Weight (full) 170 lbs • Overall Height 48 inches • Diameter 14.5 inches

LP Gas Forklift Cylinders Sizes and Information 
LP Gas Forklifts are commonly seen alongside buildings and warehouses in storage racks for use on lift trucks, high powered mowers and propane floor buffers.  These propane cylinders are either filled from a bulk propane delivery truck or can be brought to our bottle filling stations located in Webberville or Del Valle (please look at the “Refueling Locations” link to find a location near you).  A scale is not required to fill these types of propane cylinders which is why a bulk delivery truck can deliver to these cylinders at the consumer site.  Propane powered forklifts primarily use 33 lb forklift cylinders as their fuel source and are equipped for liquid service.  When a 33 lb forklift cylinder is properly mounted on a lift truck, it will generally provide around 8 hours of continuous operation.

The dimensions below consist of average forklift cylinder measurements. These dimensions are not precise cylinder measurements, but rather approximate measurements of both steel and aluminum forklift bottles, please contact us with anymore questions you may have.

33# Steel 
 Capacity (gallons) 7.9 gal • Weight (empty) 35 lbs • Weight (full) 69 lbs • Overall Height 27 inches •  Diameter 12.5 inches

33# Alum
Capacity (gallons) 7.9 gal • Weight (empty) 23 lbs • Weight (full) 56 lbs • Overall Height 28.5 inches • Diameter 12.5 inches

Propane Gas Heaters
Heating is the most popular and recognized use of propane gas. Residential and commercial heaters using propane consist of both central heating furnaces and space heaters, also called room heaters. The requirements for heater installation and usage are for the safety and well being of consumers as well as comfort. As propane is used in heating appliances, care must be taken to ensure consumer and family safety is a priority above all else including comfort.  Incorrect use of heating appliances can result in fire, damage and bodily harm. Even the most carefully laid-out and legally installed propane gas system is useless if heaters are improperly placed, adjusted or used.

Facts About Propane Heaters:

Why Propane Offers Greater Heating Comfort?
Propane furnaces offer you warmer air than electric heating systems. A gas furnace heats air to about 120°F and operates in short intervals to minimize operating costs. An electric heat pump produces heat below body temperature, so the air actually feels cool when placing your hand in front of a vent.

People Warm Up to Propane Very Quickly.

• Heating a home with gas costs half as much on average than heating with electricity (U.S. Department of Energy).
• Propane-fueled furnaces last 15-20 years — that’s 5-10 years longer than electric heat pumps, on average.
• Propane heating systems can be vented vertically or horizontally, eliminating the need for chimneys.
• New propane gas furnaces are smaller than previous models and provide greater placement flexibility.
• Propane can keep your home warm and comfortable during electrical power outages.

Propane Space Heaters
Space heaters are very common in propane heating applications and also referred to as room heaters or wall heaters.  Propane space heaters are designed to heat an area or room and should be properly sized to meet the heating requirements of a specific room or space. Space heaters can be dangerous if they are not installed according to manufacturers specifications or if they are used in an unintended application.

Propane Furnaces
Propane powered central furnaces used in residential and commercial applications are all subject to venting requirements. LP gas furnaces range in size and capacity to handle larger scale heating requirements such as whole house heating. Furnaces should be sized and installed by licensed HVAC technicians. Service and repairs should also be performed by licensed professionals because of the extreme danger that can result from either fire or Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Outdoor Heating  
Propane heaters used outdoors are portable and growing in popularity. These portable heat sources provide comfort in frigid outdoor settings and are one of the most widely used heating appliances for temporary outdoor heat. They are not for indoor use and provide outdoor heat through radiant infrared heaters, forced air heaters and convection heaters. Outdoor propane heaters are commonly fueled by LP Gas cylinders which makes them an excellent choice for outdoor temporary heating.

Gas Logs
Propane gas logs can be used for heating indoors or outdoors.  Gas logs are one way to create an atmosphere that is very relaxing and enjoyable for residences, commercial offices or restaurants. 

Liquefied Propane Gas has a long and varied history in transportation applications. It has been used in rural and farming settings since its inception as a motor vehicle fuel.

Over time, propane has been used in several niche applications such as for forklifts, tractors, and at construction sites. Use of propane can result in lower vehicle maintenance costs, lower emissions, and fuel costs savings when compared to conventional gasoline and diesel. Presently, there are many incentives to invest in propane fueled vehicles.  The Railroad Commission of Texas offers incentives to buyers who wish to replace older diesel school buses or delivery vehicles with new propane vehicles that meet or exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's current emissions standards.  The amount of incentive grant varies depending on the calculated reduction in emissions.  For more information about the program, please visit the Railroad Commission of Texas website, go to www.propane.tx.gov or call (800) 64-CLEAR. 

If you need to fuel up your vehicle with motor fuel, please feel free to come by either of our locations and we can fill you up!

Direct Propane Services recommends an LP Gas water heater because the waters heaters that are available today have made many advances in the design and technology.  LP Gas water heaters are available in standard and tankless.  The standard water heater has the capacity ranging from 40 gallons to 100 gallons.  The tankless water heaters are on demand water heaters that take up little space and will decrease your fuel consumption and emissions.  

Facts about Propane Water Heaters

• Propane gives you more hot water at a more affordable price. That’s why millions of American homes use propane to heat water for their showers, washing machines, and dishwashers.
• Propane water heaters are up to 30 percent less expensive to operate than electric heaters (American Water Heater Company).
• Propane gas water heaters have a recovery rate nearly twice as fast as electric water heaters (American Water Heater Company).
• Over an average unit's life span (approx. 10 years), propane gas water heaters can save a five-member household more than $2,300 when compared with a similarly sized electric unit.

Propane Water Heaters Beat Electric Models

• Smaller storage space requirements
• More accurate temperature adjustment
• Wider selection of sizes, installation, and venting options
• More durable components and longer-lasting heating elements
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Tankless Propane Water Heaters Heat on Demand. 

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless Propane Water Heaters Heat on Demand

• Homeowners spend 10 - 20% of their annual water heating costs just to keep hot water in their storage tanks. Propane-powered tankless water heaters heat water only when it is needed, thereby reducing annual energy demand for hot water.
• Water is heated instantly, as needed
• Limitless installation options
• Can be used to heat main showers/sinks or to provide extra hot water for large or distant loads (i.e., greenhouse)  

How Tankless Saves Money

•  Tankless water heaters reduce standby energy loss, saving consumers an average of 15-20% over a standard storage water heater.
• Most tankless water heaters provide 2 to 3 gallons per minute of hot water.
• Because tankless models are less subject to corrosion, the expected life span of a tankless water heater is 20 years, twice as long as most storage water heaters.