The Propane Tank Out Back — From Childhood Playground to Homeowner Hazard

If you grew up anywhere in the rural South, chances are you spent a good chunk of your childhood climbing on something you absolutely weren’t supposed to. For some kids it was hay bales. For others it was the old tractor. But for a whole lot of us, it was the propane tank sitting out behind the house like a giant metal horse just begging to be straddled.

Smooth, round, warm in the sun, and perfectly shaped for imaginary rodeos — that tank was the closest thing we had to a carnival ride.

But now, with an inspector’s eye, that childhood jungle gym looks a whole lot more like a pressurized hazard waiting for a lawnmower strike.

The Southern Propane Tank: A Familiar Sight With Hidden Risks

Above‑ground propane tanks are everywhere across the South. They’re practical, reliable, and woven into the landscape of rural living. But they also come with risks that most homeowners never consider.

Common hazards include:

• Lawnmower and vehicle impacts

• Kids climbing or throwing toys at the tank

• Weed‑eater strikes on exposed lines

• Rust and corrosion from years of exposure

• Improper clearance from structures or fences

• Settling or shifting of the tank pad

Propane tanks are built tough, but they’re not indestructible.

Why Kids Love Them (and Why That’s a Problem)

A propane tank is basically a giant metal pony — and kids treat it like one. They

climb it, sit on it, jump off it, and use it as a launching pad for every backyard adventure imaginable.

But the parts kids interact with most — the top, the ends, the regulator area — are exactly the components that need to stay undamaged. A dented tank or a snapped regulator isn’t just a repair issue; it’s a safety issue.

Above‑Ground vs. Buried Tanks: Pros and Cons

Above‑Ground Tanks

Pros:

• Easy to inspect

• Easy to service

• Lower installation cost

• No excavation required

Cons:

• Vulnerable to impact

• Visible from the yard

• Heat exposure

• More tempting for kids and animals

Buried Tanks

Pros:

• Protected from impact

• Hidden from view

• Temperature‑stable

• Lower fire exposure

Cons:

• Higher installation cost

• Harder to inspect

• Potential for underground corrosion

• Requires proper backfill and drainage

Both types can be safe when properly installed and maintained.

What Homeowners Should Be Doing

A few simple steps go a long way toward keeping a propane system safe and reliable.

1. Maintain a Clear Zone

Keep 10 feet of clearance from:

• Structures

• Vehicles

• Fire pits

• Grills

• Play equipment

Nothing should be leaning on, touching, or crowding the tank.

2. Protect the Regulator and Piping

This is the most vulnerable part of the system. Inspect for:

• Bent or damaged piping

• Rust or corrosion

• Loose fittings

• Weed‑eater scars

• Missing protective covers

A damaged regulator can create a serious hazard.

3. Watch for Settling

If the tank pad shifts:

• The tank can tilt

• Stress can form on the piping

• The regulator can pull loose

A tank should always sit level and stable.

4. Inspect for Corrosion

Surface rust is normal. Deep pitting is not.

5. Keep It Visible

Avoid hiding the tank behind:

• Shrubs

• Fences

• Yard debris

• Decorative covers

Emergency responders need to be able to find it quickly.

Final Thoughts

Propane tanks are part of the Southern landscape — as familiar as the pecan tree,

the porch swing, and the garden hose that never quite reaches the back corner of the yard. They’re reliable and safe when treated with respect, but familiarity can lead to complacency.

A little awareness, a little space, and a little maintenance go a long way toward protecting your home and your family. And if you’ve got kids of your own, it might be time to steer them toward safer backyard adventures than the giant pressurized metal horse out back.