Let’s face it; bulk LPG storage tanks aren’t exactly the feature piece most people have in mind when they’re designing their dream garden. If you take pride in your outdoor space, it’s natural to want to discreetly hide your tank so it blends in rather than stands out.
The key is striking a balance between aesthetics and safety. While it’s perfectly acceptable to conceal your tank, there are specific rules and practicable considerations that must always come first, particularly when it comes to safe operation, routine maintenance, and making sure deliveries can be carried out without issue.
Use safe, subtle, screening – not full enclosures
Screening your LPG tank with fencing or other structures can be an effective way to reduce visual impact, as long as safety guidelines and regulations are followed.
Any fencing or screening must be positioned at least one metre from the tank and made from non-flammable materials. Solid fencing should never enclose the tank on more than two sides, as adequate airflow is essential. Where additional screening is required, open-style options such as trellis panels are a better choice, as they reduce visual impact while still allowing ventilation.
The required safety distance between a tank and any fencing depends on the size and capacity of your LPG tank, so always check before installing anything permanent.
Access is also vital. Delivery drivers and engineers must be able to safely reach the tank at all times. Filling points, valves, gauges, safety signage and data plates must also remain clearly visible and unobstructed. Any screening should allow a clear line of sight during deliveries and be easy to move or remove for routine inspections and maintenance.
With thoughtful design and the right materials, subtle screening can help your LPG tank blend into your garden without compromising safety.
Green screening: planting around your LPG tank safely
Using bushes, shrubs or other greenery to soften the look of your LPG tank can be a natural and attractive solution. However, it’s essential to follow strict safety regulations.
- Maintain a minimum distance of one meter between your plants and your tank
- When choosing plants, avoid species with deep or aggressive roots that could potentially damage the tank’s foundations or underground pipes over time
- Leave a clear, unobstructed path for delivery drivers and maintenance engineers
Evergreen shrubs or trellis-mounted climbing plants work best, allowing airflow while partially obscuring the tank. Dense hedges or fast-growing plants that block areas entirely should be avoided.
Always allow for good airflow and ventilation
Good ventilation is a crucial and sometimes overlooked aspect of LPG safety. Proper airflow ensures that, in the unlikely event of a gas leak, heavier-than-air LPG vapours can disperse safely rather than accumulating around the tank and creating a potential hazard.
For this reason, your LPG tank should never be fully enclosed. Solid fencing should not surround the tank on more than two sides, and any screening used should only be constructed from non-flammable materials. Open-style fencing or planting that allows air to circulate freely is always preferable.
It’s also important to keep the area around the tank clear and well-maintained. Rubbish, garden debris, or stored items can restrict airflow and should not be left nearby. Regularly cut back grass and weeds around the tank to prevent a build-up of dry, combustible material. If you use weed killer, avoid chlorate-based products as these can make dead vegetation easier to ignite once it dries out.
Can I paint my LPG tank?
A question we’re often asked is ‘Can I paint my LPG tank?’ The short answer is no, and there are some very important reasons why.
Most bulk LPG tanks are owned by your supplier and it’s their responsibility to maintain and repaint them as required. Painting your tank yourself is usually prohibited under the terms of your supply agreement.
LPG tanks are deliberately finished in a light, heat-reflective colour and specialised paint. This helps reflect sunlight and prevents the tank, and the gas stored inside, from overheating. Painting a tank a darker colour can cause it to absorb more heat, increasing internal pressure. In extreme cases, this can activate the pressure relief valve (PRV), allowing gas to be safely released, and something we always aim to avoid.
There are also strict safety regulations and industry standards governing the appearance of LPG bulk storage tanks. Essential safety labels, warning notices and data plates must remain clearly visible at all times. They must never be painted over, as they provide critical information for both customers, delivery drivers, and emergency services in the rare case of an emergency such as a gas leak.
Moving your tank
If you’re considering relocating your bulk LPG tank, professional expertise is essential. Moving a tank requires specialist knowledge, equipment, and a Gas Safe registered engineer. Attempting it yourself is dangerous.
The new location must comply with UK LPG tank siting regulations, maintaining minimum separation distances from boundaries, buildings, and ignition sources. Delivery access and a clear line of sight for the fuel wagon must also be maintained. Safety distances are calculated when your LPG tank is first installed, so any move must respect these requirements.
Planning home improvements? Don’t forget your LPG tank
When planning changes to your home or garden, whether it’s building an extension, adding a conservatory, or even putting up a new shed, it’s important to consider how these changes could affect your LPG tank. Even small structures can take up more space than expected, and encroach on the required distances around the tank, potentially leading to safety or compliance issues.
If you have an underground bulk LPG storage tank, nothing should be built or placed above it. This includes permanent structures such as sheds or decking as well as temporary objects like plant pots, garden furniture, or trampolines. The area above the tank must remain clear for safe operation, inspections, maintenance, and if required, emergency access.
Before starting any building or landscaping work, always check how your plans may impact your LPG installation and contact us for guidance. A quick conversation beforehand can prevent unnecessary disruption later, and ensure your project progresses safely and without delay.
Considering an underground tank?
Another option is an underground tank which, as the name suggests, is installed below ground and provides a discreet alternative to traditional above-ground bulk LPG storage. Because underground tanks are hidden from view, they’re ideal if you want to preserve the aesthetics of your garden without the need for fencing or screening.
However, even though the tank is out of sight, safety considerations remain just as important. The area above the tank must remain clear of structures and heavy objects to allow for safe operation, routine maintenance, and emergency access if ever needed. Careful planning is required before landscaping or building above or around an underground tank, but with the right installation and upkeep, an underground tank can combine safety, convenience, and a clean garden look.
Closing thoughts
Hiding your bulk LPG storage tank doesn’t have to mean compromising safety. Whether you choose subtle fencing, greenery, or an underground installation, the key is to plan carefully and follow industry regulations.
At Northern Energy, we’re here to help. For advice on safe tank screening, siting, or maintenance, give us a call on 01423 772 789. A quick chat with our team can ensure your garden looks great and your LPG installation remains safe and fully compliant.