If you use propane to heat your home, run a farm, or fuel your job site in BC, one of the first questions you’ll face is:
Should I lease or buy my propane tank?
At Pinnacle PS Site Services Ltd., we offer both leasing and purchasing options — because the best choice depends on your needs, property type, and budget. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of leasing vs buying a propane tank so you can make the most informed decision for your home or business.
What’s the Difference Between Leasing & Buying a Propane Tank?
Let’s start with a quick definition:
- Leasing a tank means you don’t own it — you rent it from your propane provider (like Pinnacle), who installs, maintains, and inspects the tank as part of your service.
- Buying a tank means you purchase and own the equipment outright, and you’re responsible for installation, maintenance, and future repairs.
Both options can work — the key is understanding what’s right for your property and usage needs.
Propane Tank Leasing: Pros & Cons
Pros of Leasing
| Advantage | Details |
| Lower Upfront Costs | No large equipment purchase — great for new homeowners or seasonal properties. |
| Maintenance Included | Inspections, regulator checks, and safety servicing are handled by Pinnacle. |
| Fast Setup | Our team handles delivery, permitting, and installation. |
| Flexible Sizing | Easily upgrade or downgrade your tank as your usage changes. |
| No Ownership Risk | If the tank malfunctions or reaches end of life, replacement is covered. |
Cons of Leasing
| Disadvantage | Details |
| Provider Locked | In most cases, you must purchase propane from the company that owns the tank. |
| Ongoing Rental Fee | Monthly or annual leasing fees may apply, depending on your contract. |
Best For:
- Homeowners who want a hands-off experience
- Farms with seasonal or fluctuating propane use
- Businesses or developers needing short-term propane infrastructure
Buying a Propane Tank: Pros & Cons
Pros of Buying
| Advantage | Details |
| Total Ownership | You can purchase propane from any supplier — better price flexibility. |
| Long-Term Savings | After the upfront investment, there are no monthly lease fees. |
| Full Control | You decide where the tank goes, how it’s maintained, and when to upgrade. |
Cons of Buying
| Disadvantage | Details |
| High Initial Cost | Purchasing a tank can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500+ depending on size. |
| You Handle Maintenance | You’ll be responsible for regulator replacements, inspections, and leak checks. |
| Installation Not Included | You’ll need to hire a licensed gas fitter (which we can help with). |
Best For:
- Long-term homeowners with consistent usage
- Large farms or commercial properties needing custom setups
- Those wanting complete pricing and delivery flexibility
What Tank Sizes Are Available?
At Pinnacle, we offer both leased and purchased propane tanks in the following sizes:
| Tank Size | Common Uses |
| 20 lb | BBQs, patio heaters, small appliances |
| 100 lb | Fireplaces, water heaters, space heating |
| 200–300 lb | Whole-home heating, moderate farm use |
We’ll help you size your system based on your BTU demand, seasonal usage, and available space.
Who Handles Installation?
Whether you lease or buy, all propane tank installations in BC must follow strict safety codes. Our certified gas fittershandle:
- Permits and site inspections
- Regulator and line installations
- Tank anchoring and clearances
- Leak and pressure testing
Even if you buy your tank, you can still count on Pinnacle for safe, compliant setup and servicing.
Leasing vs Buying: Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Leasing | Buying |
| Upfront Cost | Low or none | High (depends on size) |
| Maintenance | Included | Owner’s responsibility |
| Delivery Flexibility | Limited to provider | Any propane supplier |
| Ideal For | Short to mid-term users | Long-term users |
| Tank Upgrades | Easy to swap/scale | Requires purchase or resale |
Where We Offer Tank Leasing & Sales
Pinnacle PS Site Services provides propane tank leasing and sales throughout the Fraser Valley and surrounding areas, including:
- Langley
- Maple Ridge
- Abbotsford
- Chilliwack
- Mission
- Surrey
- Aldergrove
- Agassiz & surrounding rural communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if a leased tank needs repair?
We’ll repair or replace the tank at no extra cost. Maintenance is included in your lease.
Q: Can I switch from leasing to buying later?
Yes! We offer a buyout option if you decide to purchase your leased tank down the road.
Q: How long does it take to install a leased tank?
Most installs are completed within 1–2 days, depending on site prep and permitting.
Q: Are there any hidden fees with leasing?
No hidden fees. We’ll walk you through all costs and delivery plans before you commit.
Still Deciding? We’ll Help You Choose
Choosing whether to lease or buy a propane tank is a big decision — but you don’t have to make it alone.
👉 Call us at (604) 997-2344
📩 Or request a free propane consultation online
We’ll assess your site, review your usage, and recommend the best option for your property and budget.
