A gas furnace and various other appliances that run on propane need a constant fuel supply to function normally. In this article, I will show you how some of the best propane hose extension options can help you connect a propane tank to a gas furnace.
A propane tank needs to be located at a safe distance from your home, so the only way to connect it to a home appliance is to extend its original hose.
Getting a propane hose extension will make it much easier to supply your appliances with propane, as you won’t have to worry about their distance from the fuel tank.
That’s why I am going to walk you through the most important features of propane hose extensions and help you choose the right option for you. Read our boiler vs furnace comparison if you’d like to learn more about the differences between these appliances.
At a Glance – The 5 Best Propane Hose Extensions
Model | Hose length | Hose material | Price range |
GCBSAEQ propane hose extension | 6ft | Braided stainless steel | $$ |
GasSaf propane hose extension | 5ft | Rubber | $$ |
Wadeo propane hose extension | 12ft | Rubber | $$$ |
Shinestar propane hose extension | 12ft | Rubber | $$$ |
Solimeta propane extension hose | 4ft | Rubber | $ |
Built-in detection system and safety monitoring system to restrict flow in case of hose or grill malfunction.
Selection Criteria
Besides furnaces, propane extension hoses can be used with grills, generators, and various other propane appliances. In addition, they’re frequently utilized by RV, mobile homes, and house owners to connect propane tanks to different types of appliances.
Despite a wide range of available options, finding an extension hose that is compatible with your appliance can still be difficult. I’ve set a strict set of parameters to select the models that can meet the needs of a broad spectrum of users.
Let’s take a closer look at the criteria I used to pick the propane hose extensions I featured in this article.
Hose Length
A propane tank needs to be at a safe distance from the appliance it is powering. The length of the models I included in this article spans from 4ft to 12ft, so you can pick the option that best serves your needs.
Safety Features
Pressure gauges, control valves, or leak detectors are some of the most important safety features a propane hose extension should have. I used this parameter to pinpoint the models equipped with features that ensure a safe connection between a propane tank and an appliance.
Build Quality
The durability of these accessories depends on their build quality. So, I only considered models with corrosion-resistant fittings and sturdy, flexible hoses.
Go through our guide to the best mobile home air conditioners to learn more about systems you can use to cool or heat RVs or manufactured homes.
What’s a Propane Extension Hose?
Propane fuel tanks usually have a hose that is just several feet long, and in most cases, it cannot reach the appliance it’s supposed to connect to its fuel source. Moreover, most propane appliances don’t have built-in hoses as this accessory is usually sold separately.
A propane extension hose allows you to extend the length of the tank’s original hose so that it can reach the fuel supply. Moving a propane tank closer to a grill or a furnace is often impossible and dangerous, so an extension hose lets you use these appliances without jeopardizing your safety.
Increasing the length of a propane hose won’t affect the gas pressure because the pressure equalizes in the line, and it remains at the same level even if you extend the hose length over 50 feet.
In addition, most propane extension hoses come with gas pressure gauges that enable you to monitor the current gas pressure. Check out our guide to the best propane conversion kits if you want to power a natural gas furnace with propane.
The Minimum Distance Between a Propane Tank and an Appliance
Keeping a propane tank of any size in a garage or basement is both dangerous and prohibited by the law. Ensuring that the tank’s valve is tightly closed isn’t always possible, so even the slightest gas leak can lead to explosion and fire.
Ideally, your propane tank should be stored at least ten feet away from your home in a well-ventilated area that isn’t exposed to direct sunlight. Keep in mind that a tank that can hold between 250 and 2,000 gallons of propane needs to be at least 25-feet away from the nearest building.
The same rules apply for tanks that are installed above and below ground, except for aboveground tanks with storage capacities below 125 gallons. A tank that can hold 100 gallons of propane or less needs to be five feet away from your home.
In case two propane tanks of any size are stored within 3-feet of each other, the mandatory distance from the nearest building increases to 25 feet. Measuring the distance between the propane tank and the furnace will enable you to know how long the extension hose should be.
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Features of Propane Extension Hoses
The features of these accessories vary from model to model. Their hoses are usually made of rubber, but braided stainless steel or polyethylene are also among the materials used to produce hoses. Fittings are almost always made of brass or similar corrosion-resistant materials.
Control valves, gas pressure gauges, and leak detectors are not standard features on all propane extension hoses. Getting a model equipped with these features will make it easier to monitor the gas pressure or cut off the propane supply to the device.
Accessories like thread sealant tape or thread sealant glue are sometimes sold with extension hoses because they prevent gas leaks. Applying a thread sealant tape or glue will make the connections between hoses, tanks, and appliances stronger and safer.
Read our guide to the best furnace gas valves if you want to replace this component on your furnace.
Types of Propane Extension Hose Fittings
The propane extension hose you choose needs to be compatible with the fittings on the hose you’d like to extend and fittings on the appliance. You should also make sure that you can connect a propane extension hose to the propane tank regulator.
The most common types of propane extension hose fittings are:
POL Fittings
You’ll likely encounter this type of fitting on large tanks. They’re easily recognizable because their valves thread on the inside of the connector. A wrench is required to tighten the fitting properly.
ACME
These fittings are typically used to connect two pipes because they create a strong thread seal. You can install propane hose fittings with hose fittings without using a tool.
QCC1/Type 1 Fittings
The nut-and-nipple assembly makes QCC1 fittings easily recognizable. They’re not prone to leaks because they create a tight seal.
Flare Fitting
These fittings utilize a nut to produce a pressure-tight connection.
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The Most Important Factors to Consider While Choosing a Propane Extension Hose
The process of selecting a propane extension hose isn’t overly complicated. Even so, you can easily end up with a hose that isn’t compatible with your heating system if you ignore the model’s properties.
Most importantly, the hose you choose must be compatible with the hose you want to extend and the appliance you’re connecting to a propane tank. I’ve shortlisted some of the most important factors that can make the search for a propane extension hose easier, so let’s take a look at them.
Propane Tank Size
Most households that utilize gas furnaces for heating have 500-gallon propane tanks that need to be at least 25 feet away from the nearest building, while a tank with 100-gallon capacity can be stored 5-feet away from your home.
Hence, the length of the extension hose needs to be suitable for the size of the propane tank you have.
Hose Length
You must measure the distance between the propane tank and the appliance to know how long the extension hose should be. Although a propane tank needs to be at least 10-feet away from the house, the hose with the same length might not be long enough to connect the tank to the appliance.
You can combine several 12-feet hoses if your propane tank is more than 25-feet away from a furnace or get a 5-feet hose if you’re working with a 25-gallon or 50-gallon tank.
Fitting and Hose Material
The extension hose is often exposed to high temperatures and easily accessible to pets and other animals that go through your courtyard who might attempt to bite it. That’s why you should choose a hose made of a sturdy and flexible material that can’t get damaged easily.
You should also pay attention to the fitting size. Even if you get a hose that has the same fitting type as the furnace, hose, or fuel tank regulator, you may not be able to use it if its fittings are too big or too small. For example, most propane hose extensions have 3/8, ¾, or 7/8-inch fittings.
Safety Features
Opting for a propane hose extension that can detect a gas leak will improve your safety. Some models can have gas pressure gauges or control valves that allow you to have complete control over the flow of propane.
It is advisable to use a thread sealant glue or tape to ensure the gas won’t leak at the connections between hoses.
Price and Durability
These accessories aren’t expensive as they usually cost less than $40. However, their price depends on the hose’s length, so you’re going to have to spend a bit more if you want to get a 20-foot hose extension.
These hoses don’t wear out quickly, and in most cases, you can use them for more than ten years. Unfortunately, most manufacturers don’t issue warranties for their propane hose extension models.
The Advantages of Propane Hose Extensions
Easy Assembly
Attaching a propane hose extension to a gas tank, another hose, or a propane appliance is a straightforward process. You just have to make sure all threads are tightly sealed before you start using an appliance.
More Freedom in Positioning Appliances
A propane hose extension allows you to use an appliance without having to worry if it is too close to its fuel supply. These accessories also make it easier to comply with the tank placement laws as they allow you to connect an appliance to a tank regardless of how far apart they are from each other.
Affordable Price
You can get a 12-foot propane hose extension for less than $40. So, in case you’re using a 500-gallon propane tank, you’ll have to spend around $80 to connect a furnace to its fuel supply.
The Disadvantages of Propane Hose Extensions
Dirt Accumulation Can Cause the Propane Hose Extension to Malfunction
A propane hose extension can get clogged over time because the dirt accumulates in its pipe. You will have to replace the hose if this happens since unclogging the pipe is often impossible.
Some Models Lack Safety Features
Gas pressure gauges or leak detectors are not standard features on all propane hose extensions. So, monitoring the gas pressure or determining if the gas is leaking can be difficult if you opt for a model that doesn’t have these features.
Top 5 Propane Hose Extensions
GCBSAEQ Propane Hose Extension
Mounting the GCBSAEQ propane hose extension is easy since you just have to tighten its 3/8-inch flare fittings. The 6-feet hose is best suited for propane tanks that can be stored 10-feet away from your home.
This propane hose extension has a high-strength PE pipe that is protected by a layer of braided stainless steel. The GCBSAEQ’s model is flexible and adapts easily to different positions. The maximum pressure this hose extension can withstand is 350PSIG.
Pros
- Fittings are made of corrosion-resistant material
- Compatible with most propane appliances
- Withstands exposure to high temperatures
- Highly flexible
Cons
- No safety features
- Need sealing tape to ensure a leak-proof thread seal
1 x 6ft Propane appliance extension hose assembly with 3/8" female flare fitting x 3/8" male flare fitting, 1 x thread seal tape, 1 x wrench.
GasSaf Propane Hose Extension
Besides furnaces, you can attach the GasSaf propane hose extension to grills, generators, and other propane appliances. However, this hose extension is just 5-feet long, and it isn’t an ideal fit for a 500-gallon propane tank.
Its fittings are universal, and you can attach them to hoses, appliances, or tank regulators that use POL and QCC1 fittings. The POL fitting has an O-ring that creates a tight seal and prevents gas leaks. The hose is made of rubber that can withstand exposure to high pressure.
Pros
- Equipped with a gas leak detector
- Features a gas pressure gauge
- Affordable price
- Easy installation
Cons
- The hose is just 5 feet long
- Not a great fit for large propane tanks
The propane tank extension hose is made of high-quality rubber, has higher wear resistance and corrosion resistance, and is equipped with a propane meter, so you can read the dial on the meter without moving.
Wadeo Propane Hose Extension
Although the manufacturer recommends using the Wadeo propane hose extension with 40-gallon propane tanks, you can connect it with tanks that can hold up to 100-gallons of propane if it is compatible with their gas regulators.
This 12-foot hose extension is compatible with appliances equipped with POL, QCC1, and Type 1 fittings. Its connections are made of brass, while the hose is made of rubber. Wadeo’s model features a gas gauge that allows you to monitor the current level of propane in the tank.
Pros
- Excellent safety features
- Made of durable materials
- Automatic gas leak detection
- Compatible with a wide range of appliances
Cons
- More expensive than similar models
- It doesn’t perform well in low-temperature conditions
Built-in detection system and safety monitoring system to restrict flow in case of hose or grill malfunction.
Shinestar Propane Hose Extension
You should take a closer look at the Shinestar propane hose extension if you’re looking for a way to extend the line on a propane tank. This hose is 12-feet long, and you can use it with appliances that have QQC1 and Type 1 fittings.
You can attach this hose to tanks that can hold up to 500-gallons of propane as it is long enough to ensure that the tank is at a safe distance from your home. However, you need to check its pressure rating before you decide to use it on a high-pressure system.
Pros
- Gas gauge makes it easy to keep track of how much fuel you have left in the tank.
- Brass fittings are not prone to corrosion
- Tight seal
- Not affected by weather conditions
Cons
- Not compatible with POL fittings
- The manufacturer doesn’t provide the pressure rating
Extends your existing line on your propane tank, no need to drag a large tank around.
Solimeta Propane Hose Extension
You can use the Solimeta propane hose extension to extend the length of the original hoses on 20lbs propane tanks.
The 5-feet hose has a built-in fuel gauge, and you can opt to pair it with a control valve that comes with a 4-feet hose if you want to use it with propane tanks that have to be installed 10-feet away from your home.
This hose is compatible with POL and QCC1 fittings, but the manufacturer doesn’t provide the exact dimensions of the fittings.
Pros
- Not prone to leaks
- Made of sturdy materials
- Inexpensive
- It fits most propane appliances
Cons
- Only suitable for low capacity propane tanks
- Might struggle to maintain a steady flow of gas
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are Propane Hose Extensions Universal?
Answer: No, and you must check if the model you want to get matches the specifications of the hose you want to extend.
Question: Is it Safe to Use a Propane Hose Extension?
Answer: Yes, it is, but only if you make sure that the fittings are tightly sealed.
Question: Can Propane Hose Extension Fittings Freeze?
Answer: Yes, they can, and you shouldn’t expose them to freezing temperatures.
Question: What is the Maximum Pressure Rating of a Propane Hose Extension?
Answer: Most models have a maximum pressure rating of 350PSI.
My Verdict: How to Know Which Propane Hose Extension is the Best?
Placing a propane tank at a recommended distance from your home is paramount for your safety, but doing so makes it difficult to connect it to a furnace or a generator.
Propane hose extensions offer an easy solution to this problem as they allow you to attach an appliance to its fuel supply without any safety risks. Depending on the size of the propane tank and its minimum distance from your home, you might need a propane hose that is 5, 12, or 20 feet long.
I recommend the Wadeo propane hose extension in case you have a propane tank that needs to be stored 10-feet away from your home. Also, you can combine two of these propane hose extensions if you have a 500-gallon propane tank.
Built-in detection system and safety monitoring system to restrict flow in case of hose or grill malfunction.
A model like the GasSaf propane hose extension might be a good option for you if you’re using a tank that can’t hold more than 100-gallon of propane. I hope that this article has helped you find the best propane hose extension option for the tank and the appliance you want to connect.
Let me know in the comments, or continue reading our guide to the best heat pumps if you’re looking for a new cooling and heating system for your home.
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