--- title: How to Start Propane Service | American River Gas url: https://americanrivergas.com/becoming-a-customer/ business: American River Gas Co., Inc. phone: (530) 888-7438 address: 10290 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658 hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM) updated: 2026-10-29 --- Customers # Becoming a customer: how it works Getting started with propane service from American River Gas is easy! Just give us a call and we'll guide you through the process every step of the way. We'll learn a little about your property and propane appliances, help arrange a tank installation or inspect your existing customer-owned tank, and perform the required leak test to help ensure everything is safe and ready for service. Once everything is ready, we'll make your first propane delivery! [Call (530) 888-7438](tel:+15308887438)[Open an account](https://americanrivergas.com/open-an-account/) Step by step ## From first call to first fill - ### Call or apply online Call (530) 888-7438 or send the Open an Account form. Tell us the service address, what propane will run, and whether there is a tank on the property today. - ### We talk through your property The office asks about your appliances, your driveway and access, and any gate or dogs, so we can recommend a tank size and plan deliveries. - ### Tank: new, owned or switching If you need a tank, we set one of ours in a size that fits your use. If you own your tank, we deliver to it. If a tank belongs to another company, it is typically removed by that company and ours is set. - ### New customer set-up and leak test Every new customer set-up includes a pressure check and leak test of the system. The technician needs access to the home to check each appliance's shut-off valve and the piping. - ### First fill We fill the tank to about 86% in winter or 80% in summer, leaving room for the propane to expand. - ### Choose how you get propane and pay Keep Full automatic delivery or order as you go; pay online, by autopay, card, cash or check, or join the Budget Plan beginning in May. ## Keep Full from the start For added convenience, you can also sign up for our Keep Full automatic delivery program, so we can help keep your tank filled and your home comfortable. We're happy to answer your questions and make getting started as simple and stress-free as possible. We look forward to serving you! ## Moving to the foothills? Many rural homes outside of town aren't connected to natural gas lines and rely on propane to keep things comfortable and running smoothly. If you're buying a home, we recommend finding out whether the propane tank is owned by the homeowner or leased from a propane provider before closing. This small step can help avoid surprises and make your transition into your new home easier. Once you know the details, give us a call! We'll be happy to help you get your propane service set up ahead of move-in day, so you can settle in with one less thing to worry about. At American River Gas, we're here to help make your move a little easier and your new house feel like home. ## Building a new home? Planning a new home or landscaping project? We'd love to be part of the process! Give us a call before your landscaping goes in. Planning ahead allows us to help determine the best location for your propane tank, map out the underground gas line route and review your appliance needs before everything is in place. We're also happy to coordinate with your builder to help make sure the propane system fits smoothly into your plans. A little planning early on can save time, prevent extra work and help everything come together more easily. We're here to help make the process as simple and stress-free as possible! Questions ## Straight answers ### How long does it take to start service? Call the office and we will schedule your set-up and first fill. Timing depends on whether a tank needs to be set and on your area's route day. ### Why is a leak test required for new customers? A pressure check and leak test is required for every new customer set-up, to make sure the system is leak-free before gas is turned on. ### Do I need to be home for the set-up? Yes. The technician needs access to the home to complete every step of the system check. [All questions →](https://americanrivergas.com/faq/)  ·  [Propane guides →](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/) Guides: [Planning propane for new construction](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/propane-for-new-construction/) · [Moving to the foothills](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/moving-to-the-foothills-propane-setup/) · [Buying a home with a propane tank](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/buying-or-selling-a-home-with-a-propane-tank/)