January 22nd, 2021
The maintenance, insurance, and replacement of your oil tank should be top priorities for any homeowner. If you just bought the home and have inherited the oil tank, then you need to get the oil tank assessed as soon as possible to determine its current condition and what, if anything, needs to be done.
Oil Tank Maintenance
The maintenance that needs to be done will be dependent on the type of tank you have. There are plastic oil tanks, steel, indoor, outdoor, and underground tanks. There are also single skin, double skin, and integrally bunded tanks meaning that there is one tank inside another tank.
Check the Tank Site
No matter what kind of oil tank you have, the basic principles still apply. You want to make sure that the oil from the tank flows freely through the outlet pipe and doesn’t escape anywhere else. For an above-ground tank, check the tank legs for damage and the platform to make sure there are no cracks or other deformations that require repair.
Look for Rust
Always check for rust on oil tanks as well. There should be no dents or wet spots around the connectors, and the drain area should be clear. Additionally, be sure to check all the tank’s filters and valves.
Check Control Mechanisms
The vent whistle should also be in proper working order. It should make a sound when the tank is filled. The oil tank gauge should also be working. Check the levels as you use oil and make sure the gauge is not cracked or in any way damaged.
Clean the Oil Tank
Water can build up at the bottom of the tank when condensation forms inside the tank. When this is left unresolved, the water can cause corrosion and lead to leaks. With a leak, you can have oil contamination that can damage the furnace, create filter blockages, and further increase your maintenance and repair costs. For these reasons, the oil tank should be regularly cleaned and pumped out.
Maintaining a Buried Tank
If you have a buried tank, it is going to be much harder to check these things. For this, you may want to consider a repair and maintenance contract with a qualified company. They can perform regular checks and maintenance to ensure everything is working as it should.
Oil Tank Removal
If you have an oil tank that is no longer being used, it should be removed. Removing an oil tank is a complicated task and can be messy and costly for the homeowner. If the tank is buried, a winching system or crane will need to be brought in to lift the oil tank out of the ground.
If you are replacing the oil tank, you may find a package deal that bundles the cost of the new tank with the costs involved with removing the old tank. It is something to look into if you are replacing an old, aging oil tank.
No matter what you do, proper oil tank maintenance is essential to avoid costly damage, contaminated soil, and other problems down the road. If you suspect your oil tank has a leak, contact the experts at Meridian Environmental Services, Inc. They are experts in oil tank removal, soil remediation, and more.
