Do Oil Tanks Need to Be Inspected?
How to Prevent Oil Tank Problems—and Know When It’s Time to Replace Yours
When was the last time you thought about your oil tank? Except when you need to fill it, it probably doesn’t even cross your mind. And that’s fine: your heating oil tank was built to last a long time. But oil storage tanks can develop problems, and a small leak can turn into a big, expensive problem. That’s why it’s important to have your oil storage tank inspected regularly.
A home fuel oil spills can be caused by a leaking storage tank, faulty fuel lines, collapsing tank legs, or even overflows during delivery. The result can be basement contamination, damage to property in the basement, contamination of groundwater, wells, and soil, and the expensive cost of cleanup that is rarely covered by homeowner’s insurance.
We recommend that you get your tank inspected every year, ideally before your fall fill-up—and we always check for any red flags when we make a heating oil delivery. Between inspections, and particularly if your tank is older, there are warning signs you can keep on your radar.
Oil Tank Warning Signs
Here are the telltale signs that your heating oil tank is leaking—or could start soon.
- Damp Spots: The first sign your oil tank is leaking is a damp spot on the tank. Usually, they will appear on the underside of your tank or along the seam at the bottom of the tank. As the leak gets worse, oil will travel up the side of the tank.
- Paint Problems: Blistering in the paint on the underside of the tank is a sign the tank is compromised. Condensation on the outside of the tank, even after a delivery, is also a warning sign.
- Sticky Drips: If the leak goes undetected, black icicle-like deposits or sticky drips will form on the underside of the tank. You may or may not notice an oil smell.
- Floor Stains: Reddish black spots will appear on the floor underneath the area. Depending on how long the leak goes undetected, an oil stain will begin to develop on the floor.
Other precursors to oil storage tank problems are things that could result in a leak, such as bent, rusty or wobbly tank legs or an unstable foundation, that could cause the tank to collapse.
Underground Tanks
Because they are buried, it can be harder to see some of the signs of deterioration in an underground tank. Ask your delivery person to check for water in the tank and confirm that the overfill whistle is working correctly.
You can also keep an eye out for oil or oil sheen in your basement sump or French drain, strange tastes or smells in your well water, or complaints from neighbors about fuel oil smells. Also take note if you are using more fuel than normal, without a reason such as extra-cold temperatures.
Peace of Mind
While a heating oil storage tank is fairly low maintenance, you need to pay attention to it no matter how new—or old—it may be. Once your heating oil tank hits the two-decade mark, you should start planning for its replacement.
Bolkema has your back, with clean, safe and hassle-free tank removal and replacement. We take care of all the paperwork and ensure that the job meets all federal, state and local requirements. We also offer ProGuard, a clean-up and protection plan specifically for residential oil storage tanks. ProGuard coverage defrays first-party clean-up costs, as well as soil remediation and site restoration up to $100,000 for an underground tank, and provides between $1,400 and $2,000 for tank replacement.
We know your home is your biggest investment, and you work hard to take care of it. That’s why so many homeowners and business trust us for reliable heating oil deliveries and heating equipment service in Northern New Jersey and lower New York State. For more information and to become a customer, contact us today.