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Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

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OIL STORAGE TANKS

ABANDONING OIL TANKS
OIL TANK INDOOR INSPECTION
AFUE DEFINITION, RATINGS
AGE of OIL TANK
ANODES & DIP TUBES on WATER HEATERS

BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE
BOILERS, HEATING
BURIED OIL TANK ADVICE
BURIED OIL TANKS, FINDING

COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ

DEFINITION of Heating & Cooling Terms
DIAGNOSE & FIX HEATING PROBLEMS-BOILER
DIAGNOSE & FIX HEATING PROBLEMS-FURNACE
DIRECT VENTS / SIDE WALL VENTS
DIRECTORY of OIL TANK EXPERTS

FILTERS, OIL on HEATING EQUIPMENT
FIRE SAFETY CONTROLS
FLAME COLOR, BLUE vs YELLOW COMBUSTION
FLOATING UP OIL STORAGE or SEPTIC TANKS
FLOODED HEATING EQUIPMENT REPAIR
FLOODED WATER HEATER REPAIR
FUEL OIL TYPES & CHARACTERISTICS
FUEL UNIT, HEATING OIL PUMPS

GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION
GAUGES ON HEATING EQUIPMENT

HEAT LOSS in BUILDINGS
HEAT TAPES, Heat, Insulation prevent Freeze-Up
HEATING COST FUEL & BTU Cost Table
HEATING COST SAVINGS METHODS
HEATING OIL CLOUD WAX GEL POINT
HEATING OIL EXPOSURE HAZARDS, LIMITS
HEATING OIL - OLD, USEABLE?
HEATING OIL PIPING TROUBLES
HEATING OIL SLUDGE
HEATING OIL TANKS
HEATING OIL TYPES & PROPERTIES
HEATING OIL USAGE RATE
HEATING SYSTEM NOISES
HOME BUYERS GUIDE TO OIL TANKS
HOT WATER HEATERS

NO HEAT - BOILER
NO HEAT - FURNACE
NOISE CONTROL for HEATING SYSTEMS
NOISES COMING FROM WATER HEATER

ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS FROM HEATING SYSTEMS
OIL BURNERS
OIL BURNER FUEL UNIT
OIL BURNER INSPECTION & REPAIR
OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS
OIL BURNER NOZZLE & ELECTRODES
OIL BURNERS, RETENTION HEAD
OIL BURNER SOOT & PUFFBACKS
OIL FILTERS on HEATING EQUIPMENT
OIL FILTER MISSING
OIL FUEL TYPES & CHARACTERISTICS
OIL LINE CLOGGING FIX
OIL LINE QUICK STOP VALVES
OIL LINE SAFETY VALVES
OIL ODORS, LEAKY OIL TANK PIPING
OIL PUMP FUEL UNIT
OIL SPILL CLEANUP / PREVENTION
OIL TANKS
OIL TANK ABANDONING PROCEDURE
  ABANDONMENT REGULATIONS
    EPA OIL TANK ABANDONMENT GUIDE
    OIL TANK ABANDONMENT DETAILED STEPS
    OIL TANK LEAK PREVENTION GUIDE
    OIL TANK TEMPORARILY OUT OF USE
  AVOIDING CAVE-INs at OUTDOOR OIL TANKS
  INDOOR OIL TANK ABANDONMENT
  OUTDOOR OIL TANK ABANDONMENT
  REMOVING OLD FUEL FROM OIL TANKS
OIL TANK AGE
OIL TANK, BURIED, ADVICE
OIL TANK, BURIED, FINDING
OIL TANK FAILURE CAUSES
  OIL TANK LEAK or FAILURE MECHANISMS
  OIL TANK RUST PERFORATION
  HOW WATER GETS IN
  IMPROPER OIL TANK INSTALLATION
  MECHANICAL DAMAGE to OIL TANKS
  IMPROPER OIL TANK PIPING
  SOIL CONDITIONS IMPACT ON OIL TANKS
OIL TANK FAILURE RATES
OIL TANK FLOATING UP
OIL TANK GAUGES
OIL TANK INSPECTION, ABOVE GROUND
OIL TANK INSPECTION REPORTS
  OIL TANK INSPECTION REPORT TEXT
  OIL TANK INDOOR INSPECTION
  BURIED OIL TANK REPORTS
  OIL TANK IN GARAGE
  OIL TANK HISTORY REVIEW
  OIL TANK NEAR WATER
  OIL TANK CLOSE TO FURNACE
  OIL TANK EXPOSED TO WEATHER
  OIL TANK LEAKY/PATCHED
  OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS
  OIL TANK SAFETY
  OIL TANK SUPPORT
OIL TANK LEAKS & SMELLS
  OIL TANK LEAK ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
  FREQUENCY of OIL TANK LEAKS
  HOME INSPECTOR OIL TANK REPORT
  OIL TANK LEAK IMPACTS
  OIL TANK LEAK CAUSES
  OIL TANK LEAK CLEANUP GUIDE
  OIL TANK LEAK REPORTING REGULATIONS - ALL
  OIL TANK REGULATIONS - CANADA
  OIL TANK LEAK REPORTING in NEW JERSEY
  OIL TANK LEAK & SIZE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
  OIL TANK LEAK TESTING
  LEAKY OIL TANK FILL PIPES
  OIL TANK LEAK REPORTING BASICS
  WHAT IF AN OIL TANK IS LEAKING?
OIL TANK LEGAL ISSUES
OIL TANK LIFE
OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS
  CAULK OIL PIPE ENTRANCES
  FIRE SAFETY CONTROLS
  HEAT TAPE HAZARD ON OIL TANK
  OIL FILL & VENT PIPING
  OIL FILL PIPE EXPOSED
  OIL FILL / VENT PIPE CAP LOST
  OIL FILL & VENT PIPES UNDERSIZED
  OIL FILTERS on HEATING EQUIPMENT
  OIL FILTER MISSING
  OIL LINE QUICK STOP VALVES
  OIL LINE SAFETY VALVES
  OIL LINE CLOGGING FIX
  OIL LINE EXPOSED
  OIL LINE SINGLE, UP HIGH
  OIL LINE SINGLE ON BURIED TANK
  OIL ODORS, LEAKY OIL TANK PIPING
  DUAL OIL LINE 2 VALVES
  DUAL OIL TANKS - PIPING
  OIL LINE LEAKS
  OIL LINE QUICK STOP VALVES
  OIL LINE SAFETY VALVES
  OIL TANK FILL & VENT LINES APART
  OIL TANK GAUGES
  OIL TANK VENT PIPE MISSING
OIL TANK PRESSURE
OIL TANK REGULATIONS
  BULK STORAGE OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
  OIL TANK LEAK REPORTING BASICS
  OIL TANK LEAK REPORTING REGULATIONS - ALL
  OIL TANK LEAK REPORTING, NEW JERSEY
  OIL TANK LEAK & SIZE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
  OIL TANK LEGAL ISSUES
  OIL TANK REGULATIONS - CANADA
  OIL TANK LEAK & SIZE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
OIL TANK REMOVAL COs
OIL TANK REMOVAL FINANCIAL AID
OIL TANK SAFETY
OIL TANK SLUDGE
OIL TANK STANDARDS
OIL TANK STANDARDS - Detailed List
OIL TANK SPILL CLEANUP / PREVENTION
OIL TANK SUPPORT
OIL TANK TESTING
  Mesa 2-D TEST for OIL TANK LEAKS
  PRESSURE TESTING OIL TANKS
  SOIL TESTING FOR OIL TANK LEAKS
  STANDARDS FOR TANK TESTING
  ULTRASOUND TEST for AST OIL TANKS
  WATER in OIL TANKS, TEST FOR
OIL TANK TESTING COs
OIL TANK WATER CONTAMINATION
  How Water Gets in Buried Oil Tanks
  How Water Gets in Above-Ground Oil Tanks
  How to Keep Water Out of Oil Tanks
  How to Measure Oil Tank Water Contamination
  How to Remove Water from an Oil Tank
OIL TANK WATER REMOVAL

SOOT on OIL FIRED HEATING EQUIPMENT
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS

WATER HEATERS

More Information

Heating Oil Underground & Above ground Oil Storage Tank
Oil Tank Leaks Testing, Problems & Solutions Home Page
     

  • Oil Storage Tank Information Website
    • What to do if you have an underground or above ground oil tank
    • Oil tank life expectancy
    • Cause & prevention of leaky oil tanks
    • Oil tank abandonment, replacement options
    • Oil tank leak testing procedures, companies
    • Oil storage tank regulations
  • Questions & Answers about oil tanks: ASTs, USTs, oil tank life, oil tank regulations, leak testing, buried oil tank abandonment, oil tank removal, oil tank leak prevention, spill cleanup, oil piping, oil filters, oil tank regulations
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • HEATING OIL TYPES & PROPERTIES - home
  • OIL BURNERS - home
  • OIL TANKS - home
  • OIL FILTERS on HEATING EQUIPMENT
  • OIL FILTER MISSING
  • OIL FUEL TYPES & CHARACTERISTICS
  • OIL LINE CLOGGING FIX
  • OIL LINE QUICK STOP VALVES
  • OIL LINE SAFETY VALVES
  • OIL ODORS, LEAKY OIL TANK PIPING
  • OIL PUMP FUEL UNIT
  • OIL SPILL CLEANUP / PREVENTION
  • OIL TANK ABANDONING PROCEDURE
  • OIL TANK AGE
  • OIL TANK, BURIED, ADVICE
  • OIL TANK, BURIED, FINDING
  • OIL TANK CODES & STANDARDS
  • OIL TANK FAILURE CAUSES
  • OIL TANK FAILURE RATES
  • OIL TANK FLOATING UP
  • OIL TANK GAUGES
  • OIL TANK INSPECTION, ABOVE GROUND
  • OIL TANK INSPECTION REPORTS
  • OIL TANK LEAKS & SMELLS - home
  • OIL TANK LEGAL ISSUES
  • OIL TANK LIFE
  • OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS - home
  • OIL TANK PRESSURE
  • OIL TANK REGULATIONS
  • OIL TANK REMOVAL COs
  • OIL TANK REMOVAL FINANCIAL AID
  • OIL TANK SAFETY
  • OIL TANK SLUDGE
  • OIL TANK SPILL CLEANUP / PREVENTION
  • OIL TANK STANDARDS
  • OIL TANK SUPPORT
  • OIL TANK TESTING
  • OIL TANK TESTING COs
  • OIL TANK WATER CONTAMINATION
  • OIL TANK WATER REMOVAL
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

This oil tank information article series answers nearly all questions about above ground or buried oil storage tanks including oil tank inspection & testing, oil tank abandonment or removal, removal, oil storage tank & tank piping leak testing, leak prevention, and oil storage tank regulations. We also provide details for heating oil storage tank installation, oil piping, oil piping gauges, controls, check valves, fire safety valves, and oil storage and piping system repairs.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Residential & Small Commercial Oil Storage Tank Information Website

Oil tank on ground (C) Daniel FriedmanHome heating oil tank leak and environmental contamination risks are important concerns for building owners and home buyers as major cleanup and tank replacement costs can be involved.

Here we provide authoritative, extensive free un-biased oil storage tank inspection and testing advice for property buyers and owners. This document lets you know what to ask about oil storage tanks, what oil tank leak tests to order, how to interpret oil tank testing results, what to do if there is a buried fuel or petroleum storage tank at a property, what to do if there is or was a leaky oil storage tank or petroleum storage tank, and how to reduce the chances of an oil leak or oil spill in the future.

We include detailed information about underground (buried) oil storage tanks (USTs), aboveground oil storage tanks (ASTs), above ground fuel storage tanks, reporting and cleaning up oil tank leaks, and choosing among oil tank leak testing methods.

We discuss how to find buried oil tanks, how to remove or abandon oil tanks and how to recognize evidence that there was a previous oil tank at a property even if the oil tank may have been removed (or perhaps left buried in place). We discuss what to do if an oil tank has already been removed or abandoned.

We provide links to every U.S. state regulatory agency concerned with oil and other storage tanks and to regulatory agencies in Canada and other countries. Environmental damage from oil leaks, oil spill cleanup, are also discussed. We discuss oil spill cleanup, oil spill and odor remediation, and bio remediation, for fuel oil or heating oil.

LP Gas tanks are also addressed.

Building Owners & Home Buyers' Guide to Oil Storage Tanks

Leaky oil tank (C) Daniel FriedmanHome buyers and purchasers of other buildings using oil heating equipment should review the following oil storage tank articles

  1. First, please read the article that follows these reference links as we explain the issues involved.
  2. OIL TANK, BURIED, ADVICE - what to do if there is any reason to suspect that a buried oil tank (underground oil tank or UST) is or ever was installed at a propety. This article includes clues that can indicate that a buried oil tank was present and perhaps has not been properly removed or abandoned. Also see OIL TANK, BURIED, FINDING
  3. OIL TANK TESTING - Leaky Heating Oil Tanks - How Oil Tanks are Tested for Evidence Leaks, of Current or Previous Oil Spills. You should not complete the purchase of a home with a buried oil storage tank (previous or present) before taking steps to determine tank and site leak conditions & risks.
  4. OIL TANK LEGAL ISSUES - Home Buyers and Home Owners Guide to Leaky Heating Oil Tanks - What to Do
  5. Leaky Heating Oil Tanks - When to Report Oil Tank Leaks.
  6. OIL TANK ABANDONING PROCEDURE Home owners who have old oil tanks above ground or any age oil tank below ground should also be sure to review these procedures and regulations for Abandoning Commercial vs. Residential Underground Oil Storage Tanks (UST)
  7. Septic Tanks can present potentially fatal collapse hazards as well as expensive surprises.

In-Depth Information on Oil Storage Tank & Piping Leaks

  • OIL TANK FAILURE RATES gives details and statistics about the chances that an oil tank or oil tank piping system is leaking or about to leak or has already leaked.
  • OIL TANK LEAK CAUSES explains that oil tank & piping leaks are caused by corrosion, mechanical damage, soil conditions, & other factors
  • ABOVE GROUND OIL TANK INSPECTIONS discusses the visual inspection of above ground tanks for evidence of leaks or other defects.
  • OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS discusses the causes & frequency of occurence of types of leaks in oil tank fill, vent & distribution piping.

Does or Did Your Building Have an Oil Storage Tank?

What to do if an oil storage tank is or was installed at your property?

Photograph of - is this heating oil running across the basement floor? Notice the abandoned oil line at the furnace?Buried oil tanks raise increasing environmental, safety, legal and economic concerns for home owners and home buyers because oil leaks underground or even within buildings can lead to both environmental damage and very costly cleanup operations.

Typical Cost to Abandon & Replace an Oil Storage Tank

Having to install a new above ground indoor oil storage tank involves significant expense, perhaps $2000. to $4000. to remove the old tank and install the new one. [22] Costs can be substantially higher in the event of extensive leakage and soil contamination.

Removing or abandoning a buried oil tank is more costly. If an oil tank has leaked the cost to clean up contaminated soils can be very significant, so much so that

a property buyer should not complete the purchase before questions about the condition of oil tanks, past or present at the property, and the chances of leaks from buried oil storage tanks have been answered satisfactorily.

Reporting Requirements for Heating Oil Storage Tanks

Home heating oil tanks are excluded from Federal Regulations about oil storage tank reporting and monitoring, but in almost every U.S. state or Canadian province, storage tanks are addressed by state or local DEP/DNR/DEC agencies and regulations. For example, in New York, even residential storage sites must be reported to the state DEC if more than 1100 gallons are stored at a single site. (A few U.S. states specifically exclude the regulation of storage tanks when used for home heating oil.)

Oil tank outside (C) Daniel FriedmanIn any case, should a home heating oil tank causes a release of oil into the environment, at that point the owner of the tank is not exempt from the other provisions of the State or Federal Regulations: the leak needs to be reported (often within two hours of observation), the source of leak/spill would have to be stopped, a site characterization would have to be completed, and appropriate corrective action (cleanup) would have to initiated, and the incident would have to be reported.

Who Checks for Leaky Oil Tanks?

Above ground oil tanks and clues for the presence of buried oil tanks are not usually examined during a pre-purchase home or building inspection unless specific prior test arrangements have been made.

Oil tank inspection, other than casual visual inspection for obvious leaks is not performed by such inspectors.

Oil tank tests for leaks, soil tests for oil contamination, soil tests for corrosivity, screening for evidence of prior or abandoned oil storage tanks, as well as oil storage tank removal or abandonment require that you use an appropriate expert.

However articles at this website outline easy on-site visual observations that any thoughtful observer can make to spot evidence of a present or previous buried tank and to spot evidence of leaks or other problems with above ground storage tanks.

From a previous use, a buried oil tank may be present or may have been present at a property now served by an indoor, above ground oil tank or even by LP or natural gas.

So don't assume that because you don't see a tank that none was ever used or present at a property.

If you just "scroll down" you'll miss some important articles. Seelinks listed at Related Topics .

Tank Removal Funding Assistance is available in some municipalities. See TANK REGULATIONS at page-left to find individual state or provincial agencies concerned with oil storage tanks.

Before completing purchase of a property that has or had a buried oil tank you need to have either had the tank removed, abandoned in place, or tested.

At end of the day, you need reliable documentation that shows that either there has been no leakage and a proper tank abandonment has been performed, or if there was leakage, that a proper cleanup has been performed.

If the oil storage tank is a newer buried model (perhaps a fiberglass or multi-walled oil storage tank) and if the oil tank is in good condition it may not need to be abandoned.

But if older oil storage tanks were used, were removed, or remain abandoned at the property you still need to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph. The discussion which follows explains the risks and gives detailed advice about what to do about buried or above ground oil tanks and tank leaks.

OIL TANK LIFE - Life Expectancy of Buried or Underground Oil Tanks

See OIL TANK LIFE for details about the life expectancy of oil tanks. Also see OIL TANK FAILURE RATES and see OIL TANK FAILURE CAUSES. Excerpts are below.

While we've found them lasting longer, a common life expectancy of buried oil tanks is 10-15 years. At about 20 years, the risk of leaks from buried steel oil tanks becomes significant. Leaks can occur earlier if a tank was damaged at installation or was not properly piped.

Even if you think the tank is ok, young, and not leaking, buried oil tanks, should be tested for water in the tank bottom. Water should be pumped out since it corrodes the tank and leads to leaks. Oil tank leaks can also be due to damage at time of installation, improper installation, corrosive soils, or piping defects. If the tank is to remain in use, ask your fuel supplier about using an additive or other methods to help remove water.

In New England for a two year period [1984-5] among customers who have buried heating oil tanks (16% of total customers) surveyors found an average of 1.7 tank leaks per thousand customers. They also found 2.5 fuel line leaks per 1000 customers. (Fuel Oil and Oil Heat magazine, August 1985 p.18.) We do not have similar data for buried gas tanks in residential application. See OIL TANK LIFE for details about the life expectancy of oil tanks.

The rate or frequency of oil tank leaks or oil storage tank failures, focused on underground storage tanks or USTs, is discussed in detail at TANK FAILURE RATES Oil Tank Failure Data - Oil Tank Failure Rates - Oil Tank Leak Probability as a Function of Tank Age, Location, Condition, Soil Conditions and Other Factors.

TANK REGULATIONS outlines who, when, and how oil leaks and spills must be reported to environmental authorities.

Oil Storage Tank Leak Causes - Oil Tank Leak Failure Causes

Above ground oil tank leak (C) Carson DunlopDetails about the causes of oil tank leaks can be read at OIL TANK LEAK CAUSES. Below we present a summary of this topic. Sketch at left is provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates.

Oil Tank Piping Leaks: Oil tank leaks may occur at buried piping connections as well. At least one study found that 82% of petroleum product storage tank leaks were not due to the tank itself but due to leaks in the piping system. See OIL TANK PIPING & PIPING DEFECTS.

In-Tank corrosion of oil storage tanks: Underground fuel or heating oil storage tanks usually fail from rust perforation due to several effects of water inside the tank including, in the case of heating oil, combination of water with sulphur in the fuel, bacterial action, and other factors.

External rust on oil tanks, unless very heavy, isn't highly correlated with internal rust. Leaks can occur due to tank damage or at piping connections.

Oil Tanks in Corrosive Soils: Oil storage tank leaks are more likely if a steel tank has been buried in corrosive soil or if the tank was damaged during installation, such as gouging it or bouncing it off of a rock as it was placed into a hole for burying.

Delivery Oil Spills: occur around the tank fill pipe and range from trivial to more extensive requiring soil removal and cleaning. These leaks are usually obvious at the ground surface around the oil tank or tank filler.

Inadequate fill or vent pipe diameter is blamed by some for leaks at buried or above ground oil tanks, asserting that because oil tanks are filled under pressure from the oil delivery pumper-truck, a corroded, damaged, or poorly-plumbed oil storage tank, or one with a too-small vent opening, may not withstand the pressure of the filling process.

Indoor oil spills during tank fill or later from a leaky oil tank range from trivial local cleanup and deodorizing efforts to very serious contamination problems if an oil tank bursts during oil delivery (which I suspect is rare) and on occasions when an indoor oil tank has been removed but someone (some fool) has left the oil filler pipe installed on the building, and when subsequently an oil delivery is mistakenly made through the filler pipe onto the empty basement or crawl space floor. This may sound crazy but it actually happens.

Also see OIL TANK LIFE their life expectancy and life factors and TANK FAILURE CAUSES discusses the causes of oil storage tank leaks in more detail.

The rate or frequency of oil tank leaks or oil storage tank failures, focused on underground storage tanks or USTs, is discussed in detail at TANK FAILURE RATES provides Oil Tank Failure Data - Oil Tank Failure Rates - Oil Tank Leak Probability as a Function of Tank Age, Location, Condition, Soil Conditions and Other Factors.

Oil Storage Tank Tests - Oil Tank Inspection and Oil Leak Testing Choices

Details about oil tank testing procedures and choices can be read at TANK TESTING. Below we present a summary of this topic.

  • Look at the oil tank and site for yourself: Before deciding to hire a tank testing company for professional inspection and testing, some basic information such as the age (property and tank), tank location, and type of oil tank, and for above-ground tanks, a simple visual inspection of the tank and its piping, can give you and idea of the risks involved. Look for obvious leaks such as oil stains on the ground or floor under or around the tank and around the oil fired equipment. Remember to look under the oil tank at its bottom, as most leaks occur in the lower portion of the tank.
  • Hire an expert: Specialty companies and some oil companies have equipment to test buried tanks for leaks. Soil testing, simple low-psi pressure-testing and sophisticated electronic testing are commonly used. I advise home buyers to have a soil test performed rather than a pressure test of an existing oil tank, since even if the tank is not currently leaking we would prefer an assurance that it didn't leak before, say from a plumbing connection that was repaired.

In addition to oil tank inspection, oil piping inspection, and oil tank testing to "pass" or "fail" an oil storage tank, more sophisticated tests are available to assess the chances that an existing heating oil storage tank has leaked or is likely to have a serious leak soon.

These include a oil tank corrosion analysis which adds to the basic tank inspection and tests an assessment of the level of corrosion of the tank walls and thus the chances of its leaking or failure, and soil corrosion or soil corrosivity evaluation which includes an evaluation of soil samples collected from around the tank in order to assess the degree to which the soil in which the oil tank has been buried will contribute to the process of corrosion of the (presumably steel) buried oil tank.

Testing Oil Storage Tanks for Water Contamination

Details about handling water in oil tanks can be read at OIL TANK WATER CONTAMINATION. Below we present a summary of this topic.

Photograph of an oil tank filler flush with the ground.

Testing for water in an oil tank (above ground oil tanks whether inside or outdoors, or buried oil tanks) is simple and can be done by any service person or even a homeowner. Tank testing methods vary in risk to the tank, cost, invasiveness, length of time to complete, and more.

Since water in a heating oil tank can lead to loss of heat and related building damage we want to know if in-tank water is a problem at a given property. There are several steps and test methods for finding water in an oil tank and for determining how much of a problem it is.

Water can enter a heating oil storage tank by several means

Exposed oil filler pipe
  • Water enters a buried or above ground tank by condensation: as temperatures vary moisture-containing air may be drawn into and then out of an oil tank.

    Air leaves the tank as oil is consumed; air enters and leaves the oil tank through the oil tank vent. Moist air entering the tank from outside can bring water which, on entering the cooler tank interior, condenses out of vapor form into water droplets which can, over time accumulate.
  • Water enters a tank filler pipe: from roof spillage onto the tank or filler top (particularly and obviously if the filler cap is left off), or from ground or surface runoff entering the oil storage tank (particularly and obviously if the filler cap is near, at, or below ground surface level).

    Leaving off an outside filler cap (photo at left) for a few days is not itself a likely source of a problem unless the filler was exposed to heavy rain, roof runoff spillage onto the open filler pipe, or surface runoff entering the tank (such as for a filler pipe flush with the ground).
  • Water leaks into a buried oil tank from an actual tank perforation that admits ground water, or from a bad plumbing fitting on the tank.
  • Water is delivered to the oil tank along with the heating oil fuel: This is not common, but it is possible to get a delivery of "bad" heating oil that is water contaminated, especially if the oil truck happens to fill-up at the oil storage depot when an oil barge is unloading oil since during that operation water which is normally kept in the bottom of oil depot storage tanks may be stirred-up. Most oil companies know to avoid this problem and some also have water filters installed at their oil trucks. No oil company is going to admit that they picked up and delivered water-contaminated oil to your home so don't waste time asking them if they are guilty of this crime.

Oil Storage Tank or Piping Spill or Leak Cleanup - Oil Leak/Spill Cleanup Companies

Details about oil spill or oil tank leak, cleanup, remediation, prevention, training, and regulations are found at OIL SPILL CLEANUP / PREVENTION and at OIL TANK LEAK CLEANUP GUIDE. Excerpts are below.

Oil Storage Tank Testing Companies, Oil Storage Tank Removal Companies - Oil Tank Testing, Removal, Consulting Environmental Service Companies

Indoor oil tank leak spill photo (C) D FriedmanFor details on cleaning up residential oil spills see OIL TANK LEAK CLEANUP GUIDE. Also see OIL TANK TESTING COs and OIL TANK REMOVAL COs and OIL TANK REMOVAL FINANCIAL AID links here or at Related Topics to see our most current list of companies providing oil tank testing or oil tank removal/abandonment services.

  • OIL TANK REMOVAL COs lists companies providing oil storage tank location, inspection, and testing for leaks and who also will perform oil tank abandonment in-place, or oil tank removal. Also see OIL TANK REMOVAL FINANCIAL AID
  • OIL TANK TESTING COs lists companies providing oil storage tank location, inspection, and testing for leak

Oil Spill Secondary Containment and Oil Spill Remediation

Abandoned oil tank piping leak (C) D Friedman

  • Oil Spill Secondary Containment and Oil Spill Remediation
    • Bioremediation resources on Internet
    • Environmental and Information Resources, Inc. markets a low cost way of cleaning up petroleum hydrocarbon releases called bioremediation using naturally occurring soil microbes. EIR also performs biologically based cleanups of inorganic contamination such as heavy metals and radio nuclides using phytoremediation to uptake contamination from soil or groundwater.
    • Spill-911 company provides oil spill containment and prevention supplies - 800-474-5911 - how to prevent oil tank leaks and oil spills from spreading by using secondary containment. Oil Spill Containment items provide storage, secondary containment, protection and response to minimize the impact of leaks and spills. Poly and Steel Drums, Containment Berms and Spill Containment Decks and Spill Pallets.
  • OIL TANK LEAK CLEANUP GUIDE - detailed cleanup advice for residential oil tank leaks and spills

Oil Tank Removal or Abandonment Methods

Details about oil storage tank removal or abandonment methods are at OIL TANK ABANDONING PROCEDURE. A brief summary is below.

There are also proper methods of "abandoning" old unused buried tanks without actually excavating and removing them (provided there is not evidence of leakage). If a tank is not to be used, can involve significant expense. A proper abandonment procedure involves pumping out remaining fuel, confirming that there has been no leakage, cleaning the tank, and filling the tank with an approved filler, or removing it entirely. These measures, if required, involve significant expense.

Buried tank removal is handled by environmental services companies. Usually the specialist arranges testing, excavation, and disposal. Or tanks can be abandoned in place.

Environmental Issues & Regulations for Oil Tanks

Details about oil storage tank rules, standards, guidelines, and regulations are at OIL TANK REGULATIONS A brief summary is below. Also see OIL TANK LEGAL ISSUES.

In the U.S. and many other countries state DEP/DEC/DNR (Departments of Environmental Conservation or similar agencies) have programs for registering buried tanks at any site storing (typically) more than 1100 gallons of heating oil. Requirements for gas (auto fuel), or other fuels may be different. Eventually this concern may spread to smaller residential tanks. The concern is for leaks which contaminate the environment. Tanks located where they may leak into a local waterway or into the water supply are a special environmental concerns. (C)trap DJ Friedman.

Thanks to Eagle Eye Arlene Puentes for proofreading this article. 4/3/2013.

More Reading for People Buying a Home with an Oil Storage Tank

  1. First, please read the article that starts at the top of this page, at HOME BUYERS GUIDE TO OIL TANKS where we explain the issues involved.
  2. OIL TANK, BURIED, ADVICE - what to do if there is any reason to suspect that a buried oil tank (underground oil tank or UST) is or ever was installed at a propety.
  3. OIL TANK TESTING - You should not complete the purchase of a home with a buried oil storage tank (previous or present) before taking steps to determine whether or not a tank is or was present, and if you are not given absolutely reliable documented proof that a tank was professionally removed or abandoned, then you will need to test the site even if the tank has been removed. You nee to know the condition of the oil tank and and if it has been removed or abandoned, you need to know the oil tank site leak conditions & risks.
  4. OIL TANK LEGAL ISSUES - Home Buyers and Home Owners Guide to Leaky Heating Oil Tanks - What to Do
  5. Leaky Heating Oil Tanks - When to Report Oil Tank Leaks.
  6. OIL TANK ABANDONING PROCEDURE Home owners who have old oil tanks above ground or any age oil tank below ground should also be sure to review these procedures and regulations for Abandoning Commercial vs. Residential Underground Oil Storage Tanks (UST)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • [1] Fuel Storage] Tank Corrosion Study, U.S. EPA report on gasoline and oil tank corrosion, James H. Pim, P.E., John M. Searing, Suffolk County DOHS, 15 Horseblock Place, Farmingville Long Island, NY 11728, November 1988, for the Office of Underground Storage Tanks, U.S. EPA. ATTN: David O'Brien. The report presents a study of 500 underground storage tanks spanning 24 February 1987 and September 1 1988 and summarizes earlier reports on this same study. Tank sizes ranged from 175 gallons to 50,000 gallons, and oil tank ages ranged from two years to 70 years old. All 500 oil storage tanks were constructed of welded steel, and 12 other tanks that were other than plain steel were also examined. Summary [with minor edits for clarity by DJF]
    Five hundred plain steel [underground fuel storage] tanks plus twelve corrosion protected [under ground oil] storage tanks were removed from the ground over an eighteen month period in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. The oil tanks were examined carefully before disposal to gather statistics on the nature and extent of steel oil storage tank corrosion that had attacked them. Information was gathered on the number, type, location, and size of oil storage tank perforations [oil storage tank leak points] the general interior and exterior corrosion condition of the oil storage tank, soil, backfill, and groundwater conditions; the presence of leaked product [heating oil], and oil storage tank statistics such as tank volume, steel plate thickness, location, product [type of heating oil stored], tank age, etc. The statistics were compiled and compared, observations made, and conclusions developed. The major conclusions [were] summarized as follows:
    • Size is more important than age in predicting oil storage tank failures
    • In general, small tanks are much more likely to perforate than large tanks due to thinner walls found in smaller oil storage tanks
    • Compared to external corrosion, internal corrosion is insignificant [in the underground oil storage tanks examined - warning from DF: the opposite is probably the case regarding above ground storage tanks].
    • Fuel oil tanks are just as susceptible to leak perforation as gasoline tanks of the same size
    • Existing fuel storage tanks are in worse shape than is demonstrated by storage tank testing
    • Storage tanks to not always leak immediately on perforation
  • [2] Thanks to Arlene Puentes for for technical edits on oil tank leak advice- 12/2005. Arlene Puentes is a licensed home inspector, educator, and building failures researcher in Kingston, NY.
  • [3] "A Case Study of a Large Scale Precision [oil or fuel] Tank Testing Program", Diane H. Heck, Tetra Tech Richardson, Newark, Delaware, web search 4/27/12, original source: http://info.ngwa.org/GWOL/pdf/870143411.PDF, copy on file as /heating/OIl Tanks UST/Tank_Test_Heck_870143411.pdf Abstract:
    In September 1986, a precision tank testing program was started to bring a major Maryland utility into compliance with the State of Maryland Oil Spill Control Regulations regarding underground storage tanks. This program involved the testing of over 240 tanks ranging in size from 300 gallons to 1,500 gallons located throughout the entire state of Maryland.
    Analyses of the testing results revealed that 40% of the systems tested leaked. Piping leaks caused 82% of the testing failures and tank leaks caused the remaining 18%. Tank systems located in urban areas experienced a 50% testing failure rate, while tank systems located in rural areas experienced only a 25% failure rate. Leaks in tank systems in urban areas appear to be the result of structural loading and corrosion, affects [effects] absent in rural areas. The age, capacity, and usage of the tanks did not have a role in causing leaks either in the piping or the tank.
  • [4] Fuel Oil and Oil Heat Magazine, August 1985 p.18. Fuel Oil & Oil Heating Magazine, 3621 Hill Rd., Parsippany, NJ 07054, 973-331-9545
  • [5] Standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, as referenced by "Domestic and Commercial Oil Burners,", Charles H. Burkhardt, 1961, 3rd Ed., McGraw Hill Book Company, p. 172
  • [6] NFPA - the National Fire Protection Association can be found online at www.nfpa.org
  • [7] "The Interim Prohibition Guidance for Design and Installation of Underground Oil Storage Tanks", U.S. EPA, EPA/530-SW-85203, Office of Underground Storage Tanks, Washington D.C.
  • Arlene Puentes, an ASHI member and a licensed home inspector in Kingston, NY, and has served on ASHI national committees (Bylaws, Standards), as well as HVASHI Chapter President. Ms. Puentes can be contacted at ap@octoberhome.com
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  • [9] US EPA "How do you Properly Close a UST?" is summarized at epa.gov/OUST/fsprevnt.htm These details for temporary and permanent closing of underground oil storage tanks are provided by the US EPA as well.
  • [10] "How do you choose the right tank testing method?", Cynthia Johnson, Fuel Oil & Oil Heat Magazine, November 1995
  • [11] National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers, PO Box 380, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
  • [12] "Homeowners Guide to Fuel Storage," Agway Energy Products, Verbank, NY, November 1990
  • [13] "Causes of Underground Corrosion", Harco Corporation, Paper HC-36, Median OH
  • [14] "Toxicological profile for fuel oils", U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Atlanta, GA 1995. - http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp75.html
  • [15] Public Health Statement for Fuel Oils, ATSDR, (the full document original source can be found at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs75.html). An excerpt from this document is just below. ATSDR,
    Division of Toxicology, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32, Atlanta, GA 30333 888-422-8737.
  • [16] Heating Oil Exposure Health Effects - The ATSDR section on health effects of exposure to heating oil see-ATSDR
  • [17] Heating Oil Chemical Properties - ATSDR
  • [18] Potential for Human Exposure to Heating Oil - ATSDR - 1.5 How can fuel oils affect my health?
  • [19] "Home Heating Oil Spills, Fact Sheet", Connecticut Department of Public Health
  • [20] "Home Heating Oil Spills", Wisconsin Department of Health, at http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/Air/fs/Oilspill.htm
  • [21] MSDS for No. 2 Home Heating Oil - provided by Hess Oil Company
  • [22] "Oil Tank Problems" [advertisement], The Poughkeepsie Journal, 18 April 2013 p. 4A, placed by www.C2G.us, an oil storage tank removal company quoted a price for a package including cleaning and abandonment of any size underground oil storage tank, installation of a new 275 gallon above ground tank with gauge, vent, fill and alarm, tank abandonment certificate and oil tank bottom sludge disposal, with prices starting "as low as" $2,175. U.S. The company, C&G Environmental, at 165 Sherwood Avenue Farmingdale, NY 11735 and at 83 South Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561, can be contacted on Long Island, NY at 631-414-7757 and in the Hudson Valley NY at 845-255-4900

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  • National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers, PO Box 380, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
  • "Homeowners Guide to Fuel Storage," Agway Energy Products, Verbank, NY, November 1990
  • ...
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