There are several important steps to take before looking for oil tank services. Firstly, you should ensure that your oil tank is properly protected from weather conditions like rain, snow, or wind. Next, you must ensure that the tank is easily accessible for delivery drivers and other professionals. Also, you need to monitor the tank to prevent theft.
Inspection of the oil tank
If you have an oil tank on your property, you must have it inspected regularly to prevent leaks. While a visual inspection can identify some problems, most issues occur inside the tank, where the oil is constantly corroding the steel. For this reason, it is recommended to have an inspection done every two years.
Most houses built before 1975 used oil as heating, and while most homeowners switched to natural gas, many oil tanks were left behind. This is a problem for new homeowners, who will have to pay to remediate it. If you’re planning to buy a new home, consider hiring a company that provides oil tank services NY.
Checking for rust
Checking for rust is an important part of oil tank maintenance. This is because rusting can affect the tank’s appearance. For example, it can cause the paint to blister and flake. It is also dangerous for the environment because it can pollute oil. While rusting occurs most commonly on metal oil tanks, it can also affect plastic tanks. If you notice that your plastic oil tank is whitening or cracking, it is probably time to contact an oil tank service provider.
It is important to ensure that your above-ground oil tank is on a solid surface. Ideally, it sits on a concrete pad or compacted earth. Otherwise, it could cause a spill if the tank leans. In addition, you should also inspect the tank for leaks and corrosion. Finally, you should also check the return and supply lines and the valves to ensure they are all working properly.
Checking for leaks
If you suspect your oil tank leaks, you should take immediate action. Oil tank leak remediation must be done as quickly as possible to avoid contaminating surrounding land and water resources. The process involves checking for oil leaks and assessing the damage. The extent of the oil spill may require soil samples. Your homeowner’s insurance provider may cover oil spill remediation costs.
To determine if your oil tank is leaking, you can check for visual signs of a leak. For example, you can look for old oil tank fillers in your basement, leaking vent pipes, or old oil stains on the foundation walls.
Checking for vent pipes
If you’re considering hiring an oil tank service, check for vent pipes in your oil tank. These pipes are usually attached vertically to the outside of your home and slope underground. They are usually 3/4 inches in diameter and have an open cap that allows air to circulate. If you have an above-ground tank, it’s also important to check for obstructions in the vent pipe.
Checking for vent pipes is important to ensure there are no hidden leaks in your oil tank. Vent pipes are very important parts of your heating system. When they are blocked or clogged, it can lead to a serious problem. You’ll need to find and fix any issues before your oil tank becomes a safety risk.
Checking for home insurance
If you own an oil tank, you should check your home insurance policy to see if there is any coverage for spilled oil. While many policies cover clean-up expenses, some do not. Oil is valuable, and the clean-up costs can be substantial. Therefore, you may need additional coverage to cover your home and the oil tank if you have no insurance coverage.
Even if you don’t have a tank, it’s important to get a replacement tank every couple of years. Older tanks can corrode on the inside without causing any visible issues. Your insurance company may also require you to switch from oil to propane or natural gas. Otherwise, they may charge you a small yearly fee for oil tank removal.