Do I HAVE to Remove My Heating Oil Tank?

Let's Clarify.

As long as a tank is IN-USE, most lenders do not require removal. With proper maintenance and routine inspections, contemporary tanks can last for two decades or more. 

Almost 2 in 10 local households in the tri-state area have oil-fueled heating systems. In the United States, oil heat usage is concentrated in the Northeast - from Pennsylvania to Maine and particularly in homes built before 1990. 

Because leakage can become a concern as tanks age, it is good practice to periodically test tank reliability. One safe, easy, test method is sampling the soil surrounding a tank. It provides a look beneath the surface to detect and clarify signs of leakage. Onsite PID-screening provides preliminary results immediately. For further evaluation, soil samples can be submitted for laboratory analysis. The testing helps reassure and clarify uncertainties for all interested parties.

Don’t take my word for it…independent resources and links:
Learn more about remediation costs by visiting the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protections (DEP):

FAQ: How much do cleanups cost?

The Leaking Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Process

Residential Home Heating Oil (Oil Tanks)

If you have any specific questions about your property, please give us a call at 610-359-1730.

How to: 10-Point Check List Residential Storage Tanks

Before cold weather sets in, now is a good time to check property oil tanks to help avoid problems this winter. Before you fill up for the season, start with this 10-point checkup:

1.     Usage:  How much fuel did you use in the past three months? Track your fuel-oil usage to monitor for possible leaks. Increasing usage, especially over the summer months, and more frequent fuel deliveries can indicate a leak.
2.     Tank Contents: Check the tank for water with a non-hazardous paste that detects water in tanks without altering the fuel being tested (Kolor Kut is a common brand).  Minor water accumulation can be expected from condensation inside a tank. However, any water inside a tank can cause the metal to rust from the inside out. Significant water accumulation indicates a leak somewhere in the system.
3.     Vent and Fill Pipes and Cap: Confirm pipes are clear of any obstructions like vegetation, insect nests, or debris. Check the area for signs of any spills. Confirm both pipe openings have caps.
4.     Vent Alarm: When oil is delivered, confirm with the driver that the alarm whistle is operating properly. You should hear a whistling sound while the tank is being filled.
5.     Fuel Gauge: Is the fuel-level gauge cracked, stuck, or frozen...or are there signs of oil around it? If so, replace the gauge.
6.     Tank Exterior: --For aboveground tanks in basements or outside --Inspect the exterior of the tank and any piping for signs of rust, seepage, wet spots, or excessive dents. Repair or replace any defects. Make sure the tank is protected from standing water, roof runoff, or falling debris. Remember, nothing should ever be stored on top of a tank.
7.     Legs: --For aboveground tanks in basements or outside --Confirm all four legs are stable, plumb, in good condition, and set on a secure foundation.
8.     Connections and Valves: Look for any drips or signs of leakage around the connections or valves.
9.     Filter Cup: There should be no signs of rust, seepage, or wet spots around or under the cup. If so, replace the cup and filter.
10.  Supply Lines: Do the oil lines between the tank and the furnace run either under concrete or aboveground without a protective casing? If so, have the lines replaced with poly-coated, protected lines. 

How Old Is Too Old?

Storage Tanks Age. Do you know how old yours is? To better evaluate the health of your system, start on the outside and work your way in.

1. Check the COMPONENTS.
   Start outside at the fill and vent pipes and work toward the burner to inspect each pipe, cap, supply line, fitting, gauge, leg, and tank exterior (if aboveground) for any corrosion, rust, or leaks. Every storage tank part contributes to a fully operational, safe heating system.

2. Check the CONTENTS.
   Water and sludge accumulate in storage tanks over time. That buildup interferes with performance and promotes corrosion inside the tank causing it to decompose from the inside out. Use water-indicating paste (available in big box stores and online) to check for water. Look in the filter cup for particles that look like coffee grounds that indicate sludge buildup.

3. Check the AGE.
   If you have a tank installed before 1990 consider an upgrade. The life expectancy of a typical storage tank can be 30 to 40 years. However, tanks in wet or damp locations deteriorate more quickly. Underground storage tanks installed before the mid-1980s were typically bare steel making them very susceptible to corrosion.

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