Can You Prevent An Oil Tank Leak?

An oil tank leak poses a serious environmental and health hazard on your property. Heating oil spills in the soil can contaminate drinking water and ruin the septic system, not to mention making your family members sick.

While you can’t entirely prevent an oil tank from leaking, you can take steps to keep it well-maintained and cut down on the chances of a breach.

Regularly Inspect Oil Tank Components

Know where your tank is located underground and have the spot clearly marked. The system should be professionally cleaned at least once every 10 years. Have any visible fill lines, pipes and gauges inspected for rust and corrosion.

Consider replacing the system if it is 20 years old or older. You can also have a professional, test the surrounding soil for the presence of any foreign substances.  

Top Causes of Leaks

Over time, rusting can create a leak in either the tank or the fuel lines. Soil shifting due to frost can also cause damage. If the soil above the tank is excavated due to a landscaping project, the components could be damaged accidentally. Parking a vehicle above the system or laying down concrete can also add considerable weight which can lead to cracks and leaks.

How Can You Tell if the System Is Leaking?

Always keep track of your oil delivery receipts. You will be able to monitor fuel consumption from month to month and year to year, identifying a sudden spike in oil use. This might be the first sign of a leak. You may also begin to smell heating oil inside your home, which could point to a problem with one of the fuel lines.

If you notice dying grass on the ground above the underground tank only, it could be a sign, oil is killing vegetation. You might also see fuel begin to collect in the soil, or you may notice the ground begins to sink in.

What Should You Do if a Leak Is Detected 

As soon as you suspect an oil tank leak, turn off the furnace and stop using the heating system. While it is possible to simply clean the spill, sanitize the affected soil, drain the tank and leave it in the ground, the safest approach is to remove the tank altogether, replacing it with a modern double-walled secure tank or an above-ground tank located in the basement.

Either way, the spill must be cleaned up immediately to reduce damage to the environment and to minimize the health and safety risk it poses to your household.

Contact Stauffer’s Towing when you have an oil tank leak and the team can clean the hazardous materials and remove the tank immediately, facilitating all aspects of the removal process.