Regardless of the size or type of tank, oil tanks need to be inspected regularly. If they aren’t properly maintained, they can pose a significant safety risk.
In addition, fuel spills can be costly, damaging to the environment, and put your business in a bad light. It’s essential to keep your tank in good condition and in compliance with government regulations.
Corrosion
Fuel oil tanks are subject to various corrosion factors, including condensation and sludge. As these sink to the bottom of the tank, they can slowly corrode over time, eventually penetrating the outer shell and leading to leaks.
Regular oil tank testing Westchester County NY conducted by a professional fuel storage tank service can help prevent these issues and keep you and your home safe and dry. Several types of testing can be used, ranging from simple water tests to more advanced equipment checks.
One necessary type of test is the rust thickness measurement. It involves using an ultrasonic transmitter to measure the thickness of the tank walls at dozens of points so you can see if they have worn thin from corrosion.
Leaks
Oil is a hazardous substance, and as such, anyone involved with it must ensure that it is handled responsibly. It includes ensuring that any risks and leaks are detected promptly and effectively.
Regularly inspecting your heating oil tank can prevent many small leaks that are not expensive. However, more significant leaks involving leaking into the ground can be costly and pose substantial environmental risks.
It is essential to get the soil analyzed by a licensed environmental contractor if you are considering buying a property that includes a buried steel oil tank or if an existing tank on the property has been leaking for years.
A properly conducted soil test can detect leaks by identifying any liquid escaping the tank at its burial depth. It is a critical step in determining whether the tank is leaking and whether it will need to be replaced.
High Liquid Levels
Oil tank leaks are a hazard to your home and a contamination risk to the groundwater and soil surrounding your home. Regular oil tank testing is essential for protecting your home and the environment.
Technicians take soil samples around the tank to check for a possible leak during your testing. Can recommend a solution and provide a cost estimate if they find one.
Another vital test they perform is ground scanning radar or magnetic sensing to locate buried tanks. The technician uses a Fisher, Gemini-3 two-box magnetometer to monitor the property for any large metallic object buried underground.
Never purchase a home—whether buying or selling it—without completing an oil tank check, scan, or sweep. The older your home is, the more likely an underground oil tank is on the property.
Environmental Impact
Knowing how heating oil storage tanks affect your house and the environment is crucial if you own a property. Heating oil leaks from storage tanks can quickly contaminate nearby groundwater and lead to significant environmental problems that can be challenging to repair.
Regularly inspecting your heating oil tank for leaks can help protect your home and the environment. By doing this, you can avoid paying significant fines or repair charges.
The importance of regular oil tank testing for the environment is also apparent to many businesses that use a lot of fuel for their machinery. Water and contaminants in fuel can decrease engine power, which is problematic if you have a fleet of heavy equipment.
All human activities, including pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction, harm the environment. It is vital to measure, plan and minimize these impacts so that humans can maintain healthy ecosystems.
