Oil Tank Replacment

Oil Tank Replacement in DE, PA, and MD

Hey y’all, today we’re discussing oil tank replacements.

I know oil tanks aren’t the most glamorous topic, but they are a crucial component of your home’s heating system. And when it comes to keeping your family warm and cozy, safety should always be a top priority.

So, let’s talk about when it’s time to replace your oil tank. Here are some signs to watch out for:

First, age. Oil tanks typically have a lifespan of around 15-20 years, so if your tank is getting up there in years, it’s time to consider a replacement.

Next, rust or corrosion. If you see any signs of rust or corrosion on your tank, it’s a sign that the metal is breaking down. This can weaken the tank and make it more prone to leaks.

Dents or cracks are also a red flag. Any physical damage to your tank can compromise its integrity and lead to leaks or spills.

Finally, if you notice oil stains or a strong smell of oil around your tank, there’s likely a leak. This can be a severe safety hazard and needs to be addressed immediately.

The cost of a tank failure can be high, not to mention the environmental impact of an oil spill. That’s why it’s essential to trust the experts at Hillside Oil Heating to handle your oil tank replacement.

Our team of experienced technicians can assess your tank’s condition and recommend the best course of action. We offer a range of high-quality tanks that will fit your budget and heating needs. Plus, we’ll install your new tank quickly and professionally.

At Hillside Oil Heating, we’re more than just oil tank replacement. We offer regular maintenance, repairs, and emergency services to keep your heating system running smoothly. In addition, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and quality craft, so you can trust us to take care of all your heating needs.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the recommended frequency for oil tank replacement? A: The average life expectancy of an above-ground oil tank is typically 25 years, while underground tanks last around 10 to 15 years. However, if you notice signs of rusting, leaking, or reduced heating efficiency, it may be time to replace your tank.

Q: Is replacing an oil tank a simple process? A: No, oil tank removal is a complex and intricate process that requires specific expertise and knowledge to meet all regulations. Hiring an oil tank replacement specialist is essential to remove and disposing of old oil tank systems.

Q: Is installing a heating oil tank on your own possible? A: While installing your heating oil tank is possible, most states and municipalities have strict regulations and laws that must be followed. A poorly installed tank can be hazardous and may result in oil leaks.

Q: Can I purchase a used oil tank? A: It’s not recommended to purchase a second-hand oil tank. While the cost savings may seem appealing, the cleanup fees associated with a leak or spill can far outweigh any potential savings. Additionally, it’s difficult to assess the structural integrity of a used tank, which may lead to issues down the line..

Q: Do we need permits for tank removal and installation? A: Yes, if required by the town. Hillside handles the process of obtaining both permits. Our courier goes to each town office to pull the removal and installation permits, and our crew delivers them on the installation day.

Q: Do you replace the fuel line? A: We only replace the fuel line if it does not meet current codes. The fuel supply lines can be installed in the attic for homes with a slab foundation. Additional fees may apply, depending on the length of the fuel line and accessibility.

Q: Do you paint the fuel delivery fill and vent pipes after installation? A: Yes, we paint all piping (inside and out) to protect them from rust and corrosion. We believe it looks more professional than unpainted steel pipe.

Q: Does the installation require an inspection? A: It depends on the town. Our courier calls each town before requesting a permit to discuss inspection requirements. The inspector is called an hour before job completion if an inspection is required. If the fire department must inspect, they will coordinate a time that works for both parties.

Q: Does the tank need to be installed on a cement pad? A: Yes, to meet the current code, the tank must be installed on a 4-inch thick concrete pad, whether installed inside or outside.

Q: How long do the removal and installation usually take? A: A single oil tank installation typically takes 4-5 hours, while installing two tanks can be a full-day job. Jobs requiring bollards for a garage oil tank installation will take a full day. Jobs requiring the installation of a cement pad (inside or out) will require a two-phase job. The cure time for a new cement pad is 72 hours. Depending on the location of the tank installation, a temporary tank may be needed.

Q: How much oil can I store in a single-family home? A: Most states allow a maximum of 1,325 gallons stored in a single-family residence. For homes with difficult access points, homeowners may increase capacity to 400 gallons with a larger Roth tank or 550 gallons (2 Granby tanks connected) to minimize the number of deliveries.

Q: Is it safe to connect oil tanks in series? A: Hillside recommends installing oil tanks with separate fill pipes to ensure that the tanks are never over-pressurized during filling. Connecting vent pipes in series is acceptable as the tanks are filled separately and will never develop back pressure.

Q: Should the fuel tank lines be installed underground or overhead? A: Hillside will remove old lines and use the current trench if the old line is not up to code. During a site visit, our project supervisor will check the distance between the new tank location and the furnace. Extra fees may be needed if there is an unusually long run of supply piping.

The Duration of Indoor and Aboveground Outdoor Tanks

Indoor oil storage containers typically have a lifespan of no more than 30 years, and often their longevity is even shorter.

For outdoor aboveground storage tanks that have been exposed for ten years or more, it’s recommended to replace them since these storage containers tend to rust from the inside out. Cleaning or painting their exterior usually does not help to prolong their lifespan. Do you know how old your tank is?

The Financial Consequences of Failing to Replace an Oil Tank

Property owners may be liable for aging, defective, or unused heating oil storage containers. According to the MA Department of Environmental Protection, the expenses to clean up an oil leak from a home heating system can range from $20,000 to $50,000, with some cleanups costing considerably more.

Even a small amount, such as just a few gallons of fuel in a tank, can eventually leak into the soil, leading to groundwater contamination that requires remediation. Soil waste cleanup can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Replacing or removing a tank as soon as possible provides a better opportunity to avoid environmental cleanup expenses.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Aboveground Oil Tank Replacement

The cost of replacing an aboveground oil tank depends on several factors, including:

Type of Replacement Tank – The cost of the replacement tank is based on its location, required functionality, and longevity.

Size of Replacement Tank – The accessibility and size of the space available for the tank determine the replacement tank’s size.

Access to Current Tank – The location of the current tank, whether interior or exterior, such as crawl space, finished or unfinished basement, garage, etc., affects the replacement cost.

Amount of Piping Needed – The proximity of the tank to your furnace and the outside of your home for basement tanks or inside your home for outdoor tanks affects the amount of piping required. The fill and vent pipes that connect to the outside and the fuel oil line that feeds oil to your furnace may need replacing. Also, the tank, fuel line, and valves must comply with current code standards based on regulatory requirements in PA, MD and DE.

Additional Expenses for Aboveground Tank Replacement

Replacing an aboveground oil tank involves other necessary expenses, including:

Obtaining Required Permits – You must obtain necessary permits from local and/or state authorities for the removal and installation of the tank.

Pumping Reusable Fuel from Old Tank – Any reusable fuel from the old tank must be pumped out and filtered twice for use in the new tank, without losing its value.

Fuel Oil Sludge Disposal – You must safely dispose of sludge from the existing/old tank.

Custom Cutting and Threading of New Fuel Line Pipes – New fuel line pipes must be custom-cut and threaded to fit the specific requirements of your heating system.

A Guide to Aboveground Oil Tank Replacement Process

Hiring an Experienced Contractor for Your Heating System Replacement: Hiring a professional to replace your aboveground oil tank is critical to achieving safe, cost-effective, high-quality results. Hillside’s highly-trained, uniformed technicians have extensive experience and expertise in residential tank replacement, removal, and installation. We arrive promptly and treat you and your property with respect. They address your concerns and bring additional materials and tools if your project is more complex than anticipated, avoiding rescheduling your service.

The Process of Replacing an Aboveground Oil Tank: Initial Preparation

Conduct a Complimentary Site Visit – A complimentary site visit discusses the property owner’s objectives and needs. The site is assessed for any potential issues that could support or impede the project, and the location and condition of the current tank are reviewed. Tank sizes and features guaranteeing a quality, cost-effective tank replacement are also considered.

Obtain Project Permits – Hillside handles all permits required, saving homeowners time and potential headaches. Homeowners in MD, PA, and DE must obtain permits from the local fire department for tank removals, heating oil tank replacements, or tank installations. Hillside has comprehensive knowledge of regulations and local requirements and maintains an excellent relationship with local officials.

On-Site Work for Aboveground Oil Tank Replacement:

1. Cover all floors and rugs; remove doors to move the tank into the home.
2. Pump out the remaining heating oil from the old tank.
3. Once the tank is empty, stand it on one side, cut it in the middle, and transport it to the truck for cleaning.
4. Remove the existing fill and vent pipes.
5. Pump out and remove the old fuel line.
6. Clean the area under the existing tank in preparation for the new placement.
7. Bring the new tank inside and assemble it on-site by installing legs, valves, filters, and fittings.
8. Set the new tank in place.
9. Measure, cut, and thread the fill pipes to meet the specific site requirements, which may require drilling new holes through concrete or wood due to pipe height restrictions for existing holes.
10. Install the fuel and vent pipes.
11. Install the sleeved copper fuel line that connects the oil storage tank to the furnace/boiler.
12. Inspect all fittings to ensure everything is tightly secured.
13. Pump the previously removed and filtered fuel into the new tank, filtering it again as it is pumped.
14. Check the whole system for any leaks.
15. Prime and test the system to ensure proper operation.
16. Obtain a final inspection from local authorities.
17. Install bollards to protect the tank, as typically directed by local regulations.

Key Parts of an Oil Tank: Fuel Oil Tank Gauge (also called Heating Oil Tank Gauge) – This is standard with all new installations; Whistle Alarm – This is an overfill prevention alarm that alerts the oil delivery specialist when the tank is filled to 90% capacity by stopping the whistle; Tank Gauge (or combination Whistle and Gauge) – This uses a float inside the tank to read the amount of fuel to a close approximation of 1/8, ¼, ½, or ¾ full.

Additional Steps for Replacing Outside Tanks

Install a 4-inch thick reinforced cement pad, which is larger in diameter than the new tank since a tank cannot be placed on grass or dirt. This requires building a form, mixing cement, and curing it for 72 hours. A temporary tank is placed until the new tank can be installed on the cement pad, as determined during the initial site visit.

Install a Rain Shield to eliminate the need for a shed to protect the tank from the elements.

Install a Tank Tub as required by some insurance companies. A tank tub is a polyurethane tub with a cover that functions like a plastic tub around the tank to protect it from the elements.

Oil Tank Options and Sizes to Consider

Hillside is an expert in installing several types and sizes of heating oil tanks from the two most trusted and proven commercial-grade brands, Roth Industries and Granby Industries. We recommend each brand’s features and model sizes based on the intended usage of each tank’s size, type, and design.

Choosing the Best Size and Type of Tank for Your Project

Every home has unique factors that make one size, style, or type of oil tank more appropriate than others. Here are some crucial factors to consider when selecting a tank for your home:

1. Doorway sizes – Consider how tall or wide the doorways are to enable the entry of the tank.
2. Bulkhead availability – If there is no bulkhead, the tank must enter through hallways and stairways.
3. Ceiling height – Consider the ceiling height leading up to and within your basement.
4. Finished or unfinished basement – Access considerations may differ based on whether the basement is finished or unfinished.
5. Proximity to the furnace – Fire codes typically require a 5 ft. distance between the tank and furnace.
6. Length and driveway pitch – Consider oil delivery considerations, such as distance and seasonal factors.
7. Single or multi-family home – For multiple furnace and tank coordination.
8. Garage – The fire department or local inspector must inspect and approve oil tank placement, typically requiring protective bollards.

Conclusion:

Oil tank replacement is a critical process with significant financial, safety, and environmental implications. It’s important to watch for signs of damage or corrosion and replace your tank before it fails. At Hillside Oil Heating, we understand the importance of a reliable heating system and can help you navigate the process of oil tank replacement. Our team of experienced technicians is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and quality workmanship, so you can trust us to take care of all your heating needs.

In addition to oil tank replacement, Hillside Oil Heating offers a range of other services to ensure your heating system is running efficiently and effectively. We provide regular maintenance, repairs, and emergency service to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your oil tank replacement needs.