Leaking Fuel Oil Tanks

The Dangers

A leaking fuel oil tank can become a serious fire and environmental hazard. Whether the tank is located inside or outside the home, a spill can contaminate groundwater affecting private wells or other nearby drinking water supplies. 

One cup of fuel oil can contaminate enough water to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool, and in many cases hundreds of litres of oil seep into the ground before a spill is discovered. 

Fuel oil that has spilled into a residential basement can also pose a serious health hazard, threatening indoor air quality.

Anyone who owns a fuel oil tank has a legal responsibility to properly maintain it and to clean up any spills or leaks that may occur.  Homeowners are also responsible under the Environmental Protection Act for reporting any leak or spill from a tank that could cause property damage or health, safety or environmental problems.

Cleaning up a spill from a home heating oil tank is an expensive exercise.  The removal of oil from a basement, or the cleanup of contaminated soil and water can often cost more than the property is worth, and damage may not be fully covered by the homeowner’s insurance.

 Avoiding Problems

Having a tank installed only by a registered contractor and inspecting it regularly can help avoid the problems associated with oil spills and leakage.

Homeowners are required to ensure their tanks are CSA or ULC approved, properly installed and accessible for inspection.

Taking the following steps can help avoid problems and ensure safe usage of a fuel oil tank.

Inspect tank at least once a year.

Replace tank periodically.

Empty any unused tanks

Inspecting an oil tank 

1.  Are the tank legs unstable or on a shaky foundation?

2.  Are there any signs of rust, weeping, wet spots or dents on the tank?

3.  Is the tank blackened at the low end, around the drain? (This may be an indication of water in the tank, and resultant corrosion inside the tank.

4.  Are there any drips or signs of leakage around the fuel line, filter or valves?

5.  Is there danger of snow or ice falling on the tank?

6.  Is the vent clogged or restricted because of snow, ice or insect nests? (Screened vents can help prevent insect nest problems.)

7.  Is the vent whistle silent when the tank is being filled?  (Ask the fuel delivery person.)

8.  Are there signs of leakage or spills around the fill pipe or vent pipe?

9.  Is the fuel-level gauge cracked, stuck or frozen?  Are there signs of oil around it?

10. If mounted outdoors, is the tank rated for outdoor use?

11. What is the age of the tank?  (Not usually indicated until after 1998.)

How to Clean Up Home Heating Oil

Home heating oil spills are dangerous and must be addressed immediately. They come in two varieties: small, manageable spills that you can clean up yourself, and larger spills that you must contact a professional cleaning company for help on. Spills can be caused from a leak or drip or an overfilled tank, or from fuel being put in the wrong place. Regardless of the size of the spill or how it was caused, you must respond quickly before the heating oil as a chance soak into floors, cracks or beams, thus giving you a more difficult cleanup.

Things You’ll Need:

Sawdust or cat litter

Shovel

Plastic bags

Hot water

Household soap

Mop

Telephone

1.

Extinguish any and all sparks or flames including the pilot lights on stoves or heaters. Do not use electric equipment to clean up the spill--not even a vacuum cleaner. And, of course, do not smoke in the area.

2

. Toss sawdust or cat litter liberally and directly on the spill. Using a shovel, scoop the soaked material into plastic bags, placing the bags outside for pickup. Throw away anything that came in contact with the home heating oil that cannot be cleaned, especially absorbent materials.

3.

Mix hot water and household soap into a bucket and vigorously clean floors and beams with a mop and sponge. Be vigilant to clean every possible area, including beneath electronic equipment and in corners and hard-to-reach areas.

4

. Always call a professional oil cleanup company for a large spill and report the spill to the local or state department of natural resources or ecology. Communicating with your home insurance company is also a good idea.

TOP 10 WOOD BURNING TIPS FROM CSIA

To aid in the prevention of chimney fires and carbon monoxide intrusion and to help keep heating appliances and fireplaces functioning properly, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) offers the following safety tips:

1. Get an annual chimney check. Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a qualified professional chimney service technician. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys.

2. Keep it clear. Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.

3. Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.

4. Choose the right fuel. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well seasoned wood that has been split for a minimum of six months - one year and stored in a covered and elevated location. Never burn Christmas trees or treated wood in your fireplace or wood stove.

5. Build it right. Place firewood or firelogs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire, use kindling or a commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids

.

6. Keep the hearth area clear. Combustible material too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire. Keep furniture at least 36” away from the hearth.

7. Use a fireplace screen. Use metal mesh or a screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or burn holes in the carpet or flooring.

8. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Place detectors throughout the house and check batteries in the spring and fall. When you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time, remember to check your batteries.

9. Never leave a fire unattended. Before turning in for the evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.

10. The CSIA recommends annual inspections performed by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. These chimney sweeps have earned the industry’s most respected credential by passing an intensive examination based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimney and venting systems. The National Fire Protection Association also recommends that all chimneys are inspected on an annual basis.