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As you, a homeowner, prepare your heating oil system for operation this season, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) offers several precautionary steps to take to head off potentially costly problems caused by oil fuel leaks and spills. Horacio Tablada, Director, Waste Management Administration, adds, “By following these simple tips, the chance of a heating oil leak or spill occurring can be reduced, saving $20,000 to $50,000 in spill clean up costs.”
Heating oil systems should have year-round and fall checks to ensure the efficient operation of the system. A well-maintained furnace means lower fuel bills and cleaner emissions.
Every fall:
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Inspect for leaks at the tank, fuel delivery line, valves, piping, and fittings.
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Have a heating oil system contractor clean the furnace and repair or replace damaged parts.
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Inspect the vent pipe to ensure that it is free of obstructions and that an audible signal (whistle) is on the vent. An operational audible signal is used to prevent overfills.
Year-round you should:
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Retain all oil delivery receipts to track oil demand as an unexpected increase in oil usage may indicate a leak.
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Ensure that your street number is clearly visible from the road to prevent oil company personnel from delivering fuel to the wrong address.
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Clearly mark the location of the tank's fill pipe to ensure that oil company personnel deliver fuel to the correct place.
In addition to heating oil system checks, oil storage tanks also need to be inspected. For indoor aboveground storage tanks that generally last less then 30 years:
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Inspect indoor aboveground storage tanks for signs of pitting and corrosion, particularly at the bottom of the tank.
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Tanks primarily rust from the inside out, so if signs of aging are present, replace the tank.
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Consider installing a plastic heating oil tray or pan under the tank. The tray/pan will make it easier to keep the tank area clean and help identify and contain small leaks.
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Replace the fuel supply and return line with one encased in a protective sleeve. Installing a sleeve, which covers the supply and return line, protects it from physical damage and moisture.
Outdoor aboveground storage tanks have a life of approximately 15 years. Tanks rust from the inside out, so cleaning or painting the outside does not usually prolong their life. Replace tanks older than 15 years.
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Locate your new tank under a shelter, or inside a basement or garage to prevent rust, corrosion, or damage.
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Replace the fuel supply and return line.
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Place tanks with metal legs on concrete supports or a pad.
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Have a heating oil system contractor inspect the stability of outdoor aboveground tanks. A full 275-gallon tank weighs more than 2,000 pounds and if the legs become loose or the concrete cracks, the tank can fall over and release product.
Underground storage tanks are made from steel or, rarely, fiberglass. If the tank is made from steel, it has a life span of approximately 10 to 20 years. If the tank is older than 20 years, or if the age is unknown, replace it with an above ground storage tank.
Other tips/checks that should be performed on storage tanks include:
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At least every 10 years have the inside of the oil tank cleaned. Over time, water and sludge can cause corrosion, resulting in leaks.
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If you remove your tank, immediately remove fill and vent pipes to prevent a fuel delivery to a location without an attached tank.
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Consider purchasing double walled tanks when replacing old tanks. They provide an extra layer of protection regardless of where the tank is located.
Click here for more information or contact the Oil Control Program at 410-537-3442.
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