Inspecting your oil tank

It's not too often homeowners think about the condition of their oil tanks.  With so many things around the house to keep tabs on, that oil tank down in the basement is often times forgotten.  It's recommended to inspect your oil tank at least once per year.  There is a law that Massachusetts has in place to address oil leaks from home heating systems (Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008, as most recently amended in 2010). This law has two major provisions that require:

• The installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices AND
• Insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.

Most insurance policies do not currently include such coverage, leaving many homeowners responsible to foot the hefty cleanup bill themselves. Although it is mandatory that insurance companies make this coverage available by July 1, 2010 to homeowners whose systems are upgraded, the insurance is an optional purchase.  Paying now to upgrade from a leaking tank and installing the proper valve/sleeve can possibly save you LOTS of money in the future.  Clean up costs for a small leak CAN cost up to $15,000 and more extensive leaks, ones that have contaminated groundwater can cost upwards of $250,000.  

A checklist to follow when inspecting your tank is provided below:

•   Are the tank and all portions of the system free from any leaks?
  
• Does the tank meet either Underwriters Laboratory 80 or 142 standards (Typically indicated by a sticker or stamped label)?
  
•   Are the tank and all supports free from significant rust and corrosion?
•   Is the tank set on a one-piece concrete pad or concrete floor?
•   Are the tank legs in good condition? Are they bent or causing the tank to lean?
•    If outdoors, is the tank on the gable end of the building or otherwise protected from roof ice and snow damage?
•   If outdoors, is the filter covered or otherwise adequately protected?
•   Is the supply line continuously plastic-coated copper from the tank to the furnace with no unions or splices?
• ​  Is the inside diameter of the vent pipe at least 1.25 inches and equal to or larger than the fill pipe?​
•   Does the tank have a working sight gauge and vent whistle (An audible device to warn the oil delivery person that the tank is full)?
• ​Is the vent pipe clean of any obstructions?  Often times insects or other debris can build up on the underside of your vent cap, preventing a proper whistle from sounding.  
• Are both the fill and vent lines fitted with proper caps?