Above Ground Oil Tanks require very little maintenance. However, it is very important to inspect your tank periodically

The key benefit of an aboveground heating oil tank is the ability to monitor and inspect it. If you have an aboveground tank, you should visually inspect it at least twice a year. While it may seem complicated to inspect your tank, it is  quite simple.  Proper maintenance can increase the life span of the tank and prevent premature failures. If at any time you see corrosion, staining or wet spots, call a professional. Below is a guide for homeowners to properly maintain and inspect aboveground heating oil tanks:

• Visual inspections should include.
  • Inspect the tank’s surface for signs of rust of corrosion
  • Make sure the vent and fill pipes are in good condition
    • The fill pipe should have a 2inch diameter, The vent should be the same but can be slightly smaller
  • Inspect the area where the pipes meets the tank for staining (oil staining by the pipes thread are signs the tank may have been overfilled causing the pipe glue to fail over time)
  • Inspect under the tank for signs drips or staining.
  • Check tank legs to make sure they are sturdy.
    • All four tank legs should be in good condition, straight and sitting flat on a cement foundation or floor. A tank should always be installed on a solid base such as a cement floor or cement pad. Not paving stones or cinder blocks.
• Maintaining the tank’s exterior surface. If you observe rust or corrosion :
  1. Gently brush the rusted areas on the tank’s exterior with sandpaper;
  2. Clean the sanded surface
  3. Applying a coat of rust proof metallic paint (readily available at any hardware store). If needed, Barrier Contracting can provide paint.
• Maintaining the tank’s exterior surface is a good practice and the
  application of touch-up paint will not void the warranty of the tank
• Maintain the tank liquid level as high as possible during the summer months in order to limit water condensation within the tank.

If you have a service plan or oil burner maintenance program, you can ask the technician to look at the tank as well. If

Most bare steel oil tanks come with a 10 year limited manufactures warranty. These tanks are mostly designed for indoor use however some contractors install them outdoors. If the tank is a light cream color with an epoxy coating or double bottom the warranty can be for  20-25 years.

If your tank is old or showing signs of corrosion it is a good idea to replace it with a new aboveground oil tank.

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Many homes and businesses have oil heat that require oil tanks for storage. These tanks can either be found above- or below-ground. While either system is certainly efficient, we have found that above ground tanks pose significant advantages. Oil tanks need to be monitored on a regular basis, and when they are underground, it’s extremely difficult to keep an eye on them. Homes and businesses that have underground tanks aren’t out of luck, however – they can be removed and placed above-ground, which is where we come in!At Barrier Contracting, we provide underground oil tank removal for homes and businesses. We bring our excavator machine to your location and remove the tank safely and efficiently. Oil tank removal by hand can be extremely dangerous if not done properly.  We only recommend this for sensitive areas such as under patios, behind retaining walls or when the location in not accessible by machine. Our specialists are experienced and knowledgeable about the industry’s best practices, and provide excellent service every time. Trust Barrier Contracting for all your needs, from fuel oil storage tank installation to oil tank removal.

The cost to remove underground storage tanks depends on a variety of factors and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Our cost-effective solutions are perfect for all of our new and existing clients. Don’t be afraid of any hidden costs. We stand by our pricing and break down each expense to help you understand exactly what you’re paying for. To learn more about our services and get a quote, contact us today by phone or email at (914) 760-2089, (914) 760-2090 or at waynejr@barrier.com.

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