Heating Oil Tank Safety Inspection for the Winter
A heating oil tank safety inspection is done in order to ensure that there will be no imminent ruptures in the tank or supply mechanism to the house – especially during the winter. This translates into a secure, uninterrupted flow of heating oil in times when it’s needed most. Ensuring the safety of an oil tank is now understood as the number one factor affecting the industry today, according to the National Oilheat Research Association (NORA). But how exactly does oil tank inspection work?
Visual Safety Inspections of Above-Ground Tanks
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An above-ground tank is fairly easy to check, as most parts are readily accessible. The first thing Point Bay professional heating service technicians will check is that the unit is stable. This means that not only are the legs, if present, don’t move when pressure is applied, but also that the foundation underneath the tank isn’t cracking or deteriorating. The technician will check for signs of corrosion, including rust spots or wet patches, which can signal weeping. This might indicate a leak or that water or other contaminants can seep through to the fresh oil inside.
The fuel lines will also be checked, not only to make sure that they aren’t leaking, which is often the case if brown patches are found in nearby vegetation, but also to verify that they’re clear. If the lines are generally in good shape but are lacking protective casing, it’s a recommended addition to protect these essential lines from impending elements.
Oil Heating Tanks Below Ground
Units that are housed underground are trickier propositions. A skilled professional will rely on a mix of environmental and residential clues to determine the condition of the tank for winter use. Just as with above-ground units, the most important aspect is that the oil tank isn’t leaking. On occasion, a fuel leak can be identified by those with a keen sense of smell, but absence of odor doesn’t mean all is well. Oily runoff in the area or large brown patches in grass can be a major red flag that something is amiss. If this is the case, soil and water samples will be taken to determine whether or not a leaking unit is the culprit.
Aside from checking for leaks, the underground heating oil tank safety inspection for winter will also involve looking at water levels in the tank. Significant levels of water could indicate that the unit is suffering from cracking or corrosion and needs to be replaced. Finally, the vents and pipes will be looked at to verify that they’re clear and ready to receive oil.
Trusted Safety Inspections and High-Quality Oil
Contamination due to leaks from the supply line or the tank can be detrimental to the environment, and it can lead to an interruption of the heating oil supply during the coldest months of the year. Point Bay can not only perform guaranteed heating oil safety inspections for the winter, but customers in Ocean County, NJ can also take advantage of refueling with quality oil treated with UltraGuard to help inhibit corrosion and extend the lives of both home and commercial tanks. For more information, contact Point Bay today at 732-349-5059 or fill out an online service request.