Should you test an Underground Heating Oil Tank?
Soil testing cannot be performed under a tank and typically not between the tank and the structure due to small, buried oil feed lines, so both these areas are data gaps in any subsurface soil testing around a tank.
Soil testing around a tank on three sides, regardless of ground cover can be performed.
If the tank is over 20 years and out of warrant, removal is likely most prudent.
What is the Life Expectancy of an Underground Oil Tank?
Typically, around 10-15 years or up to the expiration of the warranty to the tank. New tanks on average have 10-to-20-year warranties. If you have a UST and have no warranty or install date, the tank is likely beyond a reasonable life span and should be removed.
Why do you remove an old tank?
Rust never sleeps.
Commercial underground storage tanks that routinely contain petroleum are regulated, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires owners to install release detection (or leak detection) in order to immediately be notified of leaks before they contaminate surrounding soil and groundwater. Not unlike an alarm system on a building, a break-in occurs an alarm is triggered. If a tank leaks on commercial tanks, the tank owner is notified. Residential heating oil tanks do not have such complex leak detection systems, so owners have to reply upon life expectancy. So old tank out of warranty get removed both out of an abundance of caution as well as because every metal tank will leak and remediation of leaks is expensive.
Do Underground Oil Tanks have to be Removed?
After 20 years, it’s a smart decision to have your oil tank removed. As soon as an oil tank reaches 15 years, it is at a higher risk of leaking or leaking and without leak monitoring equipment installed on a tank, tank owners have to rely on tank life expectancy, which is tied to warranty. Some tanks have a higher quality build and thus longer warranty and life span.
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Why did they bury oil tanks?
Aboveground storage tanks were vulnerable to burglaries, accidents, and tampering. USTs were originally introduced in the 1920's. Buried tanks were less susceptible to burglaries, accidents, and tampering as they were hidden.
