Fuel Storage Tanks
The fuel storage tank is an important part of your heating system. They require little attention and last many years. When you consider the life-span of your fuel tank, its associated annual cost is very small.
Types of Fuel Tanks
Many homeowners are familiar with the 275 gallon basement tank. There are different styles available depending on which area your are situated. Sometimes two tanks can be joined together to increase the capacity to 550 gallons.
Roth Safety Tank
A new "high-tech" fuel tank has recently become available, known as the "Roth Safety Tank." Designed in Europe for in-house installation, it is a compact double wall steel/polyethylene lined tank. It is available in 165 gallon or 275 gallon sizes. Its compact size makes it great for tight spaces!
Buried Fuel Tanks
Buried fuel tanks are available for 285, 550, and 1000 gallon sizes. They are constructed entirely from fiber-glass, and have a 30 year manufacturer's warranty.
Maintenance of Fuel Tanks
Steel basement tanks should be kept clear from clutter or debris. They should be given a coat of oil-based paint such as "Rust-O-Leum" brand to prevent rust. Tanks may start rusting at the bottom or along an outside wall, where moisture levels and condensation are greatest. This shortens the lifespan of your tank. Basement tanks should not be made inaccessible! If your basement tank is "walled-in," you should make it accessible. The tank needs to be visually inspected at least once per year.
If your basement tank has been re-bottomed with fiberglass, or patched, it should be replaced. These repairs are to be considered only temporary.
Local Regulations of Fuel Storage Tanks
Regulations vary depending on your locale, and the size of the tank. Please refer to the following table for buried tanks.
Should I Test My Buried Tank?
If your buried tank is over 1100 gallons, then it needs to be tested every 5 years. If your buried tank is less than 1100 gallons, it does not need to be tested. We recommend that if your buried tank is over 30 years old, you should consider that it has reached its lifespan, and should be replaced. The cost is less than you may think, takes only a day, and special payment arrangements are available. Call us!
Brooklyn Union/Keyspan Scare Tactics
While some older underground tanks can leak, investigations by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and both Nassau and Suffolk counties indicate that the problem is much less wide spread that the utility would have you believe. For example, no evidence of contamination of public wells from heating oil usage has been detected. For steel buried tanks, only a very small percentage of tanks over 30 years old are ever found to be leaking.
Keyspan claims in their direct mail advertising that "no more cost worries from leaking underground tanks-contractor assessments start at $3000, cleanup and fines are extra"
They use these scare tactics to frighten unknowing consumers into purchasing gas heat at 25% higher costs per year. ( Natural gas prices cost up to $4.50 gallon equivalent.)
If you have any concerns about your fuel tank, speak with our installation department.
