Oil Tank Leak Test

Oil tank leaks refers to the uncontrolled release of oil from an oil storage tank.

Oil tank leak test.

The toll free state spill hotline is 1 800 457 7362 from within new york state and 518 457 7362 when calling from outside the state. Pump all the remaining oil out of the tank with a syphon pump. Pump oil into 50 gallon trash containers with lids. Soil testing for oil tanks examines the soil around the tank or the former tank area for contamination of heating oil.

Any problems should be fixed as soon as possible by an oil firing technical association oftec technician. Oil tank leak testing guide. If the results of the tests are positive i e oil leak and contamination are detected then it must be reported to your state s environmental protection agency. Inspect tanks pipes and other equipment for leaks damage and interference once a week.

However some delegated counties have regulations that do apply. A soil test is needed to determine if there has been a soil contamination and to what extent if any. Indoor oil tank leak. Curren s test methods are effective in identifying soil contamination resulting from a leaking ust surface spill or previously removed leaking tank system.

Use as many trash containers as necessary. Most home heating oil tanks are not regulated by new york state s petroleum bulk storage pbs regulations because they have a capacity of less than 1 100 gallons see the pbs registration fee worksheet pdf 11 65 kb for more information. It is relatively easy to detect an indoor oil tank leak. An oil tank test is necessary to detect whether a leak has occurred or not.

Underground heating oil tanks. When an oil tank leaks it normally starts with a pinhole size opening which allows oil to escape and impact the soils around the tank. The test is effective in identifying soil contamination resulting from a leaking oil tank a surface spill or a previously removed leaking tank system. If your neighbor s well or water supply becomes contaminated there is an oil tank leak affecting the water table.

As soon as you determine you have an oil leak act quickly to prevent any further contamination of your soil. This document describes the common methods used to test oil storage tanks for evidence of leakage either by soil testing pressure testing of the tank or by other tank screening measurements. A failed tightness test indicates a suspected leak which must be reported to the state spill hotline within two 2 hours by the tank owner or the tank operator. If you smell oil and you see it on the floor near or beneath the tank during a visual inspection you know you have a leak.

This method will not damage the tank or the landscaping. Outdoor oil tank leak. Click to enlarge any image we discuss the following topics here.