Oil Tank Leak Test

If your neighbor s well or water supply becomes contaminated there is an oil tank leak affecting the water table.

Oil tank leak test.

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. 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. Use as many trash containers as necessary. However some delegated counties have regulations that do apply.

Oil tank leak testing guide. Pump all the remaining oil out of the tank with a syphon pump. Soil testing for oil tanks examines the soil around the tank or the former tank area for contamination of heating oil. 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.

This method of tank or soil investigation tests the soil around the tank or the former tank area for the presence of heating oil. A soil test is needed to determine if there has been a soil contamination and to what extent if any. Oil tank leaks refers to the uncontrolled release of oil from an oil storage tank. Indoor oil tank leak.

As soon as you determine you have an oil leak act quickly to prevent any further contamination of your soil. Outdoor oil tank leak. An oil tank test is necessary to detect whether a leak has occurred or not. 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.

The test is effective in identifying soil contamination resulting from a leaking oil tank a surface spill or a previously removed leaking tank system. Inspect tanks pipes and other equipment for leaks damage and interference once a week. 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. Curren s test methods are effective in identifying soil contamination resulting from a leaking ust surface spill or previously removed leaking tank system.

Underground heating oil tanks. Any problems should be fixed as soon as possible by an oil firing technical association oftec technician. 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 oil into 50 gallon trash containers with lids.

It is relatively easy to detect an indoor oil tank leak. 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. Click to enlarge any image we discuss the following topics here.