Outside Oil Tank?

Question

I have an outside tank (new in 2002) which was installed by a sub-contractor for my oil company. They put in two 24x24 patio blocks on top of the earth then installed the new oil tank. I have noticed that at the end where the oil comes to the furnace is slanted into the ground about 4 inches. We have had it checked by the oil delivery person who told us that we need not worry about it. Today we had a professional come in to fix our propane fireplace line and he looked at the tank (which has nothing to do with the furnace) and told us that he would have it fixed because if it goes down anymore, it could really create a problem. The tank may fall. Any help in giving me the right answer of what has to be done. We have put in a call to the oil company and they are suppose to get back to me by phone today. I am quite concerned because we are talking quite a few gallons of oil leaning to one side of the tank.

Answer 1

Your tank should not be leaning, nothing at all should be touching the ground, oil line, or filter. The tank should also be strapped to the wall of the building till it is emptied and can be leveled again.

You should also notify your insurance adjuster of any problems you have, and record all information and note all phone calls.

If that tanks leaks it can cost from 10,000 to 500,000.00 to clean up the mess and some insurance companies don't clean it up, they only cover 3rd party (your neighbors), depending on the coverage you have.

Try to keep your tank in a dry area, and make sure the oil line is protected from falling snow or ice. Most tanks rot from the inside out, so check the bottom of your tank monthly to makes sure its not getting damp in spots.

Make sure if there is any grass under your tank that it is kept short. Most tanks are only guaranteed for one year from the time there made, (steel tanks) and they sit in storage at a warehouse, so check the date on the tag on the tank for the date it was made, just to make sure your not getting a tank that is already expired. Keeping your tank full in the summer , even though its more oil that could leak it will help your tank
from getting condensation and rotting.

Answer 2

Outside Oil Tank

Answer 3

Every tank I've ever seen was installed level. If one end of the tank is sinking down then they most certainly need to fix it. If it goes down far enough it could cause the oil line to disconnect and then you'd have one very, very expensive mess to clean up since you'd have to have all of the contaminated soil removed as a hazardous substance. If for some reason the installers won't fix the problem, the find a way to safely move the tank and then rent a soil compactor and add dirt to the low spot and beat it down until it is firm and level with the other side once you put the paver back.

Answer 4

I can agree with a slight slant to allow gravity flow of oil to the furnace but 4" is quite a bit. Is the tank sinking or was this the way it was when installed? Some installers get a bit overzealous when pitching the tank. If it is sinking, then get it fixed as it will break the piping and cause a very expensive repair and clean-up.

Answer 5

The guy was a professional for "propane fireplace installation" not a professional for oil tanks. He is looking to score some extra bucks by fixing something that needs no fixing thru the use of scare techniques. Let the oil people deal with it. Not the baker or shoemaker or candlestick maker.

Answer 6

I have set up many tanks for kerosene stoves. They should be level, both front to back and side to side. Period. the elevation of the tank is what provides drop to ensure gravity flow to the heater. As well, no lines, plumbing, or filter mechanism should contact the ground Hence, the need for different heights of tank stands. Many times I have seen settling cause a tank to become out of level over time,due to compaction or perhaps very wet conditions softening the ground. The simplest solution I have found is to pick a time when the tank is very low or empty, Close the valve at the tank outlet, jack it up as required, and stack more pavers as required to restore it to level, one leg at a time, and 1" at a time. A more permanent solution is to place a round foundation pier form under the low legs when they are jacked up, and pour concrete to provide a larger and more stable base under the legs.

Answer 7

Installed in 2002, I'm sure the warranty on the installation has expired. Under the weight the ground has sunk and settled. Call the Oil supplier, and have the tank and foundation inspected. EDIT: contact your home insurance company, may be covered in your policy.

Answer 8

I was watching DIY saturday and this porch slab has sunken into the ground a few inchs, some guys came out with a drill and made a small hole in the slab and pumped in some foam. they slowly applied the expanding foam till the slab rose up to the original height. I have no idea how much it costs.

Answer 9

Yes, by all means have this fixed even if you have to pay another company to come in and do it. That tank is going to be there for many years and will just keep leaning more and more.