Oil Tank Leak Test

This method of tank or soil investigation tests the soil around the tank or the former tank area for the presence of heating oil.

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. A soil test is needed to determine if there has been a soil contamination and to what extent if any. 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. If your neighbor s well or water supply becomes contaminated there is an oil tank leak affecting the water table.

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 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. Indoor oil tank leak. Click to enlarge any image we discuss the following topics here.

Contact us to learn more. Outdoor oil tank leak. This method will not damage the tank or the landscaping. Pump all the remaining oil out of the tank with a syphon pump.

An oil tank test is necessary to detect whether a leak has occurred or not. As soon as you determine you have an oil leak act quickly to prevent any further contamination of your soil. Oil tank leak testing guide. However some delegated counties have regulations that do apply.

Inspect tanks pipes and other equipment for leaks damage and interference once a week. It is relatively easy to detect an indoor oil tank leak. 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.

Oil tank leaks refers to the uncontrolled release of oil from an oil storage tank. 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. Typical residential oil tank sizes range from 275 290 to 500 or 1000 gallons in capacity.

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. Underground heating oil tanks.