New Above Ground Oil Tank Regulations
The new certification standards and procedures must be in place by July 1, 2017. By law, we are required to inspect fuel tanks every three years. If you are a Bourne’s customer and had an inspection 2 years ago, you are not due for an inspection for one more year, and during the 3 year inspection you would be required to bring the tank up to code if not done already. Bourne’s customers get a complete tank inspection done by our highly trained staff during their annual tune-up and new customers that come on board receive an inspection which will cover the next 3 years.
Oil Tank Inspection
New Customer Routine Inspection Checklist
For aboveground tanks, regular visual tank inspection by our knowledgeable technicians is probably the best measure that can catch most of the problems with tanks and tank systems. Inspect indoor/outdoor aboveground storage tanks for signs of pitting and corrosion, particularly at the bottom of the tank. Remember, tanks primarily rust from the inside, out, so if signs of aging are present, replace the tank. Indoor tanks generally do not last more than about 20 to 25 years.
For outdoor/indoor aboveground tanks, ask an oil technician to inspect the stability of the tank. A full 275-gallon tank weighs more than 2,000 pounds. The tank has metal legs and should stand on concrete supports or pads, supported by stable, compacted earth. If the legs become loose, the concrete cracks or the supporting earth becomes soft or “squishy” in bad weather, the tank can fall over and release product.
Consider replacing an outdoor aboveground storage tank that has been uncovered for 15 years or longer. These tanks rust from the inside out much sooner than indoor tanks and cleaning or painting the outside of the tank does not usually prolong their life.
The value of early detection of a deficient tank is to be able to recommend corrective service or tank replacement before there is a significant problem.
Always remember that all oil storage tanks are constantly “breathing” and allowing condensation to form on the inside of the tank. The resulting accumulation of water at the bottom of the tank can cause corrosion that occurs from the inside out. You may not notice a problem until it is too late.
Give us a call at 800-326-8763 or contact us online to have a visual inspection every 3 years as per the state of Vermont law. Fill Pipes and vent lines need to be an inch and a quarter iron pipe or larger. Plastic and copper are unacceptable. The oil line between tank and heating equipment needs to be protected from corrosion due to cement floors.