Author Archives: superior

How Deep Should the Base of My Oil Tank Be?

When it’s time to replace your oil tank, several important details must be considered for different types of installations. For example, to install your heating oil tank, you need to know what size tank is required to meet your home heating needs, the best tank construction material for your application, the location of the fuel lines, local regulations that impact installation, costs associated with the installation, and any safety precautions necessary to do the job without damage or injury. But equally as important as all those considerations is the platform the oil tank will be placed on. So one question you should ask is, “How deep should the base of my oil tank be?”

Continue reading →

How Long Does an Underground Oil Tank Last?

With cold temperatures comes the requirement for heating throughout your home; since weather can be unpredictable, it might be wise to check on your home’s heating oil tank.

Underground oil tanks are a great way to store oil, but how long do they last? Many factors can affect how long an underground oil tank will last, such as the construction material and how it was installed. Generally speaking, if an underground storage tank is constructed correctly, maintained, and inspected regularly, it should last at least 20 years or more. However, if an underground tank was not installed correctly or degraded over time due to wear and tear, it may need to be replaced sooner.

If you’re thinking about replacing your oil tank, Superior Tank & Energy can help! We specialize in providing superior tank pump-out services in Philadelphia, PA, for installing, removing, and replacing underground storage tanks. We understand the importance of ensuring your underground oil tank is installed correctly, maintained, and inspected to minimize the risk of environmental contamination or costly repairs. 

Our team of experienced professionals will work with you every step of the way so you can rest assured that your oil storage tank is up to code and compliant with all applicable regulations. If you’re unsure how long your underground oil tank may last or if you need to replace it entirely, Superior Tank & Energy is here to help. Contact us today, and we can discuss how to meet the needs of your specific application best. Our team of experts will provide you with professional advice and quality services so that you can have peace of mind regarding how long your underground oil tank will last.

How Do I Know If My Underground Oil Tank Is Leaking?

If you have an underground oil tank that stores heating oil, it is essential to check if it is leaking. An underground oil tank can last anywhere from 10-20 years, depending on how well it is maintained. However, over time the material of your underground oil tank may corrode due to environmental factors such as water or soil infiltration and lead to a leak.

Fortunately, there are a few signs that you can look out for that may indicate your oil tank is leaking. These include stains or discoloration on the ground above the tank; an increase in heating fuel usage even though how much fuel should be used remains the same; if you smell oil either at the storage tank or near the fuel lines; and if the oil level in your underground tank is lower than usual. It is important to address these signs immediately, as this could lead to a severe environmental hazard. You should contact an experienced technician to inspect the area around your storage tank and determine if there are any leaks or issues that need to be addressed.

If there is a leak, the technician may recommend getting the tank removed and replaced with newer materials, such as fiberglass or plastic, which are less prone to corrosion. It is also vital to ensure that your area is adequately cleaned after any repairs or replacements to prevent future leaks. 

By inspecting your underground oil tank regularly and addressing any issues that you notice, you can help ensure that it remains in good condition for the years to come. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a potential leak can also help protect your family and the environment from harm. If in doubt, contact an experienced technician at Superior Tank & Energy, who will be able to advise you on how to protect your storage tank best.

How Do I Know When My Oil Tank Needs Replacing?

There is no definite answer when it comes to how long an underground oil tank will last. It can depend on several factors, such as how well the tank was made, how much use it gets, and how well it has been maintained over time. Generally speaking, many tanks that are properly constructed and taken care of should last anywhere from 10-30 years.

When it comes to how you can tell if your tank needs replacing, there are several signs to watch out for:

  1. If you notice any rust or corrosion on the tank itself, this is a sign that it may need to be replaced soon.
  2. If you start seeing any leaking from the tank (or around where the oil lines attach), that could also indicate a need for replacement.
  3. If you’re spending more money than usual on fuel, this could mean that your tank is losing efficiency and should be replaced.

If these signs point towards replacing your tank, it’s time to look into how best to do so. The most crucial step in removing an oil tank is ensuring it’s done safely and properly. Knowing how to tell when your oil tank needs replacing is an integral part of maintaining a safe and efficient heating system for your home or business. Paying attention to the signs listed above, hiring experienced professionals for removal and replacement work, and making sure all necessary paperwork is taken care of should ensure that you can get your new tank up and running as soon as possible.

Rely on Superior Tank & Energy With Your Home

Depend on Superior Tank & Energy for all your home energy needs. With years of experience, you can rest assured knowing that the job will be done right and the tank will last a long, maintenance-free life. In the event that removal is necessary, we provide premier underground tank removals in NJ and will successfully dispose of the tank. Our knowledgeable staff is committed to helping you make informed decisions about how best to supply your home with energy efficiently and cost-effectively. So rely on Superior Tank & Energy for all your oil storage needs today!

An oil tank fill level gauge.

What You Should Do If Your Oil Tank Is Leaking

There are many parts of your home’s heating system that you may forget about until something suddenly goes wrong. The oil tank is one of the most common pieces of equipment that most homeowners forget until a large amount of damage is done. A leaking oil tank is no minor issue that you can ignore. It could cause a lot of damage to your home or your neighbors if left unchecked. 

If you suspect an oil leak or notice one, don’t just sweep it under the rug and imagine it will fix itself. A leak, whether from an outdoor or indoor tank, must be quickly handled by a professional. If you are dealing with your oil tank leaking or want to know for the future, here are a few crucial factors you should know and can complete immediately to help aid the repair process. 

Indoor and Outdoor Leaks are Different 

Despite what you may think, an outdoor oil leak and an indoor one are opposite. They both present various risks and can be determined in different ways. It would be best if you approached fixing an outdoor leak in a substantially different way than an indoor one. 

Even though an oil tank leaking is a dire situation, there are significant reasons that these two should not be handled the same way. Here are some of the ways that these emergencies differ. 

Indoor Leaks 

It is much easier to spot a leak from an indoor oil tank than an outdoor one. If you notice an oil smell or see visible leakage from the tank, that signifies an issue. If you have a  damaged oil tank, you should contact a professional, like Tank and Superior Energy, to take care of it.

Our first thought may be that an indoor oil tank leaking is hazardous, and while this is true, an indoor leak is surprisingly less severe than an outdoor one. However, there are two main issues with indoor leaks: 

  1. Oil is combustible: If you have an oil leak in your home, you should make sure that you contact the fire department immediately and ventilate the area around the leak. Open a window around the area to help the atmosphere remain clear until the fire department arrives. 
  2. Oil can cause health problems: An oil leak is harmful to your home and can also be detrimental to your health. The smell and presence of oil vapors in the air can create headaches, nausea, euphoria, loss of coordination, and dizziness. If exposed for too long, these symptoms may become long-term effects. Therefore it is best to remove your family from your home when an oil leak occurs so that everybody remains safe during the repair process.

Outdoor Leaks  

It may seem like an outdoor leak would be significantly less severe than an indoor one, but that is not true. An outdoor leak is more dangerous because it can unknowingly affect your home’s soil and your neighbor’s water supply. It can also be prohibitively expensive, costing as much as $15,000 to remedy. In addition, you may not even realize that this type of contamination is occurring, so a professional should check your soil to know if your oil tank is leaking. Here are some straightforward ways to tell if your property has a problem. 

  1. Your soil sample from around and above your oil tank will show traces of oil and indicate that your tank is leaking. This test is a reliable way to know if your tank is leaking and should be done routinely so that the risks of an oil leak are low and you and your neighbors can remain safe. 
  2. If your neighbor’s water supply becomes contaminated and you are the closest home to them. This is a sure sign that your oil tank is leaking. A leak like this is dangerous because it can go unnoticed until it harms everyone. 
  3. If you begin construction (such as a swimming pool) and realize that the soil smells strongly of oil, this signifies that a tank leak is present and should be dealt with quickly before completing construction. 

Fixing Your Oil Tank 

As we mentioned, fixing indoor or outdoor oil tank leaks is a different undertaking. They are both extremely dangerous but should be handled in specialized ways. However, the biggest similarity is that if either oil tank is leaking, you should always contact a professional to help you — it’s not an issue you should attempt to solve on your own. That could result in injury and extreme damage to your property. Here are some key repair steps you should take when an oil leak occurs or is suspected. 

Indoor Oil Tank 

The first thing you should do for your leaking indoor oil tank is to notify the fire department and ventilate the area. Then remove your family from home so they stay safe from the oil vapors until the problem is entirely resolved. After that step, you should call a professional oil cleaning and repair company, so they can inspect and repair the damage. Lastly, you should contact your insurance company because many homeowners’ policies include oil spill provisions. 

Outdoor Oil Tank 

For your outdoor oil tank, as soon as you suspect a leak, you should contact an environmental expert to help take a soil sample and determine whether it is true. Then you should hire a state-certified contractor to remove your tank and notify the authorities. The professionals will help determine the extent of your leak and how much it will cost to fix the damage. After this, you should contact your insurance company to see if you are covered. If there is no water table damage, it is an easy fix with clean soil, and you can file the paperwork, and the process will be done! 

Make Sure Your Oil Tank is in Good Condition

It would be best if you always kept a close eye on your oil tank. Whether inside or outside, it can still be a hazardous issue if left unattended. If you require emergency oil tank repair or tank cleaning, contact us at Superior Tank & Energy to see how we can help you today! 

sold for sale sign in front of house

Should You Remove an Oil Tank Before Selling Your Home?

Are you selling your home soon, or do you plan to sell in the future? There’s a lot to think about, from fixing up your house for maximum curb appeal to negotiating offers with potential home buyers. However, if your property has ever used oil heat, there may be something you’re forgetting. Some homes heated by oil use tanks located in the basement or aboveground on the property, but others have underground storage tanks. 

Continue reading →