Over time, water vapor and rust particles will settle into thick sludge inside oil tanks. This sludge is dangerous and needs to be handled properly by professionals during tank removal. After removing the sludge, qualified professionals can take your old oil tank away to be processed for scrap metal. It prevents soil contamination and minimizes damage to landscaping.
Getting Started
An old oil tank must be removed to prevent leakage, a major safety concern. It can also cause environmental damage by contaminating soil and waterways. Whether preparing your home for sale, switching to another heating method, or upgrading to a larger tank, residential oil tank replacement is a cost-effective project that saves you money in the long run. Newer tanks are more efficient and can reduce energy costs by up to 50%. Underground oil tanks are usually buried underground, so finding them requires a professional inspection. You’ll want to look for a fill pipe and vent pipe sticking out of the ground near your home. Over time, the odiferous sludge accumulating in the tank can be recycled at specialized facilities and used for industrial purposes.
Cleaning the Tank
Tank cleaning is a messy job requiring safety equipment and a licensed oil tank removal Westchester County NY. The sludge that accumulates inside the bottom of an oil tank can be so thick that it cannot be pumped out. This sludge is created by water vapor that forms inside the tank and mixes with the rust particles of the tanks. This sludge is extremely hazardous and can be a health hazard to people. First, the tank must be drained of all the existing oil. A plastic container can be placed underneath the drain valve and emptied until empty. This step is very important to prevent old oil from leaking into the surrounding soils. The tank can then be sprayed with a cleaning agent such as TSP cleaner or denatured alcohol.
Preparing the Area
Whether installing a new oil tank or replacing an old one, your contractor must first locate the underground tanks on your property. Finding the fill and vent pipes from the ground takes a home inspection, a tank sweep, or digging near your foundation. Over time, water vapor and rust particles build up in the bottom of an oil tank, creating a thick sludge that cannot be pumped out. To remove it, experts typically cut a hole in the side of the tank and scrape sediment into buckets. This sludge can be recycled at specialized facilities for use in industrial applications, which is much more environmentally friendly than throwing it away or leaving it on your property.
Cutting the Pipework
If you have an underground oil tank, it must be closed and removed from service. The crew will excavate the tank light and cut it open. They will then siphon out any unused oil left inside the tank. It is usually taken away to be filtered and used for other purposes. The crew will also cut the pipes attached to the oil tank. They will need to do this because if the pipes are left in place, they can become damaged and cause a leak. That’s why you must hire professionals for this work. They can do it safely without risking your home or the surrounding environment.
Disposing of the Old Oil
If your home heating oil tank is leaking, you’ll need to have it removed by professionals. A contractor will siphon out the reusable oil that can be extracted from aboveground tanks, and they’ll dispose of the rest at a specialized recycling facility. Inground oil tank removal can be tricky, and it’s not a project you should try alone. Leaking oil tanks is a serious environmental hazard and a major financial liability if left unchecked. If you leak, it’s important to act quickly to remove your tank and prevent the leak from damaging your property or local waterways. Check for signs of a leak, including high energy bills, an oily sheen in your water, or stained patches of grass on your property.
