Many homeowners rely on oil heaters in their home, which requires having either an underground or above ground oil tank. While these tanks are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they can begin to leak. Once a tank begins leaking, it will need to be removed and replaced with a new tank. A leaking oil tank can be a big problem, so it is important to know the signs of a leak so you can have the problem taken care of promptly. Some of the most common signs of a leaking oil tank include:
Oil Smell
One of the most noticeable signs that an oil tank is leaking is the smell of oil on your property or inside your home. The smell of heating oil can be very pungent, and the fumes are not considered safe to inhale. It is a good idea to examine the area around your above ground oil tank regularly to see if there is any oil odor. If you have an underground tank, know exactly where it is located and visit the area regularly to determine if the odor of oil is present.
Dying Vegetation
When an oil tank is leaking oil, the oil can contaminate the surrounding soil. This can cause vegetation and grass to become brown or eventually die. If an area of soil has been contaminated with oil, you may notice that you are unable to grow grass there and new plants do not thrive.It is important to take vegetation dying unexpectedly seriously-- if you do have an oil leak, soil remediation can be very difficult if the oil tank has been leaking for an extended period of time.
Problems with Your Water
If your home uses well water, the oil leaking from a cracked oil tank can cause problems with your home's water. If the water has an odd taste, smell, or is discolored, immediately stop using the water. You will need to have your well water tested to determine if it has been contaminated by oil. Before you can resume using your well water, you will need to have the leaking oil tank removed, have your soil treated, and have the water in the well treated.
Structural Damage
Homeowners with an above ground oil tank should inspect it regularly for signs of structural damage. If damage is notice, there is a good chance that there may be small holes or cracks that are leaking oil. If you have an underground oil tank, it is a good idea to hire a professional periodically to ensure that it is structurally sound.
For more information, contact companies like A & A Oil Recovery Co.
