WILLIAMSPORT – With winter approaching, now is the time for homeowners to act to save money and resources by inspecting indoor and outdoor home heating oil tanks for potential problems prior to re-filling.
“A simple and quick visual inspection of the tank can help to identify potentially serious problems before they occur,” Environmental Protection Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell said.
Tank owners should check all structural supports and the tank itself for signs of rusting. The fill line of the tank and the feed line to the furnace should be examined for leaks. Any wet spots or odors near the tank may signal a problem.
If a resident cannot be home when fuel oil is delivered, clearly mark the fill pipe with a red flag or marker and inform the oil company of that location.
In addition, tanks should not be tipped over or emptied on the ground. Any maintenance or alterations to a heating oil tank system should be done by a professional, and always assume the tank contains oil.
“Many environmental problems can result from a leaking tank or line. This is especially true if the tank suddenly ruptures and collapses,” Yowell said. “Homeowners also should be sensitive to the increased cost of losing heating oil beyond the serious environmental consequences of a leak or spill. Proper maintenance helps to save money.”
Leaking heating oil could cause indoor air problems and potential contamination of groundwater and private drinking water wells. A spill cleanup can cost several thousand dollars, and, with the higher costs of heating oil, residents would not want to needlessly lose fuel.
Residents who think their oil tank may have a problem should contact their oil company immediately for help.
Residents also can obtain a free DEP fact sheet, “Tips For Residential Heating Oil Tank Owners,” by calling DEP’s regional Underground Storage Tank Section at 570-327-0500, or from the department’s Web site and choosing “Information by Subject,” then “Storage Tanks Homepage” and then “Fact Sheets.”
