Regan Brown
If you're looking to get rid of an old fuel oil tank, you're not alone. Many homeowners are ditching fuel oil in favour of cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective heating systems. Old fuel oil tanks can be a hassle to deal with, taking up valuable space and posing potential environmental and health risks. The removal process can be complicated and costly, depending on the degree of contamination and local clean-up standards. It typically involves pumping out any remaining fuel, cleaning the tank, and disposing of the sludge that accumulates at the bottom. Some states have strict guidelines for the disposal of old fuel oil tanks, so it's important to hire a certified and insured professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
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What You'll Learn
Removing old fuel oil from the tank
Firstly, it is essential to contact a professional removal contractor with experience in decommissioning and removing fuel oil tanks. This is not a DIY project, as there are strict regulations and safety concerns involved. The removal contractor will have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the fuel oil and tank properly.
Before beginning the removal process, ensure that you have obtained the necessary permits and that the removal company carries pollution-liability insurance and is OSHA-trained and certified. The cost of removing an old fuel oil tank can vary depending on several factors, including the degree of contamination, local clean-up standards, and the complexity of the removal process.
Once the necessary preparations are made, the removal contractor will begin by extracting the reusable oil from the tank using a special explosion-proof pump. This oil can be filtered and reused for heating, ensuring that it does not go to waste. After the oil is removed, the tank's gauge and any other components must be removed carefully.
The next step is to clean the inside of the tank. This involves cutting a hole in the side of the tank to access and scrape down the inner walls, removing any sludge—a mix of rust particles, water, oil contaminants, and bacteria—that has accumulated over time. The sludge is then placed in a specialized drum to be taken to a waste management facility for proper disposal.
Finally, the tank's vent and fill pipes are severed and removed, and the resulting holes are filled with a concrete-patching compound. This step ensures that there is no risk of an oil spill if oil is delivered to the disconnected pipes. With the fuel oil and tank properly removed and disposed of, the process is complete.
It is important to follow all local regulations and guidelines throughout the process to ensure the safe and responsible removal of the old fuel oil tank.
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Removing and disposing of the tank
Removing and disposing of an old fuel oil tank can be a complex and costly process, but it is essential to do it safely and responsibly. Here are the steps you can take:
First, contact a professional removal contractor or fuel oil company. They will have the necessary expertise and equipment to handle the job safely. Make sure to get multiple quotes, as prices can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the removal. It is also important to ensure that the company you choose has pollution-liability insurance and is properly trained and certified in oil tank removal.
Next, before the removal process begins, the tank must be emptied of any remaining fuel oil. This is typically done by a heating or fuel oil company, which may pay for the fuel. They will use a special explosion-proof pump to extract the reusable oil, which can then be filtered and reused or sold.
Once the tank is empty, the removal process can begin. The tank's gauge and any pipes connected to it should be removed first. Then, the tank itself will be cut open and cleaned, with any sludge—a mix of rust, water, oil, and bacteria—scooped out and placed into buckets for disposal at a specialised waste management facility. Any holes in the foundation left by the tank and pipes should be filled.
Finally, dispose of the old tank properly. The disposal method will depend on your local regulations and the condition of the tank. Some tanks can be recycled or reused, while others may need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Ensure you follow any guidelines established by your state or local environmental protection agency.
It is important to note that removing and disposing of an old fuel oil tank can be dangerous and should be left to professionals. Homeowners should not attempt to do this themselves.
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Switching to cleaner heating systems
If you have an old fuel oil tank, there are several steps you should take before replacing it with a cleaner heating system. First, you must remove the tank and dispose of any remaining fuel oil. A professional removal contractor will be able to extract the reusable oil from your tank using a special explosion-proof pump. The leftover oil can then be filtered and reused for heating. Next, the tank's interior must be cleaned, and any sludge, a mix of rust particles, water, oil contaminants, and bacteria, must be scooped out and taken to a specialised waste management facility. Finally, the tank's vent and fill pipes must be severed and removed, and the holes filled.
Once you have safely disposed of your old fuel oil tank, you may want to consider switching to a cleaner heating system. One option is to upgrade to an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump. Heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces or boilers and can be used for both heating and cooling, making them a year-round investment. Ducted air source heat pumps, for example, can deliver up to three times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume, resulting in lower operating costs compared to traditional HVAC equipment.
Another option for a cleaner heating system is to switch to natural gas, which feeds continuously into houses via underground pipes. This eliminates the worry of running out of fuel oil and the need to keep the driveway clear for deliveries. Additionally, natural gas can be a safer option, as fuel oil tanks can leak at their fittings and corrode from the inside, leading to an oily aroma in the basement.
For those looking for a more renewable option, geothermal heating systems tap into the renewable energy under your lawn to provide heating in the winter and hyper-efficient central air conditioning in the summer. Dandelion Geothermal Systems, for example, can reduce annual heating and cooling costs by up to 53% and lower a home's CO2 emissions by up to 75%.
By switching to a cleaner heating system, you can not only improve the efficiency of your home but also reduce your environmental impact and save on energy costs in the long run.
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Finding a contractor to remove the tank
Fuel oil tanks can be an eyesore, taking up valuable space in your basement. They can also be a potential environmental hazard, causing serious ecological damage if they leak. The cost of removing an above-ground storage tank varies depending on the degree of contamination and local cleanup standards, but it is estimated to be anywhere from $250 to $800 or even up to $2,000. For underground storage tanks, the cost can range from $10,000 to over $1 million, with an average of $130,000.
- Contact your local fire department – They are usually responsible for issuing permits and can recommend qualified contractors in your area.
- Reach out to fuel oil companies – Companies such as Dead River will typically remove old fuel oil tanks, although they may only do so for their customers, and there can be long waits.
- Search online – A quick Google search can help you find contractors in your area. You can also look for licensed technicians through organisations like the Maine Fuel Board.
- Check with your state's environmental protection department – The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), for example, provides information and resources for removing old oil tanks. They can also answer any questions you may have about the process.
- Ensure the contractor is qualified and insured – Make sure the contractor you choose has the necessary permits to work in your area and carries pollution liability insurance. They should also be OSHA-trained and certified to handle hazardous waste disposal.
- Ask about oil reimbursement – Some contractors will pay you for the oil that is extracted from your tank or reimburse you for it by deducting the amount from your bill.
- Get multiple quotes – Contact several contractors to get quotes for the removal service. This will help you understand the market rate and avoid overpaying.
- Inquire about permits – Ask the contractor if they will handle the necessary permits for the removal process, as this is an essential step to ensure compliance with local regulations.
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Reusing or recycling the oil
If you plan to recycle your used oil, take care not to spill any when collecting it and place it in a leak-proof can or container. Check with local automobile maintenance facilities, waste collectors, and government waste officials to find out when and where you can drop off your used oil for recycling. Used oil filters can also be recycled, and they contain reusable scrap metal, which steel producers can reuse as scrap feed.
On average, about four million people reuse motor oil as a lubricant for other equipment. If you are reusing motor oil, it can be used for other equipment such as lawnmowers and machinery. Re-refined oil can be used by vehicle maintenance facilities, automobile owners, and other machinery maintenance operations.
Residential-sized fuel oil tanks are rarely reused and are usually scrapped due to the bacterial contamination that accumulates in the form of sludge at the bottom of the tank. However, if the tank is thoroughly cleaned, it may be possible to reuse it.
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Frequently asked questions
Old fuel oil tanks can be a health and safety hazard, taking up valuable space in your basement. They are also an eyesore and can cause serious ecological damage if they leak. Removing the tank can save you money on high heating bills and wrangling oil deliveries.
Contact a local removal contractor or your fuel oil company to remove the tank. The cost of removing an above-ground tank is estimated to be between $250 and $800, but can be as high as $2,000. Underground storage tank removal can cost anywhere from $10,000 to over $1 million, with an average cost of $130,000.
A removal contractor will extract the reusable oil from your tank using an explosion-proof pump. The leftover oil can be filtered and reused for heating.
The old tank should be recycled or reused according to the guidelines in your state.
