Rajan Wilcox
Getting rid of an old fuel oil tank can be a complex process, and it is recommended that homeowners hire a professional firm to do so. Fuel oil tanks can be large, bulky, and messy, and they can also pose a health and safety risk. Before removing the tank, it is important to ensure that all holes are plugged or capped to prevent spills and that any salvageable oil is removed. This oil can often be sold or given away to be reused for heating. The tank will then need to be cut open, and any remaining sludge carefully cleaned out and placed in a sealed drum. The pipes must also be detached from the foundation. Depending on the regulations in your area, the tank may need to be cut into pieces before being transported to a licensed disposal facility. The cost of removing an old fuel oil tank can vary, but it is generally recommended to hire a qualified professional to ensure the work is done safely and in compliance with local regulations.
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What You'll Learn
Removing oil and sludge
Firstly, you need to drain the tank completely. Place a plastic bucket under the tank's drain valve and remove the valve cap to let the oil and sludge flow into the bucket. Once the outflow has stopped, put another bucket under the drain valve and spray clean water into the tank. Keep spraying until the water draining out is clean, then close the valve.
Next, scrub the inside of the tank with cleaning rags to remove any remaining sludge and grime. You can also use hot soapy water and rinse the tank several times to ensure it is clean. Alternatively, you can use a solvent to help remove the sludge before rinsing with water.
After the tank is clean, fill it with fresh water and add a cleaning agent such as trisodium phosphate. Insert an air hose into the tank and start the air pump, leaving it for 12 hours to allow the solution to work. Finally, open the valve and drain the solution out of the tank.
Once the tank is clean, you can refill it with heating oil. It is recommended to clean your heating oil tank once every five years, or after 10 years of use and then every five years thereafter.
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Cutting the tank open
Cutting open an old fuel oil tank is a complex and potentially dangerous task. It is recommended to hire a professional firm with experience in decommissioning and removing fuel oil tanks, as there are strict regulations governing how the oil and tank must be handled and disposed of. The risk of an accidental oil spill and the high cost of cleaning it up means that DIY removal is not recommended.
However, if you choose to cut open the tank yourself, there are several steps you should follow. First, ensure that all holes, including any corrosion holes, are plugged or capped, except for the vent pipe, which must remain open to prevent excessive pressure differentials caused by temperature changes. This is an important safety measure.
Next, remove as much of the oil from the tank as possible. This can be done by pumping out the oil with a special explosion-proof pump, or by posting on local forums to see if anyone can make use of the old oil. It is important to avoid spilling the oil, but if a spill occurs, report it to the DEP immediately.
Once the oil has been removed, the tank can be cut open. It is recommended to use shears, an air chisel, or a sturdy nibbler for this task. An angle grinder can also be used, but caution must be exercised to avoid igniting any residual oil. It is also suggested to use dry ice to cool the remaining crud and purge the tank of oxygen, reducing the risk of combustion.
After cutting open the tank, the remaining sludge inside must be carefully cleaned out. This is typically done by hand, using buckets and sealed drums to contain and remove the sludge. The sludge can be recycled for use in heavy industrial capacities. Finally, the pipes can be detached from the foundation, and the oil tank can be further cut down or carried out whole.
It is important to note that, even when thoroughly cleaned, the tank will still be contaminated and cannot be disposed of at a standard solid waste station. Proper disposal methods must be followed to ensure environmental compliance and safety.
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Detaching the pipes
Step 1: Remove the Fuel Oil
Before detaching the pipes, it is crucial to ensure that the fuel oil tank is empty. Contact a professional or your local fuel oil company to pump out any remaining oil from the tank. They will use special equipment, such as an explosion-proof transfer pump, to safely extract the oil. This step is essential to reduce the risk of oil spills during the pipe detachment process.
Step 2: Clean the Sludge
Once the oil is removed, address the sludge that has settled at the bottom of the tank. Sludge is a mixture of rust, water, bacteria, and other contaminants. Use a metal cutting blade to cut open the tank and carefully scoop out the sludge by hand. Place the sludge in sealed buckets or drums for proper disposal at a specialized waste management facility. Make sure to wear protective gear during this process to avoid any direct contact with the sludge.
Step 3: Seal the Holes
Before cutting the pipes, inspect the tank for any holes or corrosion. Plug or cap all holes, except for the vent pipe. Leaving the vent pipe unplugged is crucial to prevent excessive pressure differential caused by extreme temperature changes. This step helps maintain the structural integrity of the tank during the pipe detachment process.
Step 4: Cut and Remove the Pipes
Now, you can finally detach the pipes from the foundation. Use appropriate tools such as a pipe cutter, a hacksaw, or a reciprocating saw to cut the pipes. Be cautious when cutting to avoid any damage to the surrounding area. After cutting, remove the pipes from the foundation. Depending on the size and condition of the tank, you may need to further cut down the tank or carry it out whole.
Step 5: Permanently Seal the Pipe Stub
After removing the pipes, it is essential to seal the remaining stub of the pipe permanently. Fill the pipe stub with cement or hydraulic cement to ensure that it is securely closed. This step prevents any accidental oil spills or leaks from the pipe stub after the tank has been removed.
Important Considerations:
- Always prioritize safety: Fuel oil is highly toxic and flammable, so take necessary precautions to avoid any accidents.
- Consult professionals: Detaching pipes from an old fuel oil tank is a complex task. Consider hiring a qualified removal contractor or firm with experience in decommissioning and removing fuel oil tanks.
- Comply with regulations: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and guidelines for oil tank removal. Obtain necessary permits and ensure proper disposal methods to avoid environmental hazards.
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Discarding the tank
Engage Professionals
Firstly, it is highly recommended to engage professionals for the job. Tank removal and disposal companies have the necessary expertise, equipment, and insurance to handle the process safely and efficiently. They are familiar with the strict regulations governing oil tank removal and disposal, reducing the risk of accidental oil spills and associated costs.
Obtain Permits and Insurance
Before commencing the removal process, ensure that you have obtained the necessary permits from the local authorities, such as the fire department. Additionally, verify that the removal company carries pollution-liability insurance and is properly certified, such as being OSHA-trained.
Extract Reusable Oil
The next step is to extract any reusable oil from the tank. This is typically done using a special explosion-proof pump by a qualified technician. The salvaged oil can then be filtered and reused for heating or other purposes.
Clean the Tank
After removing the oil, the tank must be thoroughly cleaned. This involves cutting open the tank with a metal cutting blade and scraping out the sludge—a mixture of rust, water, bacteria, and other refuse—by hand. The sludge should be placed in sealed drums or buckets and can be recycled for industrial use.
Detach Pipes and Further Dismantle
Once the tank is cleaned, detach the pipes from the foundation and remove them. At this stage, the oil tank may be further cut down or carried out as a whole, depending on its size and accessibility. Ensure that all holes, including corrosion holes, are plugged or capped during the process to prevent spills.
Dispose of the Tank
The final step is to dispose of the oil tank at a licensed tank disposal facility. The tank must be completely empty of oil and cut into pieces to be accepted by the facility. Some facilities may have specific requirements, so it is essential to contact them beforehand to ensure proper disposal.
It is worth noting that the costs of removing and disposing of an old fuel oil tank can vary depending on the complexity of the job and your location. Always seek professional advice and follow local regulations to ensure safe and responsible discarding of the tank.
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Hiring a professional
When hiring a professional to remove your old fuel oil tank, it is important to choose a reputable and qualified company. Ask your local fire department for recommendations, as they typically issue tank-removal permits and know which companies do good work. You can also search online for contractors in your area or contact your local fuel board or the relevant state department of environmental protection for a list of licensed technicians.
Before hiring a company, be sure to get multiple quotes and ask about their experience and qualifications. Find out if they carry pollution-liability insurance and are OSHA-trained and certified. Ask if they will handle all aspects of the removal process, including extracting the reusable oil, cleaning out any sludge, and detaching the pipes from the foundation. Inquire about the disposal method for the tank and any leftover waste.
On the day of the removal, professionals will typically start with a complete inspection of the tank to assess any damage, wear and tear, and potential trouble spots. They will ensure that the tank is not leaking and that all holes, except for the vent pipe, are plugged or capped to prevent pressure buildup. They will then use a special explosion-proof pump to extract any remaining oil, which can be filtered and reused. Finally, they will cut open the tank to remove the sludge inside and either further cut down the tank or carry it out whole.
The cost of hiring a professional to remove an old fuel oil tank can vary depending on the complexity of the job and your location. In Maine, the estimated cost is between $250 to $800, while in New York State, the average cost is around $2,600. It is worth noting that some states offer programs to help cover the cost of removal, especially for homeowners who have upgraded to heat pumps.
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Frequently asked questions
Contact your local fire department to find a firm that is qualified to remove oil tanks.
Make sure all holes are plugged or capped, except for the vent pipe, which must be left unplugged to prevent excessive pressure. Also, get the old oil out and don't spill it.
The reusable oil is extracted using an explosion-proof pump and can be filtered and reused.
The tank will be cut open, and any remaining sludge will be cleaned out. The pipes will then be cut and removed from the foundation. The tank will be cut down further or carried out whole.
The cost of removing a tank varies depending on the complexity of the removal. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection estimates that it will cost between $250 and $800, while the average cost of removing an above-ground storage tank in New York State is around $2,600.
