If you’ve recently had petroleum tank installation in Loudoun County VA, or if you are new to having and using home heating oil, here are some things that you should check on monthly to ensure that you catch any problems before oil contaminates the surrounding ground or your home.
Furnace
- Any problems with the operation of the furnace?
Fuel
- Check fuel use (an increase may indicate a tank or line leak), and keep track of your oil consumption (note any sudden, unexplained change).
- Watch deliveries to prevent spills/overfills.
The Tank & Pipes
- Check for water in the tank (record measurement, if taken).
- Check oil/water separator (if present), newer models are metal, older are glass (which can shatter during freezing temperatures), drain if needed. If you are unsure, talk to your heating professional.
- Make sure the vent line is clear.
- Make sure the fill gauge (if one is installed) is functioning.
- Check the overfill whistle (if one is installed) .
- Check the fill cap (if damaged/missing, replace immediately, oil can overflow if too much water enters tank.)
- Check all pipeline connections and bungs (if visible).
- If tank is aboveground, check the entire tank surface (rust, dents, etc.) for damage.
- If tank is aboveground, check tank support (is it sturdy/solid?).
Spills or Leaks
- Check for signs of spills or overfills around the fill pipe or vent lines
- Are there any petroleum vapors in basement/crawlspace? (If vapors are present, call DEQ.)
- Check sump pump or floor drain (if present), for petroleum odors or other signs of petroleum. Call DEQ immediately if oil or vapors are detected.
- Look for any signs of oil (odors, sheens on water surfaces, visible puddles of oil, etc.) on property. If oil is found, notify DEQ immediately.
- Look for unexplained dead or withered vegetation in area.
For more information about petroleum tank installation, maintenance, or removal inside or outside your Loudoun County VA home, please contact SES Mid-Atlantic LLC. Serving Loudoun County VA the rest of Northern Virginia and the Washington DC area since 1987, SES is the area’s premier petroleum tank installation company.