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Photograph of Half-Buried Indoor Oil Storage Tank Used Outside below a ready to collapse deck Heating Oil Storage Tank InspectionFAQs
Q&A on finding & reporting heating oil storage tank defects ASTs & USTs

Q&A about finding, evaluating & reporting leaks & other problems at heating oil storage tanks.

This fuel oil storage tank article series describes common defects & problems found at above ground and buried oil storage tanks for both above ground oil storage tanks (ASTs) and underground or buried oil storage tanks (USTs).

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Q&A on How to Find & Report Oil Tank Defects

Outdoor oil tank exposed to roof spillageThese questions & answers about inspecting & reporting defects, leaks, or unsafe conditions at heating oil storage tanks were posted originally at OIL TANK INSPECTION & TROUBLESHOOTING - be sure to see the advice given there.

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On 2018-10-24 by (mod) - requirements for oil tank testing

Dale

I was just reviewing this question for New York State DEC rules - which reminds us that the testing requirements for above ground and buried fuel storage tanks varies by country and city, state, or province.

See OIL TANK LEAK & ABANDONMENT REGULATIONS at https://inspectapedia.com/oiltanks/Oil_Tank_Regulations.php

On 2018-10-24 by Dale

I work for a plant hire company & we hire out fuel bowsers that have to be leak & pressure tested every 2 and a half & 5 years. Is there a requirement for our static fuel storage tanks in yard areas to be leak & pressure tested & if so at what intervals

On 2018-02-13 by (mod) - oil delivery company could not get oil to go into the tank

Liz

That sounds unusual indeed. Your plumber will want to take the following steps:

1. confirm the actual level of oil in the tank and that there was room in the tank to accept more oil - i.e. the tank is not already fuyll

2. check the fill piping for a blockage (insect nest, improper slope and oil waxing in cold weather, etc)

3. check the vent piping for a blockage (clogged oil tank whistle, insect nest blocking the vent pipe cap, etc)

On 2018-02-13 by Liz

Oil delivery company was here today and couldn't fill the oil tank (first time this has happened). He said that the oil was spurting back out the fill pipe as he was pumping. What would cause this and how do you fix it?

On 2017-11-26 by (mod) - oil tank clearance distance to buildings

Jerry,

The short answer is no.

NFPA 30 Table 22.4.1.1(b) Reference Table (NFPA 30 2008) gives the clearance distances for an above ground oil storage tank (AST) to property lines and buildings.

A 275 gallon oil tank needs to be 5 ft. or more from any "important building".

That specification would include the distance to a window as that's a component of your building.

In addition, the Uniform Mechanical Code, such as adopted by New York City and many other municipalities (2008) specifies that no oil storage tank can be closer than three feet from a building foundation.

I have not found an oil storage tank clearance distance citation that specifically addresses windows.

I agree with the implication of your question that during oil storage tank filling the venting of heating oil fumes from the tank vent might produce undesirable odors that could enter a building through a nearby window.

On 2017-11-26 by Jerry - Can I install an oil tank between 2 windows. 1 foot from each window?

I am installing an outside oil tank. Can I install it between 2 windows. 1 foot from each window?

On 2017-09-21 by Gia

Should a day old new oil tank have rust in handle and leg bracket area(gamby,standard tank,just arrived)

On 2016-11-20 by (mod) - typical minimum clearance distances for oil storage tanks.

Moe I haven't seen a minimum distance between oil tank and transfer motor or pump other than practical spacing for installation, service, access.

Please see ABOVE GROUND OIL STORAGE TANK (AST) INSPECTION - at https://inspectapedia.com/oiltanks/Indoor_Oil_Tank_Inspection.php

for typical minimum clearance distances for oil storage tanks.

On 2016-11-20 by moe

I Have two 330 gallon above ground oil tanks how close can a transfer motor and oil pump be to the tanks

On 2016-10-13 y Tom

My tank is located in an uninsulated attached room leading to the basement, but i am looking to remodel the room into a bedroom and reroute the basement access to outside. the new floor would be a foot or so above the tank. no flames or anything, just a clearance question

. I'd probably need to run a vent and fill line to the outside. it is currently filled and vented right off the top (again, attached room but more like a shed) whadu think? thanks

On 2016-07-21 by (mod) - NFPA's law on clearances under a deck.

Mike, clearance for what? Decks can be built at any height from ground-contact to many feet off of ground level.

If you mean clearance to the top of an oil tank so that it can be filled, it needs to be readily accessible to oil delivery driver.

On 2016-07-20 by Mike

I'm having Having trouble finding NFPA's law on clearances under a deck. I think it's four feet. Can your reference it? Thanks

On 2016-04-02 by (mod) - how to check the integrity of a 50 year old oil tank

Sure Rob, see OIL TANK LEAK TEST METHODS

Also check the tank for water: if there is a lot of water in an oil storage tank the risk of corrosion from the tank interior is increased.

I don't recommend any heavy tapping on an oil tank: god forbid you should rap on a thin spot and convert a "soon" drip to an "immediate flood" of oil.

On 2016-04-02 1 by Rob Saucier

I have a 275 gallon fuel tank in my basement. It dose not have rust showing anywhere on the outside surface but, the tank has been in use now for nearly 50 years.

I have felt all around underneath the tank and tapped lightly with a hammer on various spots underneath and have not found any soft spots.

What more could I do to inspect for soundness or what should my concerns be?

Question: What should be the fire clearance distance between an oil storage tank and a woodstove?

I live in PA. I am currently in the process of putting a wood stove in my basement. I have an oil tank in the basement and was wondering what kind of requirements there are. Like how far apart they have to be or what kind of protection has to be in between or how I have to protect the oil tank. Whatever info you can give me would be great thanks. - N.G. 3/3/12

Reply: 10 feet is common clearance distance between the oil storage tank and heating equipment; get a building permit and have your installation inspected.

A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that might point out other fire worries in your project, and furthermore, in most jurisdictions a building permit, inspections, and code approvals are required for woodstove installations - all steps that not only make sure you comply with local codes but also make your installation safer than it might otherwise be.

That said, most likely your local code official will require the same fire clearance between a wood stove and oil storage tank as between the tank and other heating appliances - usually 10 feet is the minimum.

Question: what is the clearance required between my oil storage tank and a freezer?

My oil storage tank is located in the garage. How much clearance is required between it and a freezer? - Chris T 8/11/12

Reply:

I don't think we'll find the answer to your question in codes, Chris.
And without seeing your installation I don't have a clear answer - so I can remark in principle:

If there is an oil filter or oil control valve at the oil tank you want to be sure that it's readily accessible to your heating technician.

You want to be sure that moving the freezer in and out don't contact nor damage the oil lines themselves

You want to be able to read the oil tank gauge

You want to be able to open and shut the freezer door without obstruction

Your freezer will have requisite air circulation space requirements, often at the rear only, depending on the design.

Otherwise, after respecting all those common-sense concerns, smack that freezer right up snug as you like.

Question:

(Mar 11, 2014) Jess said:
How much distance should I leave between my oil tank and an electric clothes dryer?

Reply:

Jess the clearance betweeen an oil tank and electrical appliances (no open flame) has not been specified in code that I can find. I also checked some utility company specifications (the PSE handbook) - there are specifications of clearances from LP tanks but not oil tanks.

In my inexpert opinion, if you follow safe electrical wiring and grounding codes and you should be ok if they are not touching.


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