An oil tank sweep is the process of clearing out any accumulated oil and debris from an oil tank. This is necessary to prevent corrosion and clogging of the tank, as well as to maintain the quality of the oil stored inside. The process typically involves using a specialised pump to remove all the oil from the tank, as well as any sediment that has built up over time. Once the tank is empty, it will then be cleaned and inspected to ensure that it is in good working order.
How often should an oil tank sweep be performed?
An oil tank sweep should be performed every three to five years, or as needed. If you have an oil-burning furnace or stove, you should have your tank swept once a year.
What are the risks associated with not having an oil tank sweep?
Oil tank sweeps are important for preventing oil leaks, which can cause environmental problems and be costly to clean up. tanks that are not properly maintained can also develop structural problems that can lead to leaks.
What are the consequences of not having an oil tank sweep?
The consequences of not having an oil tank sweep are many and varied, and can be both short- and long-term. In the short term, sludge and sediment can build up in the tank, causing the oil burner to work less efficiently. This can lead to higher heating bills and, in extreme cases, the burner shutting down completely. In the long term, failure to have the tank swept can lead to corrosion, leaks and eventually total tank failure. This can be an extremely costly repair, and in some cases may not be possible, meaning you would need to replace the entire heating system. In addition, if there is a leak, oil can contaminate the soil and groundwater, causing environmental damage and potentially costing you thousands of dollars in cleanup fees.
What should I do if I think my oil tank needs to be swept?
If you think that your oil tank needs to be swept, you should contact your local heating company and ask them to come and take a look at it. They will be able to tell you for sure whether or not your tank needs to be swept and can also do the job for you if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an oil tank sweep save you?
A preliminary oil tank sweep can identify and potentially clean up any hidden heating oil tanks that may be damaging your home or business. By doing so, you can potentially avoid costly damages from spills and leaks. A professional environmental testing company can provide a detailed report of any potential oil tank contamination as well as recommendations for remediation. This information will allow you to make informed decisions about your repairs and best protect yourself and your property in the future. What type of testing will be performed? The type of testing performed will depend on the extent of the contamination and the specific needs of the client. Some common types of tests include environmental scanning, water samples, soil analysis,and Kohler oxidation test. Each test is tailored to help determine the source of contamination as well as how best to clean it up. Depending on the findings, specialized cleanup equipment may also be necessary in order to completely restore your environment. Does this service require an excavation? No, a preliminary oil
What percentage of tank sweeps show prior oil heat?
The results of a survey of tank sweep services showed that approximately 75% of the tank sweeps conducted find evidence of prior oil heat.
Is your inspector “certified” to perform oil tank sweeps?
Most state departments of insurance do not certify inspectors to perform oil tank sweeps.
What are the limitations of a tank sweep inspection?
The biggest limitation of a tank sweep inspection is obstructions. If there are any areas on the property where the sweep can't go because there are objects in the way, that would be detected as an obstruction and the inspection would not be able to continue.
Do I need an oil tank sweep when buying a home?
An oil tank sweep is recommended in any home that has an underground oil tank, even if no signs point to the tanks being on the property. This is because an old tank can leak and contaminate the ground around it, potentially causing serious health problems for people who live nearby.
