If you have an oil tank, when was the last time it was inspected for leaks or maintenance needs? Often, the oil tank is out of sight, so property owners do not typically complete routine or regular inspections. But if the tank is leaking, then it’s essential to catch these issues in the earliest stages so you can schedule repair services or even oil tank removal if necessary.
The reality is that if you have oil leaking, then it can cause some serious environmental issues. Both the soil and water in the area might be contaminated, which poses health risks, safety concerns, and potential issues with the local ecosystem.
If you need help with an oil tank removal, then our team at Mikula is just a phone call away!
Potential Problems from an Oil Leak
Every property owner with an oil storage tank on-site needs to understand the severe consequences and damage that can occur from an oil leak. If the oil continues leaking and you delay an oil tank removal, then some of the issues that might occur include:
- Environmental Hazards: Even small leaks can take a toll on the environment because of the contamination to the soil and water.
- Home Damage: If the oil is seeping into the utility room or basement, then it can lead to expensive cleanup and possibly restorations because your home has been damaged.
- Health Risks: People near the oil leak could experience negative health effects because of direct exposure or inhaling fumes from the oil.
- Legal or Financial Liabilities: There is a possibility you could be facing potential legal and financial issues such as fines or remediation costs, especially if the leak has an environmental impact.
- Fire Risk: The presence of leaking oil can increase the likelihood of a local fire, putting the homes and other structures in the area at risk.
Telltale Signs Your Oil Tank Has a Leak
How can you tell if a leak is happening in your above-ground or underground oil tank? If the tank is underground, then visual inspections are difficult. Luckily, there are a few other signs that you might be dealing with a leak or other issues with the tank:
- Visible Oil Stains: Check the area where the tank is located to see if you can find any visible oil stains. An above-ground oil tank might have visible stains on the outside of the tank or on nearby surfaces. Or, you might see soil discoloration if the tank is below ground.
- Drop in Oil Level: Have you recently noticed a sudden and unexplained drop in the oil level? If you don’t have a corresponding increase in heating usage, then it could be an indication of an oil leak that needs to be fixed.
- Strong Smell: Pay attention if you are noticing a strong smell in your home or near the tank. Oil will create a unique smell, so if you are noticing this scent then it might be time to schedule an oil tank inspection.
- Dead Vegetation: When oil starts leaking into the soil, it can kill the vegetation in the area. So, if you notice dead or dying vegetation near the tank location, then it could be a sign that the tank is leaking.
- Rust or Corrosion: If you can see the tank, check for other signs of damage on the surface, such as rust, corrosion, or wet spots on the exterior.
Some of these signs of oil leaking can be identified with a DIY inspection. But it’s always smart to call a professional team for further investigation and personalized recommendations.
Who to Call If Your Oil Tank Has a Leak?
If you suspect that you have oil leaking from your tank, who is the best provider to call? A licensed environmental firm is a great resource if you suspect there is a leak in your oil tank. The first step will be to evaluate and confirm whether there is a leak or not.
Also, it’s smart to notify your service provider or oil company so that oil delivery is paused until you can resolve the issue. The company might also have recommendations for fixing the problem.
If there is damage to your home, then reach out to your homeowner’s insurance to find out if you have coverage available for the remediation that will be needed.
In the rare (but possible) situation where the oil leak is causing a local fire, then it’s essential to dial 911 immediately so the fire department can handle the situation.
Finally, if the oil leak is spreading and significant, then it’s best to reach out to local environmental authorities to avoid further damage or potential fines.
So You’ve Discovered Your Oil Tank is Leaking – What’s Next?
If you’ve discovered that your oil tank is leaking first you will want to speak with an environmental firm to confirm that there really is a leak. For example, at Mikula Contracting we regularly work with environmental firms on projects involving oil tanks that need to be removed. Additionally, if your project requires soil remediation that would also be addressed during the process.
The goal is to stop the leak as soon as possible while also minimizing the complications and environmental impact. Depending on the situation, It might be recommended to remove the oil tank, or maintenance might be sufficient to resolve the situation.
Each situation is unique, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution if you have oil leaking from your tank. It’s important that you consult with a professional team to ensure you are following the best strategy to resolve the problem and avoid more issues in the future.
Call Mikula Contracting to Remove Your Leaky Oil Tank
Do you need help with an oil tank removal? Then contact our experienced team at Mikula for more information. We are here to help with anything you need, offering full-service solutions, including residential tank removal, cleanup services, and more.
