Before the cold of a Long Island winter sets in, one has to ask: is your heating oil tank up to it? Would you be able to put a nose to an oil leak before it turns into a problem, or tell you who to ring on a Saturday night should you come across some in the basement?
Questions like that are best put to rest while there is still time. We at United Water Restoration Group of Long Island are here for Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners when they have to contend with water damage, oil spills and the subsequent cleanup. Give us a call at (631) 832-4649. You will not be left with a voicemail; we have had a person on the line 24/7 to answer since 2019.
With the fall season comes heavy use of the heating oil tank, and with it the opportunity for minor issues to escalate quickly. Some forethought now spares you a remediation that is as costly as it is untidy.
Why Fall Is the Right Time to Check Your Tank
For the better part of the year most of Long Island’s oil-heated homes are quiet. But come October the furnace is running and the tank has work to do. That is when you will see any rust, a fitting gone loose or a crack in the line that put in an appearance over the summer.
There are good reasons to get on top of things before winter:
- The ground and snow can be an impediment to inspecting an outside tank
- In freezing temperatures a leak has a way of getting out of hand
- An early spill is a lot less to put right than oil seeping into a basement floor or the soil
- Older tanks and lines take their toll from a cold snap
- You will not find it easy to put together an emergency repair in the middle of a storm
What to Look For Around Your Oil Tank
It takes no special skills to see the warning signs. Make a point of walking around every few weeks in the fall with a flashlight to have a good look at the tank and what is under it.
Be on the alert for:
- Rust, particularly at the welds and bottom seams
- Patches of oil or wetness on the floor or the tank itself
- Dents, bulging or other deformation of the tank
- Any staining on the ground or concrete below
- A pronounced smell of oil in the garage or basement, or by an outdoor tank
- Dampness or drips in the vicinity of fuel lines, filters and valves
If you see so much as a small drip, it is an indication of failure somewhere and you should not put off dealing with it.
Indoor Versus Outdoor Tank Concerns
Both are found in Long Island homes. An indoor tank in the basement is sheltered from the elements but a leak means fumes will accumulate in a confined space and the issue is in your living area. See that the area is ventilated and uncluttered; do not put anything up against the tank.
The threats are different for a buried or outdoor tank. Debris from fall leaves and standing water can mask trouble. Once the ground is frozen a leak in a buried tank can make its way through the soil with no sign of it till spring. Make sure you can see an above-ground tank by clearing the debris.
If You Find an Oil Leak
Leave the mop and bucket alone for an oil spill. It is toxic, the smell does not go away and it will stain porous surfaces. More often than not a do-it-yourself approach only puts more contamination about.
Do this instead:
- Put the tank out of service and close the supply valve where it is safe to do so
- Open up windows and doors for ventilation
- See that pets and people are kept clear
- Steer clear of open flame and be wary of electrical switches in the presence of fumes
- Put in a call to a professional for remediation
We are the ones to call for that. Our team handles everything from the initial response to the reconstruction if required for our clients, home or business, all over Long Island.
Why Homeowners Call Us
Our credentials are there for all to see. We are an IICRC Certified Firm with an A+ from the BBB and have been named Best Restoration Company of Long Island four times over. We are fully licensed and insured, holding HI-62149 from Suffolk County and 151383 in Nassau as Home Improvement Contractors.
We will work with your insurance company on the claim and provide free inspections and same-day service. There is always a live person to talk to, day or night.
Keep an eye on the tank this fall. Should you have any misgivings, pick up the phone and reach United Water Restoration Group of Long Island at (631) 832-4649.
