Checklist
Here is a checklist of items you can easily observe about your oil tank. It is best to take a “look – don’t touch” approach. Even if you can see rust or an oily patch of wetness on the tank’s surface, do not touch your tank. It is best to call your licensed Blanchard Oil technician and let him assess the problem.
1) Are the tank
legs unstable or on an uneven foundation?
2) Do you see rust, weeps, wet spots, or
excessive dents on the tank’s surface?
3) Are there any drips or signs of leakage
around the oil filter or valves?
4) Do the oil lines run either under concrete
or aboveground without being encased in
protective tubing?
5) Are there any threats of snow or ice
falling on the oil tank or the filter?
6) Are there signs of the tank’s vent being
clogged or blocked by ice or snow? (Screened
vents are available to prevent insect nest
problems.)
7) Is the overfill whistle obstructed, or
silent when the tank is being filled? (It
should whistle.)
8) Are there any signs of spills around the
fill pipe?
9) Is the tank’s gauge cracked, stuck or
frozen? Do you see oil staining around it?
10) Is your tank more than 25 years old?
11) Is your outside tank a dark color? (It
should be painted a light color to minimize
corrosive condensation inside the tank.)
If you answered YES to any of the questions
on this checklist, please call a Blanchard
Oil licensed technician for a more detailed
inspection.
* Checklist courtesy of
Maine Department of Environmental
Protection.