Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should I be concerned about my tank?
A. Tanks are an effective way to store oil, and with proper maintenance, can last a very long time. You should not be concerned if both you and Townsend Oil & Propane are taking care of the tank.

Q. When is it time to replace my oil tank?
A. Generally speaking, if your home is between 30 and 50 years old and has its original underground tank, it's time to give Townsend Oil & Propane a call. We can inspect your tank and advise you on replacement options (size, type and installation location for your home).

Ultra Modern Double-Walled Roth Fuel Oil Safety Tank Traditional Oval, Corrosion Resistant Steel Fuel Oil Tank

Q. What should I know about proper tank maintenance?
A. It is important to have your tank inspected periodically. This can be done during your oil burner preventive maintenance check. Your Townsend service technician should look around the tank; inspect the fittings, the area the tank is in and the tank itself. You can assist in proper tank maintenance by making sure that the tank is away from debris and bushes, and preventing metal objects like ladders, lawn equipment and bicycles from leaning on the tank.

Q. When it comes to my tank, what's the most important thing to be concerned with?
A. The biggest "enemy" of any tank is corrosion, or rust. Corrosion can only occur in the presence of water. That is why it is very important to protect the tank from exposure to water inside the tank. An outside tank does not have to be protected from rain (although tank enclosures are available for protection against the elements), but it should be painted, and inspected to ensure that any rusting is only on the surface.

Q. What are some specific signs that my tank may be leaking?
A. There are several signs that your current oil storage tank may be crying for help. Look carefully for excessive water, dead vegetation around the tank fill area, an oil scent in the basement, spills or overfills around your tank or on the floor, leakage from valves or piping, or a loose fill cap or vent cap. If you have an aboveground tank, make sure the legs are stable and solidly attached to the tank and floor, and look for wet spots, peeling paint or excessive surface dents.

Q. What are my tank replacement options?
A. You can replace an old underground tank with a new, technologically advanced tank made from corrosion-resistant steel and fiberglass that improves tank safety and extends tank life. Or, you can replace an underground tank with an aboveground tank built of durable, corrosion-resistant materials, which can be customized for hard-to-fit places. (Many customers feel that aboveground tanks are more practical than underground tanks because they are easier to monitor.)

Q. What else can I do to protect my tank?
A. Townsend Oil & Propane offers an affordable tank protection program. Please refer to our special Tank Program section for more information.

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Tank Safety

Oil tanks are very safe. In fact, our discussion of tank safety should begin with a review of the safety benefits of Oilheat itself.

Oilheat Safety

• Oilheat cannot explode.
• Inhaling Oilheat fumes is not fatal.
• If you drop a match into a tank filled with heating oil, the match will simply go out. To light on fire, Oilheat must be heated above 140° so it will vaporize.
• Oilheat is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and biodegradable, and cannot pose a health hazard for you or your family.
• If there is a burner malfunction, an Oilheat system will warn you with visible signs — something other fuel systems don't offer, making them more dangerous.

Storage Tank Safety

• Today's oil tanks are designed with corrosion-resistant materials for long life and safety. The safest tanks are "double walled," offering two levels of containment.
• As with the latest tanks, today's oil lines are "double walled," as well, for extra protection against the elements.
• Belowground tanks are installed using new, innovative technologies.
• Heating oil moves slowly in most soils, so any discharge is confined to a small area.
• If there is an oil release, comprehensive and affordable tank protection is available.

Storage Tank Legal Issues

• In the U.S., all underground residential heating oil tanks regardless of size are exempt from all federal regulations.
• Only commercial underground tanks greater than 2,001 gal. are regulated. (The typical home heating oil tank is 275 gallons.)
• In Massachusetts, the Department of Public Safety regulates the installation, maintenance and removal of underground tanks. The agency relies primarily upon local fire departments to ensure that this work is done in accordance with the law.

Storage Tank Convenience

• A tank on your property puts you in charge of supply.
• You pay only for Oilheat received.
• Automatic delivery assures that you never run out of Oilheat.
• Independence and peace of mind are big tank benefits.

Storage Tank Versatility

• Tanks can be located in the basement, garage, underground or next to the home.
• New tanks are compact in size, and can be hidden away in small nooks.
• Attractive tank enclosures (seen right), which provide another level of containment, can be custom-built to match your home's decor.

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