Guidelines on residential oil tank maintenance and spill prevention

Nearly 40% of all oil spills reported to the Department of Environment and Local Government annually are from domestic oil tanks at private homes. Take the time to learn about oil tank maintenance. Become aware of signs that may indicate a problem.

• hire a licensed oil tank installer to purchase and install the oil tank
• research warranty options and contact an insurance provider
• ensure that the tank has not been previously used
• check for a label that indicates the date the tank was manufactured and that it meets Underwriters Laboratory of Canada ULC standards such as CAN/ULC – S602
• verify that the tank is made of 12-gauge steel and has a corrosion resistant coating, for outdoor installations, select a double wall tank with an inside plastic liner or a double wall fiberglass tank to avoid corrosion
• identify a clean space for the tank, accessible from all sides for inspection
• install the tank on a poured concrete slab to provide a solid, non-flammable base
• slope the tank toward the discharge outlet to allow water in the tank to automatically exit
• ensure that vent and fill pipes, as well as supply lines are made of metal. Existing copper supply lines should never be reused
• do not allow used oil to be transferred from an old tank into a new tank
• use flexible piping to encase the burner supply line
• dispose of the contents of an old tank at approved tank decommissioning sites (call your nearest regional Office of the Department of Environment and Local Government for approved locations)

• if outside tank installation cannot be avoided, have a licensed installer put the tank on the north or northwest side of the house to reduce condensation due to weather exposure
• remember to perform regular checks as an outdoor tank will corrode much faster from condensation
• protect the tank with a roof-like structure and keep the tank and pipes clear of snow and ice. A sturdy cover should be placed over the supply line and filter to prevent damage from falling snow and ice
• build a containment tray or dyke under and around the tank can help to collect the leaking product and keep it free of rain, snow or other obstructions
• buy a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved leak detection alarm

People who live in areas protected by the Wellfield Designation Order, an order that works to protect regulated drinking water supplies, have special considerations regarding maintenance and installation of oil tanks. For more information contact your nearest regional office.

• professional inspection - have your oil tank inspected annually by a licensed installer
• homeowner checks - check the condition of your tank regularly
• do a detailed visual inspection of the tank and its components for damage such as dents, cracks, and rust blisters, but don’t push on any fragile areas
• check for signs of condensation, such as water in the filter or sludge. If you suspect either is present, contact a licensed installer
• inspect the ground beneath your tank for a darkened surface or staining. If you smell a stronger than normal oil smell, it warrants further inspection
• prepare your oil tank for extreme weather events such as floods by installing strapping to secure the tank in place or having a licensed installer temporarily remove the oil from the tank prior to the weather event

If you know or suspect you have had a spill or leak of home heating oil from your tank, visit the Contaminated Sites Program or call the regional office for information on how to report the spill or leak to the department.