A GUIDE TO YOUR

Home Heating Oil Tank

856.627.0303 vaughanhvac.com

212 Barrett Avenue. Magnolia. NJ 08049

Robert W. Vaughan, Master HVACR Contractor

LIC. NO. 19HC00584200 | NJ LIC. NO. 13VH01727600

Indoor Above Ground TanksInspect indoor above ground storage tanks for signs of pitting and corrosion, particularly at the bottom of the tank. NOTE: If there these signs are present, DO NOT touch or attempt to wipe the bottom of your tank, as this could result in a breach. Contact Vaughan immediately for assistance.

Remember, tanks primarily rust from the inside, out, so if signs of aging are present, replace the tank. Indoor tanks generally do not last more than about 20 to 25 years, and often their lifespan is much shorter.

Outdoor Above Ground TanksA full 275-gallon tank weighs more than 2,000 pounds. The tank has metal legs and should stand on concrete supports or pads, supported by stable, compacted earth. If the legs become loose, the concrete cracks or the sup-porting earth becomes soft or “squishy” in bad weather, the tank can fall over and release product. The tank should also be located in an area that provides some protection from strong winds.

Replace an outdoor above ground storage tank that has been uncovered for 15 years or longer. These tanks rust from the inside out much sooner than indoor tanks and cleaning or painting the outside of the tank does not usu-ally prolong their life.

Underground TanksMost steel underground storage tanks will last approxi-mately 15 years. If the tank is more than 15 years old, or the age is unknown, we recommend that you replace it with an above Ground storage tank. Locate your new tank under a shelter, or inside a basement or garage to prevent rust, corrosion, or damage.

Brochure; MDE, Maryland Department of the Environment "Recommend-ed Practices for Owners of Home Heating Oil Storage Tanks", Revised 3/20/07. www.mde.state.md.us

Tips to Avoid an Oil Leak or SpillHomeowners can take responsible steps year-round by following the fall and seasonal checklist enclosed to avoid the accidental release of heating oil. The typical cleanup cost for spills from home heating oil tanks ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 and is seldom covered by homeown-er’s insurance (Check with your homeowners insurance to determine the details of your coverage).

Tank insurance is available to Vaughan HVAC automatic delivery customers directly through Proguard, see de-tailed info below:

Tank Insurance with ProguardProGuard Service Agreements (offered by the Powderhorn Agency) offer comprehensive protection, including clean-up and tank replacement allowances. Discover why 60,000+ residential customers have relied on ProGuard for over 15 years. The ProGuard program offers peace-of-mind for life’s most precious possessions … home and family.

For a minimal annual fee, you will receive the following coverage:

• Up to $100,000 for clean-up costs resulting from an underground tank release, or up to $50,000 for an above-ground tank release.

• Up to $1,500 to repair or replace your oil tank.

• Protection for both your tank and associated tank lines.

• Proactive above-ground tank replacement when rec-ommended.

• Voluntary Pull of underground tank allowed after one year, if optional protection is purchased.

• Ability to transfer protection to a new homeowner who meets the eligibility requirements.

If you are interested in tank coverage by ProGuard, visit powderhornagency.com or call 888-354-0677.

Exclusions and limitations apply. See terms and conditions for details. The ProGuard Service Agreement is administered by The Powderhorn Agency, Inc. located at 353 Candlewood Lake Rd., Brookfield, CT 06804, and is pro-vided by National Product Care Company located at 175 W. Jackson Blvd.,

Chicago, IL 60604

Above Ground Tank Diagram

1

2

2a

3

3

4

5

5

6

78

1. Oil Tank

2. Oil Gauge

2a. Gauge Float

3. Vent Pipe

4. Vent Whistle

5. Fill Pipe

6. Tank Valve

7. Fuel Line

8. Tank Legs

Tank Types

Understanding Your TankYour oil tank is an important part of your home comfort, therefore it is essential to understand your tank system and how it works.

At Vaughan, we are happy to provide you with the tools you need to properly evaluate and manage your oil tank storage system in order to ensure safety and efficiency.

275 290

550

ABOVE GROUND STORAGE TANKS (AST)

The most common residential storage tanks are AST’s and usually located in basements, outside of your home, garages or crawl spaces.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (UST)

A tank that has been installed underground.

Sizes

ABOVE GROUND *Most Common

1000+

As an important piece of your property and comfort, it is necessary to maintain a routine of checking the integrity of your tank and its working parts at least 4 times per year.

Vaughan will provide an annual com-prehensive tank inspection for AST’s (when we are granted access) free of charge. Additionally, each time you re-ceive a delivery, our delivery drivers will briefly review your AST (outdoor AST’s only) to ensure safe delivery.

If you have an AST located in your base-ment, garage, crawl space or anywhere that requires your presence to be ac-cessed, please contact our office to schedule your annual tank inspection.

If you have an underground storage tank, Vaughan is unable to provide any form of tank inspection. However, our driver will stick your tank to check for water prior to each delivery if the tank is accessible.

Maintaining Your Tank

Unsure of the size of your tank? You can check your delivery slip, or give our office a call and we’ll be hap-py to provide that info.

ABOVE GROUND

ABOVE GROUND UNDERGROUND

UNDERGROUND

Your Tank Inspection ChecklistANNUAL FALL CHECKLISTInspect for leaks. Look at the tank, fill and vent pipes, valves, supply and return lines and all fittings.

NOTE: If rust or stalactite are present, do NOT wipe or touch the area as this can result in tank breach. Contact Vaughan immediately for assistance.

Get your system maintenanced. Vaughan is available to routinely clean and adjust the furnace, and repair or replace worn and damaged parts. A well-maintained furnace burns cleaner and uses less fuel, which means lower fuel bills and lower emissions.

Inspect the vent pipe. It’s important to do this often to en-sure that the vent pipe is free of obstructions and that an audible signal (whistle) is on the vent. Our delivery drivers

listen for the whistle to help avoid overfills. Check with your delivery person immediately after a delivery and make sure your whistle is functioning properly.

Check the placement of oil lines. Weak underground elec-trical currents (a soil condition known as “Electrolysis”) can rapidly corrode metals. Consider replacing any oil lines (sup-ply, return, fill or vent) that are buried underground, or locat-ed under concrete, such as basement floors, before they leak. A potentially serious release could go undetected for a long period of time eventually resulting in an expensive clean up.

Vaughan HVAC can route new lines that are all visible and do not contact the earth. If lines must be buried, they can be encased in a flexible plastic sleeve that will protect the lines and extend their life.

*The example displayed in this diagram is an above ground basement tank. The exact location and appearance of certain element varies from home to home. However, the components displayed are present on all above ground tanks. This diagram is a reference tool, not an exact drawing. If you are having trouble locating certain elements listed above, please contact our office and we will arrange for our technician to review your tank with you.

ANNUAL SEASONAL CHECKLISTRetain all oil delivery receipts. Keep receipts handy so you can track your oil usage. Unexpected increases in oil consumption may indicate a leak.

Ensure that your street number is clearly visible from the road or alley, so that our drivers can easily identify your property.

Inform Vaughan of any unique circumstances or spe-cial requirements involving your delivery each time you order oil.

Always remember that all oil storage tanks are con-stantly “breathing” and allowing condensation to form on the inside of the tank. The resulting accumulation of water at the bottom of the tank can cause corrosion that occurs from the inside out.

NOTE: If you remove a tank from service, be sure to re-move fill and vent pipes immediately to prevent a fuel delivery to a location without an attached tank.