Is your home heated using an oil furnace or boiler? If so, when was the last time you took a look at your home’s heating oil tank?
Residential heating oil tanks can last for a long time — 20 years or more with proper maintenance. But like any piece of home equipment, your tank will eventually need to be replaced. The tell-tale signs that your heating oil tank is reaching the end of its lifespan include:
These warning signs may indicate corrosion inside the tank. If this leads to a fuel spill, you could face significant costs and a lot of stress. It could be time to call in the pros at Dixon Energy. In this article, we’ll talk about regulations for heating oil tanks in Morris Plains and across Morris, Union, Somerset and southern Sussex Counties in New Jersey.
When considering the regulations for heating oil tanks in New Jersey, you may hear the term “unregulated heating oil tank.” This refers to any residential heating oil tank or a commercial heating oil tank under 2,001 gallons. New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) doesn’t regulate the use of these tanks. You’ll only need to worry about regulations during the installation, disposal or remediation of discharges from these tanks.
If you need to service, replace or decommission a heating oil tank in New Jersey, you need to work with a company that’s certified by the NJDEP — like Dixon Energy. Additional certifications are required for tank installation, removal and sub-surface evaluation.
While there is no requirement that you remove an underground tank from your property, the NJDEP strongly recommends removing all out-of-service heating oil tanks, even if there’s no evidence of leaks. Insurance and mortgage companies may refuse to take on the risks associated with underground tanks.
If you leave an underground tank in place after decommissioning, it should be emptied and filled with an approved substance before abandonment. The fill and vent pipes must also be removed. There are typically permits associated with the decommissioning or removal of heating oil tanks. Your contractor will need to secure this documentation.
If you’re concerned that your heating oil tank may be due for retirement, come to the experienced pros at Dixon Energy. We’ve been serving the home comfort needs of northern New Jersey for over a century. We have the training and certifications to inspect and replace your heating oil tank. The Dixon team can replace your old, worn-out tank with a top-quality model that’s virtually leak-proof. These new tanks are made of galvanized steel, lock-seamed and have oil- and fire-resistant seals. Additionally, you can count on us to dispose of your old tank safely and in compliance with all regulations.
Reach out to Dixon Energy today to set up an inspection of the heating oil tank.