Why Is My Oil Tank Leaking?

Why Is My Oil Tank Leaking?

When it’s in good working order, your property’s oil tank helps keep you and your family warm. When it isn’t, it can spring a leak that leads to serious problems. Any leaks can mean a costly and disruptive cleanup process to remove harmful contaminants from the soil. With that in mind, it’s important to know how and why your oil tank may be leaking. With this information, you may be able to avoid a leak or at least pinpoint the cause.

Reason No. 1: Water Outside the Tank
Most leaks are caused by corrosion, which is why it’s essential for it to have a protective coating. Otherwise, rainwater that seeps into the ground will create rust on the outside of the walls and lead to a breakdown in its integrity.

Reason No. 2: Water Inside the Tank
If there is moisture inside, it can condense on the walls and lead to the metal becoming corroded. There are a number of ways in which water could be introduced into it — such as inferior fuels or seepage into the pipes feeding it.

Reason No. 3: The Water Table
Whenever digging on your property, you should always be aware of where the water table is. This is the point at which you will begin to encounter groundwater in the soil. If yours is buried below this level, it could mean moisture is pooling around it all the time, which in turn creates corrosion.

Reason No. 4: Poor Construction
There’s a much greater chance that your equipment will fail if it is made from inferior materials or with shoddy construction. If you choose the cheapest option in the hope you’ll save a few dollars, you could end up paying for it later. It’s also important to note that poor construction can make it more likely that water will get inside the oil tank.

Reason No. 5: Loose Connections
Always make sure the pipes connecting the oil tank to the house are tight and secure. Not only could fuel start leaking into the ground from loose connections, but moisture from the ground could find its way in, as well.

Reason No. 6: Bacteria
Microscopic bacteria can take residence inside your oil tank. Over time, they will leave corrosive materials that will eat through the metal. This is why you should have a protective coating on the inside as well as the outside.

There are many reasons why your underground storage tank may be leaking. However, no matter the source of the problem, Willard Environmental Group has the solution. Our complete repair services can ensure that any issues are dealt with and any contamination is cleaned up and completely removed. For more information about our capabilities, visit our leak repair service page.