Oil tanks
An oil tank doesn't fail on a schedule. We look at it each fall, and when it's near the end we say so before it leaks.
Signs to have it looked at
Rust, weeping or a damp patch on the tank or the floor under it
A gauge that sticks or reads wrong
A vent alarm that has gone quiet or whistles at odd times
Oil lines that sag, rub or run across the floor
A tank that's been in the basement as long as the boiler
At the visit
What happens when we come
- 01
Step 1: We look it over
The tank's body, legs, seams and floor, outside and inside, with a flashlight and a mirror.
- 02
Step 2: We check the hardware
The gauge, the vent and its alarm, the fill pipe, the filter and the lines to the burner.
- 03
Step 3: We tell you what we see
In plain words, with photos where it helps: fine, watch it, or replace it.
- 04
Step 4: A replacement is quoted
Tank, legs or pad, lines, the permit, and the pump-out and haul-away of the old tank, each on its own line.
- 05
Step 5: We leave it ready for your dealer
A new tank is set, piped and checked, and your oil dealer fills it as before.
The number
What drives the cost
We don't print prices for work that depends on your house. These are the things that move the number, and you get it in writing before we start.
Indoor or outdoor
An outdoor tank needs a pad and protection; an indoor one needs room and a way in.
Size
Set by how much oil you burn, and how often you want a delivery.
Access
Getting an old tank out and a new one in through a bulkhead or a stairway.
Old oil and the old tank
Pumping out what's left and disposing of the tank properly.
Lines and fittings
Old lines are usually replaced at the same time.
Permit
The fire department's permit and inspection for new oil storage.
Choices
Inside or outside
Both are common in Worcester County. Neither is better for every house.
Indoor tank
Protected from weather and out of sight; needs a basement or room with a way in and out.
Outdoor tank
Easier to reach and to pump out; needs a pad, protection and a plan for snow.
Questions we hear
How long does a tank last?
It depends on the tank, the room and the condensation inside it. We judge by what we see, not by a number of years.
Do you fill the tank?
No. We don't sell fuel. Your oil dealer fills it.
Do I have to replace it if I'm switching to a heat pump?
No, but a tank that's no longer needed is its own question: pumping it out, removing it, or leaving it empty. We'll set out the choices.
What if there's a leak?
Shut the supply valve if you can reach it safely, ventilate, and call 911 or the fire department if there is a strong smell. Then call us.
Contact
Book it, or ask first
Pick the visit and we'll call you back to set a time. Weekday calls are returned the same business day.
- Monday – FridayToday
- 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- SaturdayToday
- 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- SundayToday
- Closed
Outside these hours, no-heat calls go to our on-call technician from October to April. The after-hours rate is quoted before we dispatch.