DEC Reminds Homeowners To Prioritize Home Heating Safety This Winter by Inspecting Oil Fuel Tanks and Equipment for Leaks and Spills

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is advising property owners to prioritize safety when preparing for home heating needs this fall and winter.

This starts with inspecting fuel storage tanks for potential leaks or spills prior to receiving shipments of fuel oil for the upcoming heating season.

“Planning ahead for the winter season will help save New Yorkers time, money, and potential headaches later on when it comes to home heating,” DEC interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “Annual inspections and other simple precautions can prevent leaks and spills and ensure people, property, and the environment are protected.”

Annual fuel tank inspections can prevent leaks and spills and protect property, public health, and the environment. Homeowners are advised to look for the following concerns and contact their fuel oil service provider if they see any of the items from the lists below.

For above-ground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:

Bent, rusty, or wobbly tank legs or tank located on an unstable foundation;

Signs of rust, weeps, wet spots, or many dents on the tank’s surface;

Drips or any signs of leaks around the oil filter or valves;

Fuel oil lines not covered in a protective casing — even if under concrete;

Overhanging eaves where snow and ice could fall onto the tank;

Stains on the ground or strong oil odor around the tank;

Browning, dying, or loss of vegetation around the tank;

Silent overfill whistle while tank is being filled;

Fully or partially blocked tank vent from snow, ice, or insect nests;

Signs of spills around fill pipe or vent pipe;

Improperly sized vent pipes; and

Cracked, stuck, or frozen fuel level gauges or signs of fuel around them.

For underground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:

Water in the tank;

Oil or oil sheen in your basement sump or French drain;

Silent overfill whistle while tank is being filled;

Fully or partially blocked tank vent from snow, ice, or insect nests;

Signs of spills around fill pipe or vent pipe;

Well water has strange tastes or smells;

Complaints from neighbors of fuel oil smells; and

Using more than normal amount of fuel.

Fuel oil spills or leaks should be reported to the DEC Spills Hotline at 1-800-457-7362. For more information on home heating oil tank stewardship, visit the “Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner’s Guide webpage” on DEC’s website, dec.ny.gov.