The best way to avoid a major fuel leak and costly clean up is prevention. Fuel tanks don't last forever and eventually they will leak. In the last few years several major oil leaks in Yellowknife have cost homeowners thousands of dollars. Inspecting the fuel tank regularly and looking for signs of stains or wet spots on the exterior of the tank or below the fuel lines and fuel filters is extremely important and will allow homeowners to detect early signs of trouble. If the tank is located inside the smell of oil leaking will also help detecting a leak.

The fuel tanks should also be inspected at the same time that the boiler or furnace is serviced and any questionable tank should be replaced. Single wall steel tanks do not provide any form of containment in the event of a leak and oil will leak into the ground with extremely expensive clean up. Older tanks do not have a certification label and it is difficult to know the age of the tank, but even more recent certified tanks have leaked with catastrophic consequences.

When a fuel tank is replaced the new one should be double wall, either steel or fibreglass. When the inside wall corrodes and leaks, the oil will be contained by the second layer and will not spill into the ground. A small view port and a pressure gauge allows for easy monitoring and leak detection. Locating the tank where it can easily be inspected is very important. When a tank is enclosed or located in a crawlspace, it is not always convenient to conduct regular inspections.

Most oil leaks can be prevented. Have you checked your tank today?

Do you have any questions for Didier? Email Questions