Heating oil smell

[Happygirl]

With all the rain last week has come a very strong smell of heating oil. I am concerned that there is a leak in the buried tank in the front of the house. We recently had a drain system and sump pump installed in the basement, and you can see oil in the water. Not a lot, but it is oil. I think there might be a leak in the tank. My uncle insists they probably spilled some of the oil and it washed down . . I can't call Burch Oil, as the name is not in my account. I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts. Is there a way they can check the tank for leaks without digging it up? TIA

 

[Pete]

With all the rain last week has come a very strong smell of heating oil. I am concerned that there is a leak in the buried tank in the front of the house. We recently had a drain system and sump pump installed in the basement, and you can see oil in the water. Not a lot, but it is oil. I think there might be a leak in the tank. My uncle insists they probably spilled some of the oil and it washed down . . I can't call Burch Oil, as the name is not in my account. I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts. Is there a way they can check the tank for leaks without digging it up? TIA

Burch just changed my tank and I do not have an account with them. Call them, they were cheaper and fast. If you wait and it contaminates a bunch of the surrounding soil it will be costly.

 

[aps45819]

Is there a way they can check the tank for leaks without digging it up? TIA

Drop a hose or piece of pipe to the bottom of the tank. Plug the end of the hose (or pipe) extending from the tank. Remove and then drain into a glass jar. You'll be able to see if there is any water. Since water is heavier, it will be at the bottom of the tank.

 

[desertrat]

With all the rain last week has come a very strong smell of heating oil. I am concerned that there is a leak in the buried tank in the front of the house. We recently had a drain system and sump pump installed in the basement, and you can see oil in the water. Not a lot, but it is oil. I think there might be a leak in the tank. My uncle insists they probably spilled some of the oil and it washed down . . I can't call Burch Oil, as the name is not in my account. I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts. Is there a way they can check the tank for leaks without digging it up? TIA

If it was a spill it would kill any vegetation it touched. Is there a large dead spot? If not your tank is most likely leaking.

 

[GWguy]

If you don't have a cap on the furnace flue, the rain may have washed down the flue and you may be smelling the residue as it vapors up thru the house. Sounds like it might be time for a cleaning.

 

[Happygirl]

If it was a spill it would kill any vegetation it touched. Is there a large dead spot? If not your tank is most likely leaking.

Only rocks :shrug:

 

[Happygirl]

Gee, I was right, it is a leak. Burch Oil is at the house pumping the tank out now. The entire house reaks of the smell. Anyone have any idea how to get rid of the smell?? TIA

 

[desertrat]

Gee, I was right, it is a leak. Burch Oil is at the house pumping the tank out now. The entire house reaks of the smell. Anyone have any idea how to get rid of the smell?? TIA

Well, that sucks.

 

[belvak]

Well, that sucks.

 

[river rat]

Gee, I was right, it is a leak. Burch Oil is at the house pumping the tank out now. The entire house reaks of the smell. Anyone have any idea how to get rid of the smell?? TIA

Set out a bowl or can of vinegar.
Vinegar kills all odors.

 

[Happygirl]

Fyi . .

Well we had the tank replaced. The ends looked like swiss cheese. Sounds like the biggest expense will be getting rid of the contaminated soil. But, there is good news. Maryland has a plan that will reimburse you for all but 500.00 of your expenses in disposing of the tank and soil. They say it may take close to a year to get the reimbursement check, but that is better than not at all.

 

[BS Gal]

Well we had the tank replaced. The ends looked like swiss cheese. Sounds like the biggest expense will be getting rid of the contaminated soil. But, there is good news. Maryland has a plan that will reimburse you for all but 500.00 of your expenses in disposing of the tank and soil. They say it may take close to a year to get the reimbursement check, but that is better than not at all.

Good luck with that.

 

[Happygirl]

Good luck with that.

Yeah, with our luck, they won't fund the fund, and we will be SOL.