
Highlights
- The average cost of replacing an oil tank is $1,900, with a typical range of $800 to $3,800.
- It’s less expensive to replace indoor oil tanks than underground tanks.
- The major cost factors are labor, size of the oil tank, and type of installation.
- You can save money by getting an oil tank installed indoors or buying a smaller tank.
How much does it cost to replace a 275 gallon oil tank?
Homeowners will have to pay $3,200 if they want to replace an aging 275-gallon tank. $3,200 is likely going to be the final cost of oil tank replacement for you too. That’s because a 275-gallon oil tank is usually big enough for the average household.
How to remove old fuel oil tank from basement?
Indoor Basement Tank Removal
- The remaining oil is transferred into a holding tank.
- The lines are purged and removed.
- The pipes are cut and removed.
- If necessary, the tank is cut into pieces, cleaned and then removed in sections.
- The holes in the side of the house are sealed.
How much will it cost to replace a fuel tank?
The cost of replacing a car’s fuel tank will depend on the car you drive and the mechanic/dealer you take it to. From our research, if you were to hire a professional, the costs, including parts, will range anywhere from as little as $250 to more than $700 to replace just the tank. The price can be as high as $1,000 if the mechanic were to ...
How much will it cost to repair an oil leak?
Oil leak repair is a serious thing to address, and typically the repair cost starts from $85 to $155 going up from there. And you’ll have to pay the labor cost ranging between $70 and $1120, while other small seals on top can cost you between $10 and $30.

How long do oil tanks last in basement?
The average life expectancy for an aboveground oil tank (which also includes heating oil tanks in a basement) is 25 years. Underground tanks last much less time, an average of 15 years. If your heating oil tank is at the end of, or past, its life expectancy, be proactive and replace it now.
How do you remove an old oil tank from the basement?
0:274:39How to Remove an Old Oil Tank | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil okay and then we'll cut a nice big hole in this tank. And then we'll scoop out all the solidsMoreOil okay and then we'll cut a nice big hole in this tank. And then we'll scoop out all the solids that'll go into a five gallon bucket which will go into a d.o.t 55-gallon drum on the truck.
Is it better to have an oil tank in the basement or outside?
Storing your oil tank indoors will protect it from the elements, but keeping your tank outside may give you peace of mind in the event of a leak or other malfunctions.
Does homeowners insurance cover oil tank leaks?
Most home insurance policies do not offer oil tank protection. Homeowner's insurance policies will not cover the costs associated with a leaking heating oil tank when the environmental damage only impacts your property. Separate tank insurance policies can provide coverage in these cases.
Should I remove an old oil tank?
The tanks will rust and then leak, causing damage to the land, and can threaten the health of you and the neighborhood. If you have a tank that was designed to be underground, it can still rust and leak, so it is important to consider removing it.
Why should an oil tank be removed?
If your oil tank is not currently leaking, the longer you leave it buried underground will increase the chances of it leaking. Additionally, if your oil tank is currently leaking, the longer you leave it buried can increase the chances of the soil contamination migrating further.
Can you have an oil tank in your basement?
Oil tanks can be stored underground, above ground, in the basement, or even outside right next to the wall of your home. Oil tanks can have a double wall containing the oil inside, or they can have just one containing wall.
How often do oil tanks need to be filled?
The average size of a residential oil tank is 275 gallons. On days when the outside temperature averages 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a typical household will consume 2 gallons of heating oil. When you divide a full 275-gallon tank by two, the heating oil will last for approximately 137 days, or four months and two weeks.
How long will 5 gallons of diesel last in oil tank?
In general, however, five to ten gallons of diesel or kerosene will last you around one to two days.
What should I do if my oil tank is leaking?
Indoor oil tank leak:Notify the fire department: If you smell oil, contact your local fire officials immediately. ... Ventilate the area: Immediately open your windows and set up fans to blow any odors outdoors.Close off the area to the leak: Until fire officials arrive, don't let anyone near the leak.More items...•
How do you know if underground oil tank is leaking?
How to Tell if an Underground Oil Tank Is LeakingThere Is an Oil Sheen Present in Your Water. ... Your Heating Bill Increases Significantly. ... Your Home or Outdoor Area Smells Like Oil. ... Plants Are Dying Above Your Water Tank. ... There Are Patches of Stains of Your Property.
How do I stop my oil tank from leaking?
A quick fix that you can do to stop oil from leaking into the environment and water from entering is to rub a bar of soap into the splits/cracks. Duct tape can also be used however, these are quick and temporary fixes so it is important to replace your tank as soon as you can.
Where should an oil tank be placed?
We recommend your oil tank is installed outside, above ground within a secondary containment system. Position your tank to minimise risk of pollution and maximise its security. Consider placing it in view of a frequently occupied room so you can keep an eye on it. Theft from oil tanks is becoming increasingly common.
Can an oil tank be indoors?
Depending on the space available to you, domestic oil tanks can be positioned outdoors or indoors (including inside garages or outhouses). There are certain restrictions in both instances, to make sure your oil supply is stored safely and doesn't pose an environmental threat in the event of a leak.
How far away from the house does an oil tank have to be?
1.8 metres awayAn oil tank has to be a minimum of 1.8 metres away from any part of a building or construction that isn't fire resistant, such as doors, windows, eves and cladding.
How do I protect my outdoor oil tank?
Filter protectors are primarily used on home heating oil tanks located outside to protect the oil filter from falling ice and snow. However, they can also be used on inside tanks to protect the oil filter from anything that could fall or knock against it causing damage and possibly a leak.
Can a tank be installed outside?
A tank installed outdoor must meet current State codes for heating oil tanks. A steel tank installed outside must have a shed. Fire inspectors won’...
Do we pull permits for the tank removal and installation?
Yes, we handle both if required by the town. CommTank’s courier goes to each town office and pulls the removal and installation permits and our cre...
Do we replace the fuel line?
If the current line is up to code then, no. If it isn’t, then we replace it. For homes with a slab foundation, the fuel supply lines can be install...
Do you paint the fuel delivery fill and vent pipes after installation?
Yes. We paint all piping (inside and out) to protect them from rust and corrosion. We also think it looks more professional than unpainted steel pipe!
Do you plug existing holes in the siding?
When switching from Granby to Roth it is common to drill new holes to account for the difference in tank height. CommTank plugs holes in cement wit...
Does the installation require an inspection?
Depends on the town. Our courier calls each town before requesting a permit and discusses inspection requirements. If an inspection is required, th...
Does the tank need to be installed on a cement pad?
Yes, it needs to be installed on 4” thick concrete pad, whether installed inside or outside, to meet current code.
How long does the removal and installation usually take?
Typically 4-5 hours for a single oil tank installation. The installation of two tanks can be a full day job. Jobs that require bollards in a garage...
How much oil can I store in a single family home?
Most states allow a maximum of 1,325 gallons to be stored in a single family residence. For homes with difficult access points (steep hills or long...
Is it safe to connect oil tanks in series?
We have seen oil tanks installed with piping connected in series (single fill and vent pipes shared by two tanks) that have led to leaks from the t...
How much does it cost to replace an oil tank?
On average, oil tank replacement costs $3,200. The purchase of a replacement oil tank will cost about $1,500. Expect to pay $1,000 in labor costs to remove your old oil tank and $700 to install the new one. If oil leaks are found, the cost to remove the contamination is at least $10,000.
Why is it so expensive to replace an oil tank?
Why is the labor cost for replacing an oil tank so expensive? The short answer is because it takes a lot of skilled labor. There are several things that the workers need to do throughout the project.
Why are underground tanks different from other tanks?
Underground tanks are different because they leak oil directly into their surroundings. When they leak, replacement becomes immediately necessary and you’ll also be tasked up with cleaning up the soil.
How much does a 250 gallon oil tank cost?
250-gallon oil tanks are reasonably priced at $1,300. They are also cheaper to install because of their size so you can save money on that end as well.
How long does an oil tank last?
The expected lifespan for an average residential oil tank goes is in the range of 15 to 20 years. Whether or not your oil tank will last for that long will depend on how well you care for it.
What is an oil tank?
Oil tanks store the fuel households need to power their HVAC systems. They serve as the main resource for the comforting heating we need to get through the coldest winters. Depending on where you live, your oil tank may be one of the most important fixtures on your property.
Can you remove an underground oil tank?
Above-ground oil tanks are the least expensive to remove and they’re followed by tanks installed in the basement. If you need an underground tank removed, that will cost you a pretty penny.
How Much Does Basement Oil Tank Removal Cost?
Basement oil tanks removal costs are very high - expect to pay around $1,000. Oil tanks are removed due to factors such as dysfunction, government regulations or safety reasons. An above ground oil tank can leak and may need to be removed.
How much does it cost to remove an oil tank?
Underground oil tank removal cost averages $2,500. The underground removal cost is high because it will need to be excavated. Above ground tanks can cost less to remove (see below).
What do you need to know when removing an underground oil tank?
When performing an underground oil tank removal, utility lines and pipes need to located and dealt with properly to ensure that they do not tamper or mix with the oil tank contents. The way in which the underground tank is oriented also determines its removal cost.
Why do you have to remove an oil tank?
If an oil tank is damaged due to corrosion or rust because it was not installed properly the law may require you to remove the tank. An oil tank which is old can also interfere with a property sale. Removing the oil tank may make it easier to sell the property. There are also municipal councils which require you to remove ...
How much does it cost to remove an oil tank from a basement?
The expense of removing oil tanks from a basement is relatively significant; anticipate to pay roughly $1,000. Oil tanks are removed for various reasons, including malfunction, government requirements, and safety concerns. A leaking above-ground oil tank may need to be removed.
How much does it cost to abandon an oil tank?
The oil tank abandonment or commissioning will cost you between $1,000 to $3,000 and possibly even more, and this all depends on the size of the tank. If removing the tank is dangerous or too much, you can always abandon it, which means you clean it out and fill it.
What If Your Tank Is Leaking?
If an oil tank is damaged due to corrosion or rust because it was not installed properly, the law may require you to remove the tank. An oil tank that is old can also interfere with a property sale. Removing the oil tank may make it easier to sell the property. There are also municipal councils that require you to remove the oil tank before selling your property.
Why do oil tanks need to be monitored?
Underground oil tanks must be monitored more closely since the leak is more difficult to detect when the tank is below ground. The premium may be calculated by insurance firms based on the tank’s age and location. Oil tanks with double or single walls may have different insurance premiums.’
Why do you have to remove an oil tank?
If an oil tank is damaged due to corrosion or rust because it was not installed properly, the law may require you to remove the tank. An oil tank that is old can also interfere with a property sale. Removing the oil tank may make it easier to sell the property.
How is the cost of removing an oil tank determined?
The cost of removing an oil tank is determined by a variety of factors. The majority of projects include personnel and equipment costs, permit applications, liquid disposal costs, and laboratory analysis. The exact fees are determined on the type of the work:
Why do you need to test after a tank removal?
Testing following the tank removal confirms that no oil has leaked, protecting the value of your home if you decide to sell.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Oil Tank?
The average cost of replacing an oil tank is $2,700 in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
How long does it take to install an oil tank?
Typically 4-5 hours for a single oil tank installation. The installation of two tanks can be a full day job. Jobs that require bollards in a garage oil tank installation will be a full day. Jobs that require the installation of a cement pad (inside or out) will be a 2 phase job.
How many gallons of gas can you fill in a Roth tank?
Most states allow a maximum of 1,325 gallons to be stored in a single family residence. For homes with difficult access points (steep hills or long distances to the fill pipe over lawn and patios) the homeowner may choose to increase capacity to 400-gallons with a larger Roth tank or 550-gallons (2 Granby tanks connected ) to minimize the number of delivery. Winter deliveries can be difficult for fuel companies because of unplowed driveways and paths to fill pipes located behind a home. Reducing the number of deliveries per season may help reduce snow clearing required by the homeowner.
What are the factors that affect the cost of replacing a heating oil tank?
Key Factors that Affect the Cost of Replacing a Home Heating Oil Tank: The main factors that affect the price of replacing a home heating oil tank are the tank type, size, location, and proximity to your furnace (also known as a boiler, or home heating appliance).
Why do you need bollards in a tank?
Install bollards to protect the tank – as typically directed per local regulations
Can fuel leak into soil?
Just a few gallons of fuel in a tank can eventually leak into the soil, which can contaminate groundwater and require remediation. The sooner a tank is replaced or removed, the better the opportunity to avoid the expense of environmental cleanup, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Who inspects oil tank placement?
Garage – Fire department or local inspector must inspect and approve oil tank placement, and typically require installation of protective bollards
How much does it cost to remove an underground oil tank?
Meanwhile, an underground tank removal is estimated at $1,000 to $2,500, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. On the other hand, an oil tank replacement in Maine only costs between $800 and $1,100 while a new oil tank installation in New Jersey costs about $1,500. In Connecticut, the ballpark cost ...
How much does it cost to replace an oil tank in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the cost to replace an above-ground oil tank starts at $1,500 and can reach $2,500.
How much does it cost to clean up a contaminated soil?
The Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) estimates that the cost for the average cleanup is at $130,000. If only a small area of soil was contaminated, cleanup will only cost $10,000. For worst-case scenarios, EPA states that remediation can cost between $100,000 and $1 million. Just like the cost to repair heating oil tank, ...
How much does it cost to clean up oil in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, oil cleanup in a residential area costs at least $15,000. Meanwhile, a severely contaminated area in Oregon may require $4,500 to $6,000 in remediation cost. If the contamination reached the groundwater, remediation can run to $10,000 and above.
How much does it cost to install an oil tank tub?
To protect it, you may choose to install a tank tub. Also known as oil tank enclosure, tank tubs may cost anywhere between $380 and $1,555 and can fit most 275- and 330-gallon tanks. Cement slabs.
How much does it cost to decommission a tank?
After decommissioning, a risk assessment is then required to test the soil and groundwater for any possible contamination. Tank decommissioning with risk assessment costs no more than $3,000.
How much does it cost to pump out an oil tank?
Depending on the service provider and the amount of oil that needs to be transferred, the cost of pumping out the oil ranges from $145 to $195.
How much does it cost to remove an oil tank?
Typical costs: Removing the old heating oil tank can run $500-$3,000, depending on local rates and the size of the tank, its condition and how easily it can be reached. Aboveground tanks are typically less expensive to remove than underground tanks. Required soil testing to check for contamination can add $300-$500.
What should be done before installing an oil tank?
Before installation, a heating oil tank should be carefully inspected and all water and ice (from condensation during shipping) removed from the interior. A Massachusetts heating oil tank specialist [ 3] provides a diagram of a typical aboveground oil tank installation, and a tank manufacturer provides detailed installation guidelines for an aboveground tank.
How long do heating oil tanks last?
More modern tanks may be made of fiberglass or a combination of plastic and steel, with either a single or double wall construction, and are predicted to last up to 30 years. OilheatAmerica.com [ 2] provides an overview. Before installation, a heating oil tank should be carefully inspected and all water and ice (from condensation during shipping) ...
How much does it cost to clean up heating oil?
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality estimates that a typical heating oil cleanup project can run $3,500-$4,600, depending on the methods used. However, if there's extensive contamination, cleanup costs can go as high as $15,000-$100,000 and up.
How long do old water tanks last?
These older tanks generally last 15 to 20 years.
How to extend the life of household equipment?
Give your household equipment a little workout now and then, to make sure anything mechanical will perform well when needed. Periodic exercise can extend the usable life of many items. || Posted October 14 2013
Who makes heating oil tanks?
Manufacturers of heating oil tanks include ConTec and Grandby Industries, and the Oilheat Manufacturers Association provides lists of manufacturers and associations [ 6] related to home heating oil and furnaces.
