How to Resurrect an Oil Storage Tank

Oil storage tanks contain heating oil which is used to heat homes. These tanks are made of metal such as steel and are buried underground. Over time these tanks can rust, erode and leak. This is an environmental hazard because the oil leaked can contaminate the soil and water sources in the area. To resurrect or dig up an oil storage tank to check for leaks or remove completely because you are converting to another heat source such as electric you have to first locate the tank.

Home blueprints
Tape measure
Backhoe
Shovel
Spray paint

Instructions

- 1
  Roll out your home's blueprints. These will show where your heating oil storage tank is buried in your yard. Use the key on the blueprint in order to determine the distance to the storage tank from the house.
- 2
  Contact your local fire department. Before you begin resurrecting the storage tank they will need to be on site in case of any spills or fires that may occur.
- 3
  Outline the location of the tank in the yard with spray paint after you locate it using your measurements and tape measure.
- 4
  Dig using a backhoe. Start in the middle of the area and work outward. Do this in small motions; do not dig up more than 1 foot in depth at a time to avoid harming the tank.
- 5
  Stop using the backhoe once you have reached the top of the tank. Excavate the rest of the tank using a shovel to avoid damaging the tank.
- 6
  Dig out along the sides of the tank at least a foot so that you can access the tank to check for leaks or attach cables for removal.

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