Dangers Of Removing An Oil Tank: Special Considerations
When you use oil for heating, and you want to make the conversion to another source of fuel, you will need to remove the oil tank and the lines that feed the oil into your furnace. This is a tricky process, especially if your oil tank is exceedingly close to your septic system. Technically, these two systems should be several hundred feet apart, but for whatever reason, installation in your systems has placed them dangerously close. Here are some special considerations about this project going forward:
Septic Services Should Be Involved
Whether the septic company just deals with septic systems, or they also remove oil tanks, they should be involved. There are two reasons for this. One, the septic company can make sure that the septic system remains intact and undamaged while the oil tank and its components are removed. Two, if it comes down to this decision, the septic company can actually move your septic tank and drainage field to another area of the yard where it will not be in the way of the oil tank removal.
The Oil Tank Company Has to Be Made Aware of the Complications
A contractor can come to your property to give you an estimate on the removal of the oil tank and the oil feed lines. At that time, you can make the contractor aware of the proximity of the oil tank to the septic system, both of which are highly flammable systems. The contractor will make note of this and adjust the estimate accordingly. Some contractors who remove oil tanks in situations like yours may require that you move the septic system out of the way, in which case you would still have to involve the septic company.
Trying to Coordinate Three Different Contractors on the Same Day Is Difficult
Imagine that you want to do this project all in one day. The removal of the oil tank and accouterments, the installation of your new heating system, and the moving of your septic system may prove impossible to do. It is not impossible from the standpoint that the contractors cannot start early and finish by the end of the day. Instead, it may be impossible to get all of the contractors to your home on the same day.
Consider breaking the job down into two parts. Get the septic system moved out of the way on the first day. Then have the oil tank removed and the new heating system installed another day. Another option that may work is to move the septic system and have an oil tank contractor like A & A Oil Recovery Co remove the oil tank on one day. Then the new heating system can be installed by the HVAC contractor on the next day.