Spring is here—flowers are blooming, temperatures are rising, and those longer days are perfect for tackling home projects. If you’ve been cooped up all winter, it’s probably time to roll up your sleeves and get to that spring cleaning checklist.
But if you have a heating oil tank, there’s one area you definitely shouldn’t overlook.
Whether your tank is still in use, out of service, or buried underground, now is the ideal time to inspect, maintain, or even replace it. Here’s what Maryland homeowners need to know.
Is Your Heating Oil Tank Still in Use?
Before doing anything, figure out if your tank is still active and connected to your heating system.
Tank No Longer in Use? It’s Time to Remove It
If your aboveground or underground tank is no longer in service, removing it isn’t just a good idea—it’s required by law.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) mandates that any unused heating oil tank must be:
- Pumped out completely
- Removed from the property
- Legally and properly disposed of by a licensed contractor
Leaving an old tank sitting around is risky. If it starts leaking:
- You could end up with oil stains or odors inside your home
- Leaks under decks, in crawlspaces, or in hidden areas can go unnoticed for weeks or months
- Oil can seep into your foundation, floor drains, or sump pump systems, leading to costly environmental damage
If your tank is no longer active, this spring is the perfect time to get it safely removed. Call GreenTrax to handle the job.
Still Using Your Aboveground Storage Tank? Here’s What to Do
If your 275-gallon or 330-gallon aboveground storage tank (AST) is still active and fueling your heating system, it still needs attention this time of year.
Here’s why spring is the best time to:
- Top off the tank to prevent condensation from building up
- Avoid microbial growth that can develop when tanks sit partially empty
- Keep your fuel clean and protect your heating system from future issues
Modern heating oil is an ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel that doesn’t mix well with water. The presence of moisture can lead to clogs, corrosion, or burner problems come fall.
Keeping your tank full now can help prevent headaches later.
Do You Know How Old Your Tank Is?
This is something a lot of homeowners overlook—especially if they inherited the tank when buying their home.
Here’s what you should know:
- Most heating oil tanks have a lifespan of about 20 years
- If your tank hasn’t been replaced since 2005, or you simply don’t know when it was installed, it could be time for an upgrade
Spring is a good time to get ahead of the curve. GreenTrax can help you determine the age and condition of your tank and walk you through replacement options if needed.
Don’t Forget a Quick Visual Inspection
A little spring cleaning around your tank goes a long way. Take a few minutes to look it over—here’s what to check:
- Rust or corrosion on the tank’s exterior
- Wet spots under or around the tank
- Oil drips at the furnace, oil filter, or line connections
- Kinks or damage in the copper oil lines
If anything looks off, reach out to your furnace service provider or give GreenTrax a call. It’s always better to catch a problem early.
What About Buried Tanks? Here’s What You Need to Know
No Longer Using Your Underground Tank?
If your underground storage tank (UST) is disconnected, Maryland law requires that it be removed or properly abandoned in place within 180 days. This work must be done by a licensed contractor.
Just because you’re not using it doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Underground tanks will eventually leak—and you likely won’t notice a problem until it’s too late.
Still Using Your Buried Tank?
Here’s the truth: Most buried tanks are older than 20 years. Many are as old as the house they serve—especially in homes built between the 1950s and 1970s.
Over time, these tanks corrode and can develop holes, even if they appear fine on the outside. We’ve pulled tanks out of the ground that looked like Swiss cheese. And yes, they had been leaking for years.
If you’re still using a buried tank, now is a smart time to consider replacing it with a modern, aboveground model. GreenTrax offers tanks in a range of sizes and long-lasting warranties.
Ready to Tackle Spring? Call GreenTrax
Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and decluttering. It’s also about maintaining your home—and that includes your heating oil tank.
Whether you’re looking to inspect, upgrade, or remove your tank, GreenTrax is Maryland’s trusted expert. We’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.
