What To Do When Your Oil Tank Leaks

11/18/2025

Due to the age of many homes in our service area, a significant number of oil tanks are reaching the end of their life. When this happens, leaks can occur, sometimes suddenly, especially after an oil delivery. If you notice a strong oil odor, please call our office immediately. Time is often of the essence, particularly right after a delivery.

For perspective, heating oil weighs roughly 7–8 lbs. per gallon, so a full 275-gallon tank can be holding approximately 2,000 lbs. of weight. That extra stress alone can cause an older tank to leak.

First, Don’t Panic — Oil Is Safe

A leaking tank can be stressful, but please remember heating oil is not dangerous or explosive, so your immediate safety is not at risk. The concern is the mess, the cleanup, and making sure the oil stays contained. We can help you manage that quickly and correctly.

What We’ll Ask When You Call

The first question we ask is where the leak is located. This helps us guide you safely until a technician arrives.

If the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank:

Do NOT run your hand under the tank.
Touching the corroded underside may open more leaks.
Place a pan under the leak to contain the oil and help you monitor the flow.
Some leaks can be temporarily stopped with a magnetic patch.
If appropriate, we will apply one when we arrive.

Important:

A magnetic patch is only a temporary stopgap. A leaking tank must be replaced.

What We Do When We Arrive

When our technicians come to your home, we:

Assess the leak and attempt a temporary patch, if safe.
Put a container under the leak to hold any oil and monitor the flow of the leak.
If patching is not possible, we will:

Pump the remaining oil into our holding tank,
Replace your tank, and
Return the oil to your new tank once the work is complete.

We want our customers to feel cared for and supported. You can always count on us to handle leaks quickly and correctly.

Preventative Tips to Avoid a Leak

One of the best ways to prevent a stressful leak is to monitor the condition and age of your oil tank.

Know the age of your tank.
If your tank is 20+years old, it is approaching end of life and should be evaluated for replacement.
Inspect your tank regularly.
Look for rust, corrosion, weeping, or damp spots on the surface.
Use a flashlight to look under the tank, where corrosion typically begins.
Check for sagging.
The bottom of the tank should be straight and firm, not bowed or soft-looking.
Inspect the legs and supports.
Make sure they’re straight, not leaning, and not rusting.
Outdoor tanks wear out faster than indoor tanks and usually need replacement sooner due to weather exposure.
If you're thinking about changing your tank, please call us for a quote.
At this time, we are quoting tank replacements for current customers only.

Staying ahead of tank replacement can save you thousands in cleanup costs and prevent major disruption to your home.

Helpful Tips for Non-Customers or Technicians

We aim to help our entire community—even those who are not our customers.

For fast pinhole leaks:
Insert a pencil or small wooden dowel into the hole. The wood swells and temporarily stops the leak.

Local legend: Dan Roman once stopped a leak with the end of a broom handle, preventing what would have been a major mess.

For cleaning up spilled oil:
We use Speedy Dry, but cat litter is a good alternative and will absorb spilled oil effectively.
Dispose of cleanup materials properly.
Oil-soaked cat litter, Speedy Dry, rags, and paper towels must be handled correctly. Do not throw them in household trash. Contact your local waste facility for proper disposal instructions.

These tips work only as temporary measures. A professional should always inspect and replace a leaking tank.

If You Are Our Customer

Please call us immediately, day or night. We are here for you 24/7 and will walk you through every step. Your home, your safety, and your peace of mind are our highest priorities.