Underground heating oil tank
#1
01-25-13, 04:11 PM
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Underground heating oil tank
I am taking care of a house and discovered that almost 100 gallons are unreachable in the underground tank, after running out of fuel oil when I thought there was plenty. Any suggestions on how to get to the oil in the bottom of the tank?
#2
01-25-13, 05:10 PM
How did you determine the amount of oil left in the tank? The suction pipe usually ends a few inches above the bottom of the tank. Below that, the oil is not recoverable unless the tank is pulled.
Best to add oil to the tank.
Best to add oil to the tank.
#3
01-25-13, 06:07 PM
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The tank has a measured stick that is inserted to the bottom. When the furnace stopped, I used the "stick" and it was showing roughly 100 gallons left. I called the oil company and they delivered 100 gallons, at 3.80 per , and the furnace roared back to life. Could be that a part of the pipe broke off...I don't know. It seems to be operating correctly with no issues since the fill up.
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01-25-13, 06:11 PM
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#6
01-26-13, 06:45 PM
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Normally the suction line goes to 2-4" from the bottom of the tank. Without knowing how deep yours is, the "100 gallons" is pretty much meaningless. Four inches in a 2000 gallon tank is going to leave a lot more oil than four inches in a 250 gallon tank. The only way to insert the suction line deeper into the tank is to dig up the top of the tank & install a new, longer suction tube.
#7
01-26-13, 06:53 PM
It is probably a good thing the dip tube does not go to the bottom.
More than likely there is a lot of water sitting in there.
More than likely there is a lot of water sitting in there.
No, part of the pipe didn't break off. You simply ran out of oil.
#8
01-27-13, 06:02 AM
In addition, you may have been using a service station dip stick, which was calibrated for a 5000 gallon tank, not yours. You'll have to do calculations to determine the amount of fuel based on the size of the tank, circumference, length and depth of oil.
#9
01-27-13, 09:33 AM
Something else you might try. Take another measurement after the 100 gallon delivery. If you're showing double on the stick, you know how much is at the bottom.
I'm betting on that stick being from a service station too.
I'm betting on that stick being from a service station too.
