Oil Tank Replacement Services
Contents
Most people rarely think about home oil tank replacement. But tank service should be a priority considering how critical a residential oil tank is to a home’s infrastructure.
Area property owners are responsible for ensuring their heating system and oil storage container functions properly and safely. Any amount of oil leak now can become a financial – and environmental – mess later.
Home owners need information about tank systems when or before it’s time to replace thier tank. Below you’ll find everything you need to know.
Oil tank replaced in Massachusetts.
Your Source for Heating Oil Tank Replacement Services
"Everything was neat & tidy and cleaned up both inside and out!" – Sheri L., Needham, Ma.
One of our main goals at CommTank is to ensure that you never need to worry about your oil tank. Our team provides safe, efficient and cost-effective tank services for heating oil storage containers including replacements, removals and installations. Home owners throughout areas in New Hampshire and Massachusetts have relied on us since 1994.
Additional comprehensive services include underground tank removals, aboveground tank removals, underground tank locating, tank remediation, fuel testing & filtering and tank testing.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Oil Tank?
275 Gallon Oil Tank Replacement Cost: The average 275 gallon oil tank replacement costs $3,600 in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut. This is for oil tank replacement in basements or outside without significant access issues.
Replacing an oil tank is an important investment in your home’s safety and comfort, and we understand that you need to know the overall cost of your project so you can budget accurately.
"They were courteous and professional, timely" – Wayne P., Winthrop, Ma.
For Information about estimated costs, we include the two most common types of oil tank replacement projects below. All systems are different and there are many factors that affect project costs, but the following estimates will give the average homeowner a good understanding of what their tank replacement project will cost.
| Tank Size | Tank Brand | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 275 Gallon | Granby | *$3,750 |
| 275 Gallon | Roth | *$3,850 |
| *Pricing is based on average costs. Click here for key factors that affect cost. | ||
All CommTank team members make the entire process of replacing a tank fast, easy and cost-effective for our clients. People appreciate that we meet with them for a complimentary site visit to accomplish the following objectives.
The Purpose of a CommTank Complimentary Site Visit to Review Your Oil Heating System
- Review the condition and location of your current tank and heating system
- Address your concerns and questions about replacing or upgrading your tank
- Discuss the cost-effective replacement options best-suited to your property, and the design and benefits of professionally installed, commercial-grade brands of tank models ranging from 120 to 400 gallons, with varying features such as tank height, single or double walls, tank coating and materials, and warranty length.
"I just want to thank CommTank for the awesome work they did at my home." – K. Swanson, Melrose, Ma.
This meeting enables us to understand your goals and site-specific needs, so we can provide you with an accurate estimate based on the scope and components that affect your project’s cost, as detailed below.
Oil tank replacement project in New Hampshire
Key Factors that Affect the Cost of Replacing a Home Heating Oil Tank:
The main factors that affect the price of replacing a home heating oil tank are the tank type, size, location, and proximity to your furnace (also known as a boiler, or home heating appliance).
All these key pricing factors are detailed below, as well as other required processes that CommTank efficiently performs with expertise and specialized equipment, to add value to your project.
Aboveground Oil Tank Replacement Cost Factors
- Type of Replacement Tank – based on the tank’s location, required functionality and longevity
- Size of Replacement Tank – based on accessibility and size of space available for the tank
- Access to Current Tank – based on interior or exterior location, such as crawl space, finished or unfinished basement, garage, etc.
- Amount of piping needed – based on the tank’s proximity to your furnace, and to the outside of your home for tanks located in basements, or the inside of your home for tanks located outdoors. Two pipe use types to be replaced are the fill and vent pipe (which connects to the outside), and the fuel oil line (or fuel oil pipe) that feeds oil to your furnace. The tank, fuel line, and valves must also be brought up to current code standards based on regulatory requirements in NH and MA.
Old tanks to be replaced
Other Required Costs for Aboveground Tank Replacement
- Obtain Required Permits – from local and/or state authorities, for tank removal and installation
- Pump Reusable Fuel from Old Tank – and filter it twice for use in the new tank, without losing its value
- Fuel Oil Sludge Disposal – to safely dispose of sludge from existing / old tank
- Custom Cutting and Threading of New Fuel Line Pipes – to fit the specific needs of your heating system
The Lifespan of Indoor Tanks and Outdoor Aboveground Tanks
Indoor oil storage containers do not last more than about 30 years, and often their lifespan is much shorter, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Outdoor above ground storage tanks that have been uncovered for 10 years or longer should be replaced, since these storage containers rust from the inside out, and cleaning or painting their exterior does not usually help to prolong their lifespan. How old is yours?
Leaking oil tank
The Potential Costs of NOT Replacing a Tank
Property owners face a major liability from aging, faulty or unused heating oil storage containers. According to the MA Department of Environmental Protection, the cost to clean up an oil leak from a home heating system can range from $20,000 to $50,000, with some cleanups costing significantly more.
Any amount – including just a few gallons of fuel in a tank can eventually leak into the soil, which can contaminate groundwater and require remediation. Soil waste cleanup can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The sooner a tank is replaced or removed, the better the opportunity to avoid the expense of environmental cleanup.
Heating Oil Costs Remain Constant & Represent Good Overall Value
When adjusted for inflation, the cost of heating oil has remained virtually the same since the 1950’s.
As you consider options for your home’s heating oil system, you’ll discover that CommTank is your best choice for replacement, installation or maintenance of your home’s heating system.
Aboveground oil tank replacement project with secondary containment.
Step-by-Step Overview of an Aboveground Oil Tank Replacement Project
Entrust Your Heating System Replacement to an Experienced Contractor
Professional replacement of your aboveground oil tank is vital to efficiently achieve safe, cost-effective, high-quality results.
CommTank professionals are highly-trained, uniformed technicians with proven expertise and experience in residential tank replacement, removal, and installation.
They arrive on time and are respectful of you and your property. They answer your questions, and bring extra materials and tools in the event that your project is more complex than anticipated, to avoid having to reschedule your service.
Aboveground oil tank replaced in basement
The Steps of an Aboveground Oil Tank Replacement
Advance Work:
- Conduct a Complimentary Site Visit –to discuss a property owner’s needs and goals; assess any site-issues that could support or impede the project; review the location and condition of the current tank, and review tank sizes and features that will ensure a quality, affordable tank replacement
- Obtain Project Permits – CommTank will obtain all permits, saving you time and potential headaches. Homeowners in MA and NH are required to obtain permits from the local fire department for tank removals, heating oil tank replacements or tank installations. We know the regulations and local requirements, and maintain excellent rapport with local officials.
On Site Work:
- Cover all floors and rugs; remove doors as needed for moving tank into the home
- Pump remaining heating oil out of the existing tank
- Once tank is empty, stand it on one side, cut it in the middle, transport it to truck for cleaning
- Remove existing fill and vent pipes
- Pump out and remove old fuel line
- Clean under existing tank, in preparation for new tank placement
- Bring new tank inside, and assemble on site (install legs, valves, filter, fittings)
- Set the new tank in place
- Measure, cut and thread fill pipes to specific site requirements
- May need to drill new holes through concrete or wood due to pipe height restrictions for existing holes
- Install the fuel and vent pipes
- Install the sleeved copper fuel line connecting the oil storage tank to the furnace / boiler
- Inspect all fittings to ensure everything is tight
- Pump the previously removed and filtered fuel into the new tank, filtering it again as it is pumped
- Check the whole system for any leaks
- Prime and test the system to ensure proper operation
- Obtain final inspection from local authorities
Additional Steps for Outside Tanks
- Install a 4-inch thick reinforced cement pad, at a diameter larger than the new tank – since a tank cannot be placed on grass or dirt. This involves building a form, mixing cement, and letting it cure for 72 hours. A temporary tank is placed until the new tank can be installed on the cement pad, as determined during the initial site visit.
- Install a Rain Shield – which eliminates the requirement for a shed to protect the tank from the elements
- Install a Tank Tub – as required by some insurance companies, a tank tub is a polyurethane tub with cover, that functions like a plastic tub around the tank to protect it from the elements
Oil tank replacement in garage with bollards
Additional Steps for Garage Placement of a Tank
- Install bollards to protect the tank – as typically directed per local regulations
Key Oil Tank Parts
- Fuel Oil Tank Gauge (also called Heating Oil Tank Gauge) – is standard with all new installations
- Whistle Alarm – is an overfill prevention alarm that alerts the oil delivery specialist that the tank is filled to 90% capacity when the whistle stops
- Tank Gauge (or combination Whistle and Gauge) – uses a float inside the tank, to read the amount of fuel inside, to a close approximation of 1/8, ¼, ½, or ¾ full
View examples of CommTank tank replacement projects such as tank upgrades, basement tanks, emergency tank replacements and more.
Oil Tank Sizes and Options to Consider
CommTank professionally installs several types and sizes of heating oil tanks manufactured by the two most trusted and proven commercial-grade brands, Roth Industries and Granby Industries. Below is a list of each brand’s features and model sizes that we recommend based on the usage for which each tank’s size, type and design is best suited.
How to Choose the Best Size and Type of Tank for Your Project
Every home has factors that make one size, style or type of oil tank most appropriate. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a tank for your residence:
- Doorway sizes – how tall or wide are they, to enable tank entry
- Bulkhead availability – if no bulkhead, then tank must enter through hallways and stairway
- Ceiling height – leading up to and within your basement
- Finished or unfinished basement – for access considerations
- Proximity to furnace – fire codes typically require a 5-ft. distance between tank and furnace
- Length and pitch of driveway – for oil delivery considerations (distance and seasonal factors)
- Single or Multi-family home – for multiple furnace and tank coordination
- Garage – Fire department or local inspector must inspect and approve oil tank placement, and typically require installation of protective bollards
Roth double-wall oil tank replacement
Features and Sizes of ROTH brand Double-walled Heating Oil Storage Tanks
FEATURES of Roth Tanks Produced by Roth Industries
- An exterior of weld-free galvanized steel that prevents leaks and resists corrosion
- An interior seamless high-density polymer coating (or plastic tank coating) that’s strong and durable, leak-proof, and doesn’t rust or contaminate the heating oil
- Locked-down, double-ring caps that prevent odors from escaping when the tank is refilled
- 5 tank sizes enable flexibility of tank placement, and oil storage capacity of 110 to 400 gallons
- Each size is capable of containing 110% of capacity, to protect the environment and your property
- Space-saving dimensions that accommodate standard vertical spaces and low-height spaces
- Overhead placement of oil lines, couplings and fittings eliminates trip-hazards and oil leaks or spills
- A 30-year manufacturer’s warranty when installed by a Certified Roth Installer
| Model | Tank Size | Description | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWT 400L | 110 Gallon | Double-wall Vertical | Best suited for apartments or 1-2 bedroom homes (under 1,000 sq. ft.) |
| DWT 620L | 165 Gallon | Double-wall Vertical | Best suited for small homes with 2 bedrooms (1,000 – 1,200 sq. ft.) |
| DWT 1000L | 275 Gallon | Double-wall Vertical | Best suited for 3 bedroom homes (1,200 – 1,700 sq. ft.) |
| DWT 1000LH | 275 Gallon | Double-wall Low Height | Best suited for 3-bedroom homes with limited basement space or lower-than-standard ceiling heights. (1,200 – 1,700 sq. ft.) |
| DWT 1500L | 400 Gallon | Double-wall Low Height | Best suited for 3-4 bedroom homes (up to 2,500 sq. ft.) |
The most common Roth tank size that CommTank’s Certified Roth Installers set up for homeowners is the 275-gallon vertical oil storage tank. Connecting 2 or more Roth tanks in parallel is recommended to accommodate the heating needs of residences larger than 2,500 sq. ft that have access restrictions due to narrow doorways or angled stairs.
Granby oil tank replacement in Massachusetts
Features and Sizes of GRANBY brand Home Heating Oil Storage Tanks
CommTank offers the four most popular residential heating oil tank models manufactured by Granby Industries, including the Standard, Standard 20-Plus, Ecogard, and EcoPlus.
Granby Standard
Residential Oil Tank with Strong Welded Lap Joints
Features:
- Safe – The bottom outlet formation enables natural shedding of water buildup due to condensation
- Durable – Available in black or gray electrostatic powder-coating
- Warrantied – For 10 years against manufacturing defects
| Product # | Tank Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 209101 | 120 Gallons | Vertical |
| 208101 | 138 Gallons | Vertical |
| 208601 | 138 Gallons | Horizontal |
| 207101 | 220 Gallons | Stubbies / Vertical |
| 203201G | 230 Gallons | Thin / Vertical grey |
| 203701G | 230 Gallons | Thin / Horizontal grey |
| 202201 | 240 Gallons | Narrow/ Vertical |
| 202701 | 240 Gallons | Narrow/ Horizontal |
| 204201 | 275 Gallons | Vertical |
| 204701 | 275 Gallons | Horizontal |
| 211201 | 275 Gallons | Vertical |
| 211701 | 275 Gallons | Horizontal |
| 205201 | 330 Gallons | Vertical |
| 205701 | 330 Gallons | Horizontal |
Granby Standard 20-Plus
Residential Oil Tank with Polyurethane Coating
Features:
- Safe – Single walled, proven protection against corrosion
- Durable – Resistant to impact and abrasion, coated with polyurethane, UV-resistant paints
- Warrantied – For 20 years against manufacturing defects and external corrosion
| Product # | Tank Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 204201P | 275 Gallons | Vertical |
| 204701P | 275 Gallons | Horizontal |
| 205201P | 330 Gallons | Vertical |
| 205701P | 330 Gallons | Horizontal |
Granby EcoGard oil tank replacement
Granby Ecogard
Double-bottom Oil Tank for Leak Protection
Features:
- Safe - This double bottom tank comes with a primary tank leakage monitoring system
- Durable - This steel oil tank has an innovative double bottom, with exterior polyurethane coating and UV-protection for protection against leaks
- Warrantied – For 25 years against manufacturing defects and internal corrosion
| Product # | Tank Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 244201 | 275 Gallons | Vertical |
| 245201 | 330 Gallons | Vertical |
Granby EcoPlus
Double-bottom Oil Tank with UV Protection
Features:
- Durable - With exterior polyurethane coating and UV-protection
- Safe - Includes a primary tank leakage monitoring system
- Extensive Durability - With its heavy-duty polyurethane and UV protection coatings, the tank offers enhanced protection against external corrosion and improved UV resistance
- Warrantied – For 30 years against manufacturing defects, internal and external corrosion
| Product # | Tank Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 244201P | 275 Gallons | Vertical |
| 245201P | 330 Gallons | Vertical |
Oil Tank Laws for MA and NH
The following articles are a great resource for Massachusetts and New Hampshire oil tank laws.
- Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law
- On-Premise-Use Fuel Oil Storage Tanks & the Safetank Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Oil Tank Replacement FAQs
A tank installed outdoor must meet current State codes for heating oil tanks. A steel tank installed outside must have a shed. Fire inspectors won’t allow the installation without one. A Roth tank with a Roth Rainshield cover is less expensive to install than building a shed and installing a Granby steel tank inside.
Yes, we handle both if required by the town. CommTank’s courier goes to each town office and pulls the removal and installation permits and our crew delivers them on the day of the oil tank installation.
If the current line is up to code then, no. If it isn’t, then we replace it. For homes with a slab foundation, the fuel supply lines can be installed in the attic. Additional fees may apply, depending on length of the fuel line and accessibility.
Yes. We paint all piping (inside and out) to protect them from rust and corrosion. We also think it looks more professional than unpainted steel pipe!
When switching from Granby to Roth it is common to drill new holes to account for the difference in tank height. CommTank plugs holes in cement with a cement patch and uses silicone to caulk wood siding. We recommend that homeowners hire a carpenter to replace wood siding, when weather permits.
Depends on the town. Our courier calls each town before requesting a permit and discusses inspection requirements. If an inspection is required, the inspector is called an hour prior to job completion. Or the fire department will coordinate a time if they aren’t available on the day of installation.
Yes, it needs to be installed on 4” thick concrete pad, whether installed inside or outside, to meet current code.
Typically 4-5 hours for a single oil tank installation. The installation of two tanks can be a full day job. Jobs that require bollards in a garage oil tank installation will be a full day. Jobs that require the installation of a cement pad (inside or out) will be a 2 phase job. The cure time for a new cement pads is 72 hours. Depending upon the location of the tank installation a temp tank may also be needed. Tanks installed with a new cement pad in an existing location require a temp tank. Tanks installed with a new cement pad in a new location do not require a temp tank. In cases where the tank is installed in a new location, the crew will install the cement pad on the first visit, then return after 72 hours (or whenever is convenient for the client) and install the new tank.
Most states allow a maximum of 1,325 gallons to be stored in a single family residence. For homes with difficult access points (steep hills or long distances to the fill pipe over lawn and patios) the homeowner may choose to increase capacity to 400-gallons with a larger Roth tank or 550-gallons (2 Granby tanks connected ) to minimize the number of delivery. Winter deliveries can be difficult for fuel companies because of unplowed driveways and paths to fill pipes located behind a home. Reducing the number of deliveries per season may help reduce snow clearing required by the homeowner.
We have seen oil tanks installed with piping connected in series (single fill and vent pipes shared by two tanks) that have led to leaks from the tank top or leaks from tank welds that have burst during fuel delivery. CommTank recommends installing oil tanks with separate fill pipes. This will ensure that the tanks are never over pressurized during filling. Connecting vent pipes in series is acceptable, as the tanks are filled separately, and will never develop back pressure.
Cement cuts in floors are part of our installation fee. We will remove old lines and use the current trench if the old line was not up to code. CommTank’s project supervisor will check the distance between the new tank location and the furnace during a site visit. Extra fees may be needed if there is an unusually long run of supply piping.
The good oil (oil above the sludge level that is not cloudy) is filtered and pumped into a temporary storage tank. The sludge is removed and the oil tank is disposed of. After the new tank is installed, the good oil is filtered again and pumped into the new tank.
275-gallons it the standard or most common capacity. The amount of storage needed will depend on the size of the house and how frequent the homeowner wants to have the oil tank filled.
No, but lines could gel if temperatures are extremely low for long durations. If you have a long existing supply line then the fuel may thicken in the line and gel the oil. We recommend covering the lines with insulation in this case. CommTank installs all our tanks with a supply and return line. This ensures the fuel is always moving. We install fuel filters inside the basement and close to the furnace to minimize gelling because an uninsulated fuel filter is more likely to have gelled fuel when installed outside. For homes without a basement, extra insulation is required. (This is common with mobile homes or ranch style homes without a garage.)