Oil tanks for oil storage are typically installed underground. They can also be installed above ground as part of a bulk oil storage tank system, but this is less common as the installation costs are generally higher for above-ground systems than belowground ones. The installation process will vary depending on whether the tank is being placed in a new location or replaced at an existing site. If replacing a tank, there may already be a hole dug and foundations set into place that was created when the old tank was installed initially. Otherwise, the first step is to mark out where you would like your new tank to go. A builder’s square will be used, making sure that two sides of the square intersect with walls of existing structures, such as your house. A builder’s level will then be used to ensure that it is even and there is a plumb line running from some point on one of the walls right through the center of where you want your tank to go.
The process for installing an underground oil tank requires excavation work with shovels and buckets, concrete mixers, reinforcing bars, soil testing equipment, and heavy machinery such as backhoes. Before any digging begins, it must be determined if any underground utilities in the area could be damaged or become dislodged by the large volumes of earth required to create a hole big enough for the new tank. If this must be considered, utility mapping may need to occur before any digging can take; this will involve using a type of metal detector to scan the area being excavated.
There are five steps involved in installing an underground oil tank: excavation, pouring concrete foundation, placing reinforcing steel bar, installing corrosion protection liner, and finally adding exterior finish or backfill.
The first step in the underground oil tank installation westchester county ny process is to excavate the site. This means breaking up any hard surfaces in which digging could be difficult, such as paved driveways or sidewalks, with a jackhammer. The next step is to dig down so that your tank can be installed around 2 feet below grade level (this will vary depending on your local regulations). Once enough space has been cleared, it must be ensured that this area is stable; this process is called soil testing. The depth of the hole will depend on how big your tank is, as each sheet of plywood added to the sides measures 2 inches thick.
Once you have determined the depth of your tank (which must not exceed 4 feet below grade level), you can proceed to construct a footing with concrete for its foundation. To build this footing, first spread out about an inch or two of gravel along the bottom; this will aid in drainage and prevent soil saturation after rainfall events. Line up these rocks into four evenly-spaced rows along the length of where you want your oil tank installed.