Posted by: Jim on September 15, 2004 at 14:35:10

I purchased a new home yesterday! It has oil heat and the oil tank has a strong oil odor. Is there any way to help tone it down or eliminate the smell? The oil tank is close to the living area, so the smell is noticable beyond the tank.

Answer:
If the tank smells it is probably due to warmer weather and the prevailing winds or lack of them at this time of the year. In the winter there will most likely be another condition with no smell. There has to be a breather pipe and that can not be capped off or there can be damage due to pressure changes. The oil company might be able to suggest relocation of the breather. It is also possible there is a leak in the tank and the soil is outgassing as it saturates. Have it checked, there are electronic tank analyzers that can tell of weak spots and leaks.