News Media Room

Reminder to inspect heating oil tanks

Last updated Monday, May 6, 2019

Public Service Announcement

Reminder to inspect heating oil tanks

The Department of Environment is encouraging all homeowners and property managers to conduct inspections of their heating oil tanks. Regular inspections and proper maintenance of heating oil tanks can prevent significant oil spill clean-up costs.

If water is allowed to accumulate in the “drip leg”, it will freeze and may cause a crack in the pipe. As the weather warms and the water thaws, fuel will escape through this crack, causing a spill. Tanks that show signs of rust, or are over 10 years old should be replaced. Yearly service should be conducted by a qualified technician who can empty the drip leg (water trap).

The Illustrated Homeowner’s Guide to Heating Oil Tanks provides information on how to properly inspect a heating oil tank and to recognize potential spill risks. The guide is available in all official languages at: https://gov.nu.ca/environment/documents/illustrated-home-owners-guide-h….

You may also contact the Environmental Protection Officer or local Conservation Officer to arrange for a free inspection of your fuel tank.

###

Media Contact:

Karen Flaherty
Manager of Communications, Education and Outreach
Department of Environment
867-975-7761
@email

Share this page

Is this page useful?

Thank you for contacting the Government of Nunavut.

Please do not send sensitive or personal information, including (but not limited to): social insurance numbers, birthdates, information of other people, or health information. Please only send a brief description of your issue or concern and how we can contact you. We will make sure the correct person contacts you if they need more information or if they can answer your question or concern.