oil piping questions

STEVE PAUL_3

A residential customer of ours wants us to replace some rotted steel oil tank piping. The tank in the basement is at least 50 years old. It has a 2" outdoor fill line and an 1-1/4" vent line. We will be replaceing the piping with schedule 40 black steel pipe. My questions are as follows:
1- Are cast steam fittings required or can we use black mallable fittings?
2- Is teflon joint tape permitted or must we use pipe joint compound? If we must use compound what type do you recomend?
3- We were told that the code states if the fill line is 2" the vent line shall also be 2". Does this apply to repair work? Due to the age of the tank we really do not want to remove the 2" plug that was installed 50 some years ago.
Some guidance is needed. Thanks in advance.
Steve Paul

Ken Field

As far as I know

1. Cast fittings are not allowed. Malleable only.
2. Teflon tape should not be used. Rectorseal #5 works for us.
3. I think the rules state that the vent must be equal to or larger diameter than the fill. You were told correctly. If you can't get the bushing out, cut it with a sawzall at 2 points 180 degree from each other. Don't cut into the tank threads. It will come out easily.

Ken F

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

chris_95

oil tank

In all honesty a 50 year old tank should be changed. Plenty of lawyer's out there to sue you because you were the last one to touch it.
The old tank's were much thicker, but no good deed goes unpunished!!

Leo_16

Often Times

Often times when a tank is changed the same fill and vent is used again. If it is old enough that they rotted I would really give serious thought to replacing the tank. After 50 years it served it's time well and deserves to retire.

Leo