Is it hard to "stick" your oil tank to find out how much oil you have?

Question

:-/ and if you could give me instructions please that would be wonderful as well.

Or, is there a way to report your landlord for not putting an oil gauge on your oil tank or getting your burner cleaned even though he said he would? I mean if I run out of oil and my pipes freeze it's not going to be coming out of my pocket. KWIM?

Answer 1

Not difficult if you have a marked stick for the size tank you have. You just remove the cap (should only be hand tight) and go straight down with the stick. Withdraw it and look for the oil level and at which mark it is at. Your landlord would be responsible for damages if he is in control of having oil added to the tank. If it is your responsibility, call the oil company and ask for a level check.  

Answer 2

No, in fact I found it easier than checking the oil in my car.  Go down to your local Home Despot, ask where you can get the stick, and ask the person how to measure it (it may have changed in the many years since I last did it).

Answer 3

Do you pay for heat or is heat included? Do you have it in writing that the landlord was going to put the oil gauge on and get the burner cleaned? If so, you might be able to withhold some rent until the improvements are made (check with a lawyer). If the landlord pays for heat, he's probably liable for any damage caused by his negligence (again, check with a lawyer).

As for sticking the tank, you can just rap on the tank with your knuckles. Start at the top and work your way down. You should notice a change in tone when you hit liquid level.

Answer 4

I made a dipstick from a piece of wood, put stick in tank , mark stick at top of tank, withdraw and add additional marks at 1/4,1/2,3/4. Knowing tank capacity, you will be able to estimate how much oil is in the tank fairly accurately.Or use a tape measure, you should be able to convert inches to gallons pretty closely.wipe tape after use but the residual oil lubes the tape very well