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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Mention "rusted fuel tanks" and Richard Parisella makes a knowing sound.

"I'll give you an example," said the general manager of Northern Disaster Services.

A Tidy Tank recently removed by Northern Disaster Services. Even the tiniest of holes can cause big time damage. - Lauren McKeon/NNSL Photo

"We just went to see another one last night. (It) was three and a half years old - she let go."

"In the last couple of years," added Ron Kent, an engineer with FSC Architects and Engineers, who often works with Parisella.

"We've had a lot more instances of home fuel tanks with holes in the bottom of them."

The holes are caused by combination of chemical and bacterial corrosion, said Kent.

It is possible, he said, that fuel used today may be less toxic to bacteria.

He added, however, that so-called "bad fuel" is definitely not the rust culprit - fuel is only another factor to consider.

Corrosion is caused simply by the build-up of water at the bottom of the tank, formed by condensation that accumulates with changes in temperature.

This creates an environment for bacteria to grow.

"It's useful if you can get a mechanic to remove water annually (so) the tank will last longer," said Kent.

"The bacteria will be flushed."

It's also helpful to check the tank regularly, as a tiny rusted-out hole can cause as much damage as a huge one once leakage starts, said Parisella.

Tidy Tanks seem to show the worst corrosion, he added. They are identifiable by the raised double "T" on top of the tank.

And while Kent said he couldn't comment on specific brands, he does know there are specific types of tanks that are more likely to cause problems.

Tanks that are older or made of thinner metal with no protective coating lining on the inside are "going through in fairly short order, four of five years," said Kent.

Worried home owners can invest in new innovations coming out in the fuel tank market, Parisella said.

He is fond of fuel tanks made by a company called Granby. He has installed several recently and sold out ten tanks in three days.

The tanks come with a detection system, a 25-year warranty and $2 million in liability insurance coverage from Granby.

Though Granby tanks and those similar run at nearly double the price - about $800 compared to $1,400 - Parisella noted that a warranty more than twice that of cheaper tanks, and liability coverage make them worth it.

"In the end, it still comes out cheaper," he said.