Do You Need a New Heating Oil Tank?

Most heating oil tanks last for 15-25 years, so if you own an older home, it’s possible you need to replace your heating oil tank. If your tank is less than a decade old, it should be fine. However, if it’s an older tank, you need to check it regularly.

Here’s what you need to know about heating oil tanks.

Extend an Oil Tank’s Life with Maintenance

With proper care, you can add an extra 5-10 years to your oil tank’s life. Regular inspections by an OFTEC qualified heating engineer will help you identify and resolve any issues early on. They can check for sludge in the tank, as well as structural issues. The outer bund will need to be cleaned frequently to ensure it is dry and free of debris.

You should also ensure that all access points are tightly closed to prevent contamination. If a seal is poor or an air vent isn’t properly secured, insects or even rain could get in and ruin the fuel.

Signs a Tank is Deteriorating

At least once a year, you should carry out an inspection of the tank. This involves looking at the entire tank, including below it and watching for signs that will indicate the tank needs replacing. Essentially, if the tank’s ability to hold oil securely has been affected, it will need to be repaired or replaced. It’s usually preferable to replace the tank, as it has been compromised.

●     Cracks: If you see tiny cracks, they may not reach the inside of the tank yet, but the cracks indicate there is something wrong with the structure of the tank.  

●     Rust and Discolouration: These can be signs that there is water in the tank, but it can also indicate weakening tank walls. 

●     Bulging: Is your tank expanding? If you notice the sides starting to bulge out, that is a sign that you need to replace the tank immediately.  

●     Oil Patches: Look on the ground beneath the tank. It should be set on concrete and this will make it quite obvious if oil is leaking from the tank. 

●     Weeping Pipes: You should check the pipes and connections leading from the tank. If these are failing, they may be replaceable, but in most cases, it’s an indication that the tank needs replacing.

Since the oil tank carries what you need to heat your home, it’s quite important that you watch for any changes in the tank. You could end up losing quite a bit of oil if the tank cracks or leaks.

Do you need your oil tank filled up? Finding a good heating oil supplier is key and Northern Oil has what you need. Contact us to learn more about our services.