As with oil boilers and oil furnaces, periodic storage tank inspections can help you ward off problems with your fuel storage system and extend its life. But eventually there will come a time when it makes sense to upgrade with a new storage tank.
Beyond vast improvements in fuel quality, you should know that there have been many advances in heating oil equipment, including oil storage tanks. Designed with corrosion-resistant materials, today’s tanks can last for decades. Plus, new technology allows for remote monitoring to protect against the rare event of a leak and guarantees that you will always have a sufficient supply of heating oil on hand.
If your oil tank is more than 30 years old, it’s a good idea to speak with your local heating oil company about your replacement options.
There have been big improvements in heating-oil tanks over the years. One of the most important is double-walled construction with an outside layer of corrosion-proof galvanized steel. This keeps the chance of a costly leak to a minimum. Other innovations include:
As with a water heater, it can be hard to see when a heating oil tank is failing, because it usually corrodes from the inside out.
That’s why it’s a good idea to get regular, professional tank inspections done on your oil tank. You should also do your own visual inspections periodically, because some trouble signs can be seen, including:
Other warning signs that your tank may need to be replaced:
Here’s another reason for tank failure: condensation. When there is a lot of empty space in an oil tank during the spring and summer, condensation can form along the inside walls. This turns into sediment later, and, if ignored, can result in corrosion.
TIP: To avoid condensation from forming, you should keep your oil tank full during the warm-weather months.
If you notice any trouble signs with your heating-oil storage tank, you should reach out to your local Massachusetts heating oil company for assistance and advice.