Most experts agree that if you properly maintain your home’s heating oil tank, it can last for decades — somewhere in the range of 25 years for an aboveground tank. If you bought your house in the last decade or so, there’s a decent chance you’ve never needed to replace your oil tank.
However, if your tank is over 30 years old, you should consider replacing it. The experts at Needham Oil Complete Heating & Cooling can help you upgrade to a modern aboveground model.
Internal corrosion is the main cause of oil tank failures. The primary cause of corrosion is condensation. When there’s a lot of empty space in an oil tank, condensation can form on interior walls. This water will drip down the walls and, because water is denser than heating oil, settle on the tank floor. There, it can form a sludge that fosters bacteria and other microorganisms. Over time, this leads to sediment accumulation, creating corrosion that will eventually cause your tank to fail.
Oil tank failures can create significant financial hardship. Spilling oil can result in expensive cleaning and environmental remediation, often costing tens of thousands of dollars. It’s vital that you look out for warning signs of a failing tank. These include:
If you notice any of these issues, please get in touch with the Needham Oil team. We might be able to fix the problem with an oil tank repair. If your tank needs to be replaced, we can also help you with that.
There’s a simple solution to slowing corrosion that won’t cost you an additional penny: arrange a heating oil delivery during the summer. This limits the empty space in your tank and prevents condensation from forming. And the heating oil sitting in your tank through warm months will be ready to use in the fall and winter. Home heating oil has a shelf life ranging between 18 and 24 months.
If you are due for an oil tank replacement, the team at Needham Oil Complete Heating & Cooling can upgrade you to a virtually leak-proof model. We sell, install and service top-of-the-line oil tanks from Roth and Granby. These products are stainless steel and double-walled with protection against abrasions and corrosion. You will be amazed at how sleek and compact these oil tanks are compared to the ones they replace.
If you’re ready to start exploring your oil tank replacement options in Millis, Wrentham, Newton and other towns Needham Oil serves, then our team is ready to help. Contact us today for a free estimate on a new tank.