Heating oil tanks can last for decades, but routine maintenance can help extend your tank’s lifespan even longer. In fact, preventive care for your heating oil tank becomes even more important if your tank is an older model. Read on to learn about the easy maintenance tasks that can help stave off expensive tank repairs of failure this summer, so you don’t get left out in the cold this fall and winter.
Oil tank maintenance tasks you can do
Complex heating tank diagnostics and repair should be completed by a fuel expert, but some summer maintenance tasks can be DIY, including:
Keeping your heating oil tank no less than half-full – Your heating oil tank’s interior lining can suffer in extreme temperatures, especially when it is empty. The oil storage tank can trap moisture and condensation, corroding the tank from the inside. The air pocket created inside a tank that is less than half-full makes condensation more likely to form. That’s why a keeping your heating oil tank on the fuller side can slow any corrosion.
Looking out for leaks – You don’t want your heating oil tank to leak, and if it is leaking, the sooner you can have it repaired or replaced, the better. Regularly inspect your heating oil tank, including the fuel delivery and vent lines, valves, supply and return lines and the fittings for signs of pooling oil or rust.
Examining your tank’s legs – If your tank’s legs are uneven or lack stability, corrosion could develop from the incorrect pressure inside the tank. Your tank should always be on a level surface, such as a concrete pad. If your heating oil tank’s legs are weakened, tilting or wobbly, this could indicate a shift or breakdown caused by corrosion or leaks. You’ll need to have your tank inspected by a professional.
Checking for surface damage – Surface damage to your tank can be more obvious than internal damage, but just as problematic. Look for any dents, oil stains, and signs of the tank being off-kilter.
Keeping your fill pipe clear – It sounds obvious, of course, that your fill pipe should be easy to access for your heating oil delivery technicians, but these areas can become overgrown quickly, especially in the summer. Now is the perfect time to whack those weeds and clear away any accumulated debris so it won’t interfere with your heating oil deliveries.
Built to last: not your grandma’s heating oil tank
Like other long-lasting durable components of your home, heating oil tanks do eventually need to be replaced. Fortunately, today’s tanks are marvels of technology, designed to last for decades and offering:
Durability. They’re much more durable than the oil tanks of years past. Plus, advances in technology have resulted in the manufacture of tanks made from corrosion-resistant materials.
Versatility. Because heating oil is biodegradable and safe to store inside the home, you can put your new leak-proof tank in a basement, a closet or a garage. You can also put it outside, near your house, garage, or outdoor space.
State-of-the-art replacement solutions. Needham Oil Complete Heating & Cooling offers professional oil tank replacement, including safe, environmentally friendly oil tank removal. Among the state-of-the-art solutions we offer for safe, trouble-free fuel storage are the Roth Double-Walled Safety Tank and the Granby EcoGard Double-Walled Safety Tank.
Needham Complete helps keep your oil tank COMPLETELY leak-free
Putting in the time and effort this summer to make sure that your heating oil storage tank is properly maintained pays off, come fall and winter. And if you do spot a problem during a DIY inspection, we’ve got you COMPLETELY covered with heating oil tank repairs, installations and oil tank replacement.
Contact us today to request a free estimate on a new super-safe, state-of-the-art fuel oil tank in Needham, Newton, Framingham, Wellesley, Dover and nearby areas in Norfolk and Middlesex Counties.
Heating oil tanks can last for decades, but routine maintenance can help extend your tank’s lifespan even longer. In fact, preventive care for your heating oil tank becomes even more important if your tank is an older model. Read on to learn about the easy maintenance tasks that can help stave off expensive tank repairs of failure this summer, so you don’t get left out in the cold this fall and winter.