Understand your options in new heating-oil storage tanks
A heating-oil storage tank offers an important advantage: the ability to safely store an adequate supply of heating oil that’s ready for immediate use whenever a need to heat the home arises.
While it’s true that heating-oil storage tanks can last for decades, they need to be replaced eventually. Life spans vary depending on the humidity in the area, the thickness of the steel and more. And when fuel-storage tanks do fail, it’s hard to see it coming, because they often corrode from the inside out.
Most experts agree that if your heating-oil tank is more than 30 years old, it’s a smart decision to replace it. Why wait for it to fail and add all of that extra stress to your life? Start researching your options now.
Why are new heating-oil storage tanks better?
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:
- leak-detection systems
- long-term warranties
- sleek designs that allow the tank to fit into smaller spaces
To sum up, today’s heating-oil storage tanks provide peace of mind and convenience—in addition to all the other benefits of heating your home with oil!
The importance of storage-tank inspections
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:
- dime-sized blisters in the paint, commonly found on the tank’s underside (feel the underside to find them). They can be a sign of pending failure
- pinhole leaks, which are caused by rusting from corrosion inside the tank
- condensation on the outside of the tank, long after a heating-oil delivery
Other warning signs that your tank may need to be replaced:
- evidence of corrosion
- sagging tank legs
- clogs or restrictions in the fill cap or the vent cap
- signs of spills
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 Wisconsin heating-oil dealer, who can also give you details about getting a rebate for replacing your heating-oil storage tank.