A heating oil storage tank is not a complicated piece of equipment, and with a minimal amount of proper care it can last 20 years or more. But what is “proper care?”
Let’s take a look at some of the routine maintenance tasks you should perform on your fuel oil tank every year – many of which you can handle yourself.
Keep it at least half-full year-round. There’s been no shortage of sticky heat this summer in the Hudson Valley, and that’s bad news if your heating oil tank is empty. That’s because moist air can cause condensation to gather inside your fuel storage tank, which can corrode the tank from the inside out. When your tank contains more fuel than air, condensation is less likely to form, slowing the corrosion process.
Keep an eye out for leaks – Visually inspect your heating oil tank periodically, examining the tank, fuel delivery and vent lines, valves, supply and return lines and all the fittings for leaks. But remember: the absence of these signs does not necessarily mean your tank is fine, since a tank can corrode from the inside out. To be 100 percent sure you don’t have a corroded tank, you will need an ultrasonic heating oil tank inspection from a qualified heating pro – contact us to learn more.
Examine the tank legs – Check your oil tank’s support legs for problems that could reduce stability. Make sure your tank is on a stable surface – preferably on a concrete pad or level basement floor. If you notice weakened support legs, contact us.
Look for surface damage – Examine your heating oil tank for obvious dents, oil stains and any signs of settling or tilting, which could lead to problems later.
Clear growth and debris from around your fill pipe – Make sure that your fill pipe is accessible for heating oil deliveries; if the area is overgrown, clear it and mark the location so that your heating oil delivery team can find it quickly. Be sure to maintain this clear path throughout the heating season, too.
A properly maintained heating oil storage tank could last two decades or more, so it pays to make the investment of time to keep it leak-free and working at its best.
If you do suspect an oil leak or spill, contact us immediately – we offer heating oil tank removal service that it compliant with all laws and regulations and can help you choose a new heating oil tank that is virtually leak-proof. Contact us today for a FREE, no obligation estimate on a new heating oil tank for your Hudson Valley home.
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