Posted: November 18, 2024
You probably haven’t thought about your heating oil storage tank in a while. As long as doesn’t need a fill-up, it probably doesn’t cross your mind. And that’s fine: Heating oil tanks are built to last a long time. But eventually, they need do to be replaced.
We’d love to give you a hard and fast number for how long to expect your heating oil tank to last. But the honest answer is “it depends.” Age, maintenance, and construction each can influence its lifespan. The good news is that modern heating oil storage tanks have come a long way, offering decades of effectively leak-proof performance compared to older types.
Wondering if it’s time to replace your heating oil tank? Here are three key factors you need to consider:
If your tank is less than 15 years old, you’re probably ok for a several years—depending on how you care for it and how it’s made. If you don’t know when it was installed, and your home was built before 2000, you should put replacing it at the top of your to-do list.
Older tanks are made of steel and can be of single- or double-walled construction. In addition, the steel can be different gauges or thicknesses. Thicker, double walls are better. Also, the location of the connector valve can make a difference. Connectors at the bottom of the tank (instead of the side) last longer. Newer tanks are made from plastic and fiberglass and are designed to last 50 years or more.
The newest tanks are built to a much higher standard than in the past. Using alternative construction materials such as fiberglass and polyethylene for the inner lining of double-walled tanks make them virtually leak-proof. We install tanks from Roth and Granby, with state-of-the-industry construction and features engineered for long life and secure performance. In addition, modern tanks are more compact, saving you space in your basement, utility room, or garage.
If you leave your heating oil tank empty or very low in the summer months, condensation can form—and that can result in all kinds of problems. For starters, when condensation forms on the interior walls of an empty tank, that water drips down and sinks to the bottom of the tank (because water is denser than heating oil). That water becomes an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms. Over time, it turns into sediment or sludge that can get into your fuel lines and clog them up. This will cause your heating system to shut down, possibly in the middle of a deep freeze. Sludge can also corrode your tank from the inside out—a big problem that could be difficult to see coming and is costly to remediate.
In the winter, your tank doesn’t stay empty long, so these issues don’t come up. And, condensation is less likely to form in colder temps. All that damage happens from the inside out, so if you see rust or seepage on the outside of your tank, you need to act fast to avoid a costly leak and spill. We recommend an annual inspection by a pro.
Replacing an old oil tank is a lot less expensive than dealing with a leak or, worse yet, a spill. Ideally, you should replace your tank before it starts leaking. Here are the telltale signs that your heating oil tank is leaking—or could start soon.
If you see any of these signs, contact us about a replacement tank as soon as possible.
Main-Care Energy’s employee-owners take pride in providing comprehensive, safety-focused heating oil tank replacement services. It’s all part of our 360 degrees of Service commitment. And ask us about our TankSure tank protection plan. During a TankSure Inspection, our team will provide an ultra-sonic test to determine if your tank is at risk of leaking.
Contact us for more information today.
