Need an Oil Tank Replacement? How to Tell When It’s Time
If you rely on heating oil to keep your home warm, your oil tank plays a critical role in your comfort and safety. Like all equipment, oil tanks don’t last forever. On average, a standard residential oil tank lasts between 15-20 years. However, this lifespan can vary significantly depending on conditions like location, exposure, and maintenance. In harsher environments, such as basements with poor insulation, regions with extreme cold, or areas prone to moisture, your tank could age much faster.
5 Signs You Might Need an Oil Tank Replacement
Visible Signs of Exterior Tank Damage
It’s a good idea to routinely inspect the exterior of your oil tank, especially when it is getting older. Common signs of exterior oil tank damage include discoloration, corrosion, the presence of rust, or denting along the tank. If you notice any of these signs, you must seek an oil tank replacement soon. Exterior signs of damage may indicate more extensive damage to the interior of the tank.
- Wet spots and other signs of leaking: Pinholes and minor cracks are often the first major signs that your oil has corroded from the inside. Look for wet spots around the tank, puddles of oil, and a persistent odor of heating oil.
- Weak or unstable tank legs: The legs supporting your oil tank can often reflect the overall condition of the heating oil tank.
- Exposure to outside elements: On the off chance that your oil is located outside your home, it is crucial to ensure no elements can get inside. For example, you don’t want snow, ice, or rain to make its way in.
- Damaged or broken tank components: Your oil tank incorporates a large number of important components. A broken fuel gauge or faulty oil tank vent alarm can mean a lot of trouble and can drastically reduce the safety of an otherwise very safe heat source for your home.
- Unprotected oil tank connection: The oil lines that connect the heating oil tank to your furnace should be in good working condition and sleeved with a protective coating. Bare copper feedlines in cement are a recipe for disaster; the substances will eventually erode.
Warning Signs that Aren’t Visible
Unfortunately, many oil tank failures don’t give visual warnings. Corrosion can happen inside your fuel tank for multiple reasons. Not only is this where fuel is in direct contact with metal, but moisture can also accumulate in the empty space of your tank when left unfilled, causing rust and sludge. Here are a few non-visual signs that could indicate internal deterioration:
- Unexpected increases in oil usage: If you’re going through oil faster than usual, it might not just be the weather, but also due to system inefficiencies.
- Clogged filters or frequent burner issues: Corrosion or sludge inside the tank can cause blockages in your heating system. In some cases, a cleanout may get the job done, but often, oil tank replacement is also a good option.
If your oil tank is over 20 years old and you haven’t had a professional consultation in recent years, it’s worth scheduling one to assess its condition.
Financing Options & Heating Service Plans
A new oil tank can be a significant expense, but waiting too long can cost even more in emergency repairs. Fortunately, customers at Ferro Fuel can apply online for credit approval through the National Energy Improvement Fund to gain access to loans that can be put towards a new oil tank. Heating service plans are also a great way to receive cost-saving benefits and ensure the protection of your oil tank. At Ferro Fuel, we offer numerous plans for your oil-fired furnaces, boilers, and hot water heating systems that you can select from based on your needs.
Related Post: Financing Can Turn HVAC Install Costs from Spooky to Sweet
Need a New Oil Tank? Get in Touch with Your Local Heating Oil Service Provider
Don’t wait for your oil tank to fail in the middle of winter. Contact your local HVAC service provider to help determine your next steps, avoid a costly breakdown, and get prepared for your new oil tank installation service. Whether you know you need to replace your heating oil tank or you’re looking for trained oil tank professionals to help you make the right choice, be sure to contact your trusted local heating oil service technician in your area to get started as soon as possible. Reach out to our team at Ferro Fuel to get a quote for a new installation today!