When to Replace an Oil Tank
Don’t Wait for Winter to Replace a Heating Oil Storage Tank
How old is your heating oil storage tank? If you aren’t sure, or if you’ve been thinking you’ll need to replace it soon, timing can be critical. If you think you can get one more winter out of it, and your tank develops a leak, you could be dealing with a heating oil spill, which is a much bigger problem than just replacing your tank.
And that’s also a reason why spring is a smart time to purchase and install a new heating oil tank. Because if you realize you need replace your heating oil tank after you’ve filled it up for the winter, it will be a much bigger job.
Know the Signs
If you aren’t sure how old your oil storage tank is, you should definitely start keeping an eye out for the warning signals that it’s hitting the end of its lifespan. Regularly do a visual inspection for dents, leaks or signs of corrosion. You may want to consider scheduling a professional maintenance check once a year.
Here are some indicators that your heating oil tank is leaking—or could start soon.
- Damp Spots: The first sign your oil tank is leaking is a damp spot on the tank. Usually, they will appear on the underside of your tank or along the seam at the bottom of the tank. As the leak gets worse, oil will travel up the side of the tank.
- Paint Problems: Blistering in the paint on the underside of the tank is a sign the tank is compromised. Condensation on the outside of the tank, even after a delivery, is also a warning sign.
- Sticky Drips: If the leak goes undetected, black icicle-like deposits or sticky drips will form on the underside of the tank. You may or may not notice an oil smell.
- Floor Stains: Reddish black spots will appear on the floor underneath the area. Depending on how long the leak goes undetected, an oil stain will begin to develop on the floor.
You should also consider how well your tank has been maintained over the years.
Tanks left empty over the summer can have condensation build up inside, which leads to corrosion and rust. Likewise, sediments at the bottom of the tank can result in corrosion. All that damage happens from the inside out: if you are seeing rust or seepage on the outside of your tank, you need to act fast to avoid a costly leak and spill.
Oil Tank Replacement
The good news is that modern heating oil storage tanks have come a long way, and a new tank will provide decades or virtually leak-proof performance compared to older types. Newer tanks are made from plastic and fiberglass and are designed to last 50 years or more.
If you’re ready to replace your aging heating oil tank, contact the expert team at Bolkema. We have decades of experience providing safe, hassle-free tank removal and replacement. We take care of all the paperwork and ensure that the job meets all federal, state and local requirements.
We know your home is your biggest investment, and you work hard to take care of it. That’s why so many homeowners and business trust us for reliable heating oil deliveries and heating equipment service in Northern New Jersey and lower New York State. For more information and to become a customer, contact us today.