Is Spring A Good Time To Replace Your Heating Oil Tank?

If you have a steel heating oil tank in your basement, it has a lifespan of somewhere between 15 and 20 years (see table below) which means that if your northern New Jersey home was built in or before 2000, you’re probably due, or even overdue, for a possible replacement.

You might say to yourself, “my heating oil tank looks fine,” but don’t be fooled: older, single-wall steel heating oil tanks usually corrode from the inside out due to trapped moisture and sediment.

That means you usually won’t see a potential tank failure coming until it’s too late (a BIG reason to carry oil tank insurance).

How Long Do Oil Tanks Last?

Here’s a look at how long you can expect your heating oil tank to last, according to the experts at Inspectapedia.com:

Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall, connected at tank end wall: 15 years
Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall, connected at tank bottom: 20 years
Steel tank, 12-gauge, single wall, connected at tank end wall: 20 years
Steel tank, 12-gauge, single wall, connected at tank bottom: 25 years
Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall upper, double wall bottom: 50 years
Fiberglass or Plastic tank, single wall: 50 years
Fiberglass or Plastic tank, double wall: 50+ years

The takeaway here is if you already know your tank needs to be replaced, don’t wait—it’s simply not worth the risk, especially considering the affordable tank options that Bolkema Fuel offers (heating oil tanks have come a LONG way in the last 20 years – today’s models are virtually leak-proof and available in a variety of configurations!)

Do You Need A New Oil Storage Tank?

If it’s time to replace your tank, let us know! We can remove your old tank and find a new heating oil tank solution that works for your space and budget.

Today’s double-bottomed, reinforced, corrosion-resistant, eco-friendly heating oil tanks are a far cry from yesterday’s iron giants. And if you want that last measure of peace of mind, we also offer ProGuard insurance that will cover you in the unlikely event of a leak.

Avoid costly cleanups from an old heating oil tank! Contact Bolkema today for a FREE estimate on heating oil tank installations in New Jersey!