Heating System Repair

The first thing to consider when looking at oil tank replacement or installing a new oil tank is the size you need. There are two major factors in this decision: consumption rate and reliability of supply. There are issues with choosing the wrong size. For example, when an installed or replaced tank is too small, the furnace could run dry. This leads to equipment damage and can result in ineffective heating through cold periods. Because of this, securing a reliable supply is important to ensure you don’t go days without heating. When negotiating supply, make sure to include provisions for regular maintenance. That way, you avoid having wasted fuel. It is good to maintain at least a quarter of a tank worth of fuel at all times. To read more about checking how much fuel you have, read our post about oil tank charts.

Oil Tank Types

The type of oil tank you have influences the issues you might face maintaining or replacing it. There are various types of oil tanks: plastic vs. steel tanks, indoor vs. outdoor vs. underground tanks. Even the layering can be variable – there are single-skin, double skin and bunded tanks. A bunded tank means a tank within another, slightly larger tank. The complexity of tank categories means it is best to enlist the help of an expert to replace or maintain it.

For above-ground tanks, there are several recommended maintenance tanks.

Check Integrity

Make sure tank legs are not eroded, bent, or rusted, and the leg brackets aren’t cracked or detached. Verify the structural integrity of the tank’s platform as well.Touch the tank and its connectors to detect rust or deformities, as well as around the drain. Any black coloring on the tank likely means there is water leaking into it. If you see darkening, check the connecting pipes for drips. Similarly, check the filters and valves.Any of these signs mean you should call a professional for oil tank maintenance or oil tank replacement.

Check Control Mechanisms

If the tank is operating properly, the vent whistle should make noises while the tank is being filled. The oil tank gauge will reflect increasing levels as the oil is used up. If the gauge is cracked or loose, call a professional to take a look at your system. Again, you could be looking at oil tank replacement.

Oil Tank Protection

An outdoor tank should be protected from strong winds and heavy precipitation. Clear the area of nearby trees so branches don’t crush the tank. The tank should be fenced off to avoid damaging hardware such as lawnmowers accidentally running over it. The screens on the tank’s vents are extremely important – make sure they aren’t damaged or missing.An underground tank is harder to check yourself – this is why it is important to have covenants with your heating oil supply company to include maintenance. Just because an aboveground tank is easier to check doesn’t mean you don’t need maintenance, as expert eyes make sure you don’t accidentally miss something..Having additional maintenance might increase the expense of your contract, but is still financially worth it in the long run. Oil tank repair can be expensive. Oil tank replacement is even more costly. Making sure your oil tank is maintained by yourself and a professional saves you the large expense of your oil tank replacement caused by failure.

Oil Tank Cleaning

Pollutants naturally build up in tanks, leading to condensation forming on the inside of tanks and water getting trapped. The oil in your tank sits on top of the water build up (as oil floats on water) and cleaning is imperative to resolve this issue. The water, over time, will corrode your tank and require oil tank replacement.Tank corrosion are primarily bad because they cause leaks. Sludge settles in the bottom of the tank. This sludge can be piped out from the outlet pipe and make its way to your furnace. The mixture of metal and water damages furnaces and blocks your filters and valves. All of these increase repair costs and could even lead to oil tank replacement.It is important to get your oil tank cleaned regularly. Cleaning should occur around once every five years – the process can be convoluted since the contents of the tank need to be pumped out. This task can generally be carried out by your oil provider. 

Other Considerations

Installing Oil Tanks  Oil Tank Leak Repair  Oil Tank Protection Plans