Oil Tank Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Home

Written on: August 23, 2021

Take Care of Your Oil Tank

Heating oil tanks are pretty simple in terms of design, but it only takes one thing to go wrong for it to make life difficult.

An Oil Tank Inspection List

This is the ideal time to give your heating oil tank a thorough inspection, making sure that it is safe and ready to go when heating season begins. Here’s what to do.

• Make sure that oil lines have a protective sleeve so that it does not come in contact with the concrete floor or ground, both of which can damage the lines over time.
• Check the tank legs for damage and if the foundation or ground it is on has become uneven.
• Inspect filter and valves, as these are common spots for leaks.
• Check gauge and make sure it is not cracked or leaking
• Look all around the tank for rust, other kinds of damage, or leaks. Make sure to check seams closely, as leaks can occur there.
• Check fuel pipe for drips or leaks.
• If you see any problems, contact us right away. If your tank needs replacing, we’ll be able to get it done before the heating season.

Now is also the time to get your heating oil tank filled. It protects your heating oil tank from the damage caused by condensation.

When there is empty space in your heating oil tank, condensation develops on the bare walls. The condensation eventually drips off the wall and sink to the bottom of the tank because water is heavier than heating oil. Once there, the condensation begins to make a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to the development of sludge. Heating oil sludge is a combination of dirt, rust, and oxidized fuel settled on the bottom of your heating oil tank.

Fuel line sludge plugs fuel lines, and this will cause your furnace or boiler to malfunction if the sludge is too dense. When you have no heat in the middle of winter, that can become a costly problem.

Condensation in your heating oil can also lead to the development of sediment, which can cause corrosion on the inside of your heating oil tank.

If tank corrosion causes a tank failure, you’ll not only need to replace your oil tank, but also have it removed by a professional and properly clean up any spilled heating oil. This is an expensive problem.

Benefits of a Full Heating Oil Tank

Condensation accelerates in warmer weather. A full heating oil tank in the summer prevents condensation from developing, protecting your tank from the damage it can cause.

Make sure to fill your oil tank now because the heating season is approaching. If a cold snap should occur during this time before it starts, you’ll have enough fuel to see you through. Filling your tank now will also save money, as demand is low, and prices are typically lower than they would be at the start of the heating season.

Be ready whenever you need to turn on the heat in your home. Contact us today to schedule your heating oil delivery!