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When you look at a heating oil tank, it looks like a pretty simple piece of equipment, right? A big container that holds your home’s heating oil—nothing more, nothing less.
Well, in reality it’s a little more complex than that, but even still, you should know that the simplest things need attention and proper care.
Those “simple” heating oil tanks can last for decades, and you can help that happen with proper maintenance and monitoring of your heating oil tank from season to season, and year to year.
In fact, you should regularly inspect your heating oil tank. There are obvious signs of problems that, if left unaddressed, could lead to tank failure and a messy, costly problem. Here’s some of what to look for.
The most common reason, however, for tank failure is something you don’t catch early on: corrosion occurring from the inside of the tank.
Condensation is the culprit when it comes to heating oil tank corrosion. When your heating oil tank has more air than oil, condensation begins to develop on the interior walls of the tank. This condensation accelerates as temperatures change from winter to spring, spring to summer, summer to fall, and fall to winter.
That condensation drips off the walls. Because water is heavier than heating oil, it sinks to the bottom of the tank. Once there, the condensation begins to create a perfect breeding ground for sediment. Sediment leads to corrosion of your heating oil tank, eating away at the interior lining and breaking down the long-term durability of the tank.
According to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, a response to a heating oil tank leak occurs, on average, at least one a day.
The best way to protect your heating oil tank from corrosion is to keep it at least 50% full, especially during the spring and summer when you’re not using it. That’s why we recommend that you fill your heating oil tank at the end of heating season every year!
Not only does it prevent corrosion, it also allows you to be ready for the next heating season no matter when the first cold snap comes. Additionally, do you know the last time you had a tank inspection? If the answer to that is “I’m not sure” then it might be safe to schedule one! Our team can reassure you that your tank is in safe, working condition, while also flagging any potential issues before they turn into larger headaches.
Want safe, reliable heating oil delivery to keep your home warm and cozy all season long? Become a PitStop Fuels customer! We’re ready to meet all your fuel delivery and heating-equipment service needs. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!