When to Replace an Oil Tank

Written on: December 9, 2024

How to Tell if Your Heating Oil Storage Tank Is Ready to Retire

The oil tank in your basement or utility room was built to last a long time, and it doesn’t require much attention. So you probably haven’t thought much about how long it might last and when you need to think about replacing it. But eventually, they need do to be replaced.

3 Things You Shouldn’t Ignore

Of course, there are several factors that affect the lifespan of your heating oil tank: age, maintenance, construction. The good news is that modern heating oil storage tanks have come a long way from designs of the past, offering virtually leak-proof performance for decades. Here are three key things you need to consider:

1. Age If you don’t know when your tank was installed, and your home was built before 2000, it’s probably time to replace your tank. If your tank is less than 15 years old, you’re probably ok for at least few more years—or more, depending on maintenance and construction of your tank.
2. Construction They material and design of your tank can play a role in how well it ages. Newer tanks are made from plastic and fiberglass and are designed to last 50 years or more. Older tanks are made of steel and can be of single- or double-walled construction. In addition, the steel can be different gauges or thicknesses. Thicker, double walls are better. Also, the location of the connector valve can make a difference. Connectors at the bottom of the tank (instead of the side) help the tank last longer.
   New steel tanks are built to a much higher standard than older models. Most use alternative construction materials such as fiberglass and polyethylene for the inner lining of double-walled tanks, making them virtually leak-proof.
3. Maintenance If you let your tank go empty over the summer it can be more prone to condensation build-up, which can lead to rust. Sediment at the bottom of the tank can also result in corrosion. All that damage happens from the inside out, so if you see rust or seepage on the outside of your tank, you need to act fast to avoid a costly leak and spill. Consider having us do a professional inspection every year.

The Signs of a Leak

As your tank approaches the 30-year mark, start keeping an eye out for the warning signals that it’s hitting the end of its lifespan.

An early sign your oil tank is or will soon be leaking is a damp spot on the tank, usually on the underside or along the seam at the bottom of the tank. As the leak gets worse, oil will travel up the side of the tank. Blistering in the paint on the underside of the tank is another sign the tank is compromised. Condensation on the outside of the tank, even after a delivery, is also a warning sign.

If you notice sticky, black drips on the underside of the tank, or reddish-black spots on the floor below the tank, it’s an indication that your tank is already leaking. You may or may not notice an oil smell. Do not delay: Call us to replace your tank as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

Waiting until your tank fails is not the best way to find out it’s time to replace it. The hassle and expense of remediating an oil spill (anywhere from $10,00 to $50,0000) is a lot bigger than the cost of simply replacing an aging tank.

Think it’s time to replace your tank? Contact the team at Marandola today to learn more about expert oil tank removal and replacement–and reliable heating oil deliveries for your northwestern Connecticut home. For details, contact us today.