Underground oil tanks will eventually need to be replaced and homeowners should hire a certified tank removal company to complete this process. How often should an underground or above-ground heating oil tank be replaced?
Even if you buy a new home or an existing home that just had its tank replaced, you still need to know when you’ll have to likely replace it so you can plan out your home maintenance budget.
How Long Do Heating Oil Tanks Last?
Typical home heating oil tanks have a life service cycle of 15 up to 30 years. For safety reasons, you might be required to replace tanks after 15 to 20 years by either municipal ordinances where you live, your insurance carrier’s terms and conditions, or even both. Leaking tanks can turn into huge issues, so it’s smart to be cautious.
Unfortunately, you can’t just look at your home heating oil tank and know right away if it has to be replaced. Only professional inspectors can really get in there and assess things. Annual inspections are good ideas for even the newest of tanks, but you certainly have to start arranging for this regularly if your current tank is 15 years of age or older.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Even though a simple eyeball examination from an untrained novice can’t determine accurately if a heating oil tank requires replacement, there are symptoms you can look for to ascertain your heating oil tank condition. Any visual signs of excessive dents or rust on the tank surface mean you should call in a professional. Also, weeping or wet spots on either the tank surface or below the oil tank are things to report to your technician.
Improper installation can mean heating oil tanks wind up failing faster than others. If a tank is not solidly installed on the foundation or the legs of it look unstable, then get it checked out. Also, if the installation is in a spot where snow or ice might fall onto it, also get things looked into.
If you have any familiarity with this kind of hardware, then be sure your unit has its own vent alarm. You’ll need servicing if the alarm is either missing or its whistle is silent while the tank gets filled. Be sure your fuel gauge isn’t cracked, frozen, or stuck. Signs of oil near the gauge can also indicate issues. Make sure your oil lines between the furnace and tank are properly encased using protective tubing. They need protection whether they’re above ground or in concrete.
Also look for clogs within the vent pipe due to snow, ice, or insect nesting. If you find that you’re going through more oil than usual, then have the tank looked over. Inefficient operation is a frequent sign of needing the tank replaced. A trusted and experienced professional technician can help you decide on upgrades, repairs, and replacements that make your home safe and comfortable again.
Winter Safety
Whether your local climate has just bouts of winter weather or a full winter season lasting consecutive months, there are particular things you should do on an annual basis to protect your own home. Consider changing screens and doors for storm doors and windows at a minimum when the seasons change.
Falling ice and snow are two huge risks for any heating oil tank. Their damage can be severe enough to mean even a totally new tank requires replacement. Keep your tank free of both, and brush it off frequently when it’s winter. Always use a broom instead of a shovel so that you don’t hurt the tank.
Clear out icicles that might fall down from the gutters, roof, trees, or anything else. Even a small icicle might have enough weight to hurt the tank or other parts of your home.
Check your property after any storm for downed power lines. Also, make sure your heating oil tank isn’t leaking or has piping damage. If you suspect even the slightest damage to either the pipelines or the tank, consult a professional service professional immediately. Never try repairs on your own since you might hurt the system and even your home.
Keep your driveway clear of snow and ice, and make sure a service technician would have a safe path all the way to the heating oil tank.
Have Someone You Can Trust Ready
Long before you need a new heating oil tank, find someone in your area to inspect and service it regularly. Routine maintenance and upkeep should extend the life cycle of any unit, and their analysis will give you an idea of when the time will come to replace it. Then, you’ll already have a professional specialist or business you know and trust to turn to for your new tank.
