Is It Time to Replace Your Oil Tank?
Frequently Asked Question
Chances are you don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the heating oil tank for your Massachusetts home. However, you should think about it periodically—more frequently if it may be nearing the end of its life expectancy. It’s good to be in the habit of checking your tank for signs of problems routinely.
How Long Do Heating Oil Tanks Last?
The average heating oil tank can last as long as 30 years. How long any specific tank lasts will depend a lot on how well it’s maintained. Making sure your heating oil tank receives regular maintenance from a professional is the best way to ensure its longevity and catch developing problems before they become more severe or more expensive.
Is Something Wrong with Your Heating Oil Tank?
When you check your heating oil tank, there are a few warning signs to look out for. These indicate something is wrong and that your heating oil tank may be nearing the end of its life. Don’t ignore them.
Signs something is wrong with your heating oil tank:
- Rust and dents: Corrosion and dents can affect your tank’s performance.
- Wet spots underneath the tank or on its surface: Wet spots are a sign of condensation, which causes problems.
- Unstable legs: A full tank weighs a lot. It should be stable. If your tank isn’t properly installed, that will cause problems down the road.
- A faulty vent alarm: You should hear a sound when you fill the tank.
- A broken fuel gauge: This puts you at risk for a fuel run-out, which can damage your fuel lines and cause other problems with your heating system.
- Stray oil near the tank: This is especially problematic if it’s on the ground or near the tank gauge. This is usually an indicator that you have a leak.
- Damaged oil lines: Check the rubber tubing for splits and cracks.
- Higher bills: If you’re using oil faster than usual, or if the price of your heating bills goes up without a corresponding change in the weather or oil prices, something may be wrong with your tank or another component of your heating system. An unexplained increase in your usage and/or bills could be a sign something is wrong.
If you notice any of the above problems, it might be time to call Scott Williams to upgrade to a new aboveground oil storage tank. You’ll be glad you did.
New Oil Storage Tanks
Today’s oil storage tanks are light-years ahead of older models and offer a lot of benefits. First and foremost, they are virtually leak-proof. Here are some additional features they include:
- sleek designs
- double-walled construction, with an outer tank of corrosion-resistant galvanized steel
- leak-detection systems
- long-term warranties
Here’s one more fantastic feature: Modern aboveground tanks can usually be installed in small or unusually shaped spaces, so it can go in lots of places inside and outside of your home.
Whether it’s time for a heating oil tank repair or maintenance, or it’s time for a heating oil tank replacement , Scott Williams is here to help our customers in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Plymouth County.
If you’re ready to upgrade to a new aboveground oil storage tank, come to Scott Williams. Contact us today to learn more about your options in new oil tanks.