Oil tanks are one of the safest and cost effective ways of storing heating oil and ensuring your home is comfortable throughout the year. However, to keep enjoying the benefits, you have to take care of your oil tank and ensure it’s in good condition at all times. With a great maintenance routine, it’s possible to keep using your tank for years. Here are seven practical tips to help you maintain your oil tank.
- Protect the location of the tank
Whether your tank is indoors or outside, you need to protect where it’s located and ensure it’s on a firm ground/ sturdy surface. Oil tanks kept outside will need protection from harsh weather, snow, wind, salt, and moisture. You can use rust-proof paint for the tank and legs to prevent any rust and preserve structural integrity. You also need to make sure no grasses are growing under the tank or its immediate surroundings, as this could lead to corrosion and rust.
- Do Occasional Inspection
One proven way to extend your oil tank’s life is to do a periodical inspection. A professional evaluation may be necessary once a year; otherwise, you can easily inspect yourself. Carefully check for signs of rust, dents, darkened spots, and leakages. If you find any of these, addressing them early can save you the cost of buying a whole new tank.
You should also check the surface where you’re placing the tank and confirm it’s still firm and has no grass underneath. We advise people to do at least a professional inspection once a year. A professional can easily spot any damage and evaluate the structural integrity of your old tank.
- Keep all vent and fill caps tight
A loose vent is one of the fastest ways to ruin your oil tank. To extend its life, always make sure all vents and fill caps are secured tightly. The tighter the cap is, the less air will be able to get into the tank, and the less rainfall will seep into the tank.
- Keep the Tank Full
Another maintenance trick is to keep the tank filled. A full tank is less likely to get contaminated with water or sludge. It will also keep out excess air from entering the tank and keep spills from happening. Besides, making sure that your oil levels never get too low will save you costs in the long run and ensure you never get stranded.
- Give an Occasional Cleaning
Giving your tank an occasional cleanse is another way to increase its life span and maximize its efficiency. Professionals advise cleansing your tank at least once in five years; this will reduce the chances of water contamination, rust, and sediment buildup.
You may need to hire a professional for this if you’re new at oil tank maintenance. If you’re hiring a professional, they will most likely come with their own tools. However, if you’re going the D.I.Y route, you may need the following tools:
- Water hose
- Protective equipment
- Cleaning towels
- Disposable containers
- Denatured alcohol
- Air hose
- TSP cleaner
- Portable air pump
Don’t forget to properly dry out the tank after cleaning before using.
Call Arlex Oil!
The tips above can help you detect early signs of damage, save you the cost of buying a new tank and prevent you from endangering your life and property. When it comes to oil tank maintenance, Arlex Oil is the best! You can trust us with all your oil tank maintenance and heating oil delivery needs. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form!