Oil tanks can be placed above or underground. Most houses, however, come with aboveground oil tanks. Deciding where to place your oil tank is more straightforward after learning the pros and cons of an aboveground oil tank. Proper storage and maintenance of the oil tank stop you from dealing with unnecessary costs and problems.
In this article, you will find out our expert opinion of our team of consultants at Arlex Oil.
What are the advantages of the aboveground oil tanks?
- Early detection of rust and corrosion
While having an underground oil tank keeps it out of view and affords you the space to use high-capacity oil tanks such as a thousand-gallon capacity, it does make the tank more susceptible to corrosion and rust. This is particularly true when the oil tank is made of construction material such as steel. Aboveground tanks, on the other hand, rarely suffer such fate; when it does, it is detected at the first sign of it and repaired immediately.
Early detection of rust and corrosion allows for prompt action and prevents this from festering any further or causing you to eventually lose your oil tank. You do not need to be an expert to detect signs of rust and corrosion on your oil tank, a simple routine inspection will suffice.
When rust festers, it leads to leaks, ruining the soil and causing significant pollution. Leaks from underground oil tanks comparatively take a longer time to discover. In most cases, it is noticed from the signs of oil spillage seen in the soil. This is not the same for an aboveground oil tank in which all parts of the tank are visible, and leaks are easily detectable.
Aboveground oil tanks are constructed to withstand harsh weather conditions, allowing them to be placed anywhere outdoors, including garages and basements.
- Accessible
Aboveground oil tanks are easily accessible. This way, problems can be easily detected and resolved. The cost of repairs is, therefore, cheaper as it does not involve digging up the soil to access the tank. They are easier to build, install, operate, maintain, and repair. They cost less in maintenance fees than underground oil tanks.
- Cost efficient
Being smaller in size, aboveground oil tanks heat up quicker than underground oil tanks. This allows them to achieve the target temperature faster, making aboveground tanks more cost-effective.
What are the disadvantages of the aboveground oil tanks?
- Oil tank capacity
The aboveground oil tank only comes in the capacity range of 160 to 400 gallons. The standard aboveground oil tank has a capacity of 270 gallons. This may not be of concern as far as domestic use is concerned. However, if you desire an oil tank for commercial purposes, one with a bigger capacity, such as the underground type with a capacity of up to 1000 gallons, may be more desirable.
- Aboveground tanks are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions such as snow and strong wind. They could get dented from falling tree branches or similar objects.
- Aboveground oil tanks are more at risk of being stolen than their underground counterpart (out of sight, out of mind). With the current rise in theft of oil tanks, you may need to store your aboveground oil tank in a more secure location, such as the basement.
- Aboveground oil tanks take up space and may constitute a nuisance when landscaping or during similar other activities.
Where is the best place for an oil tank?
Both aboveground and underground oil tanks have unique advantages and disadvantages. You will benefit from expert opinion on which location best suits your lifestyle.
At Arlex Oil, you will get the best deals on heating oil delivery and oil tank tune-up services. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form today for all your heating oil deliveries and maintenance issues.