You probably haven’t thought about your oil tank in a while. After all, if it’s not empty, it shouldn’t even cross your mind. And in most cases, that’s perfectly fine! Heating oil tanks are built to last a long time. But eventually, they do need to be replaced.
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 is a lot bigger than the cost of simply replacing an aging tank. Here are the telltale signs that your heating oil tank is leaking—or could start soon:
So how long should your oil storage last—and when should you think about getting a new one? The honest answer is “it depends.” A variety of factors can influence the lifespan of your heating oil tank including its age, the attention to routine maintenance, and the quality of its 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.
Also, the location of the connector valve can make a difference. Connectors at the bottom of the tank—instead of the side—typically last longer. Newer tanks are made from plastic and fiberglass and are designed to last 50 years or more.
Steel tanks are still available today, but they are built to a much higher standard than in the past. Using alternative construction materials such as fiberglass and polyethylene for the inner lining of double-walled tanks make them virtually leak-proof.
The bottom line is that a new heating oil tank costs far less than the expense of an oil spill or cleanup. If you think it’s time to replace your tank, contact the local professionals at Pemi River Fuels today to learn more about expert oil tank replacement, installation, and removal in Central New Hampshire.