Know the Warning Signs that Your Fuel Tank Needs to Be Replaced

With the frigid winter months behind us, your North Fork home’s heating oil storage is likely the last thing on your mind. In fact, you might only think about your tank when it’s time to receive a heating oil delivery.

However, paying attention to your oil tank is essential, especially if it’s getting up in years. If left unattended, damaged or corroded tanks can leak fuel, leading to costly clean-up bills. And while these tanks have a lifespan of 15-30 years, they don’t last forever. Spring is an excellent time to inspect your storage tank.

The professionals at Burt’s Reliable know what to look for and can help you determine when it’s time to move on to a new tank.

Signs that You Need to Replace Your Oil Tank

One factor that makes assessing your tank’s viability difficult is that most deterioration takes place inside it. Even so, there are some things you can look for with your naked eye.

Oil on the floor near your tank can be a sign of a leak, and you should never smell fuel by your tank. It’s essential to call us immediately if you see or smell oil.

Wet spots on your tank might indicate condensation, significantly reducing your tank’s lifespan.
Rusting, peeling paint, or dents come from corrosion or damage that could affect your tank’s performance.

Instability in your tank’s legs needs to be addressed quickly. A 275-gallon tank weighs more than a ton when full.

A broken vent alarm or fuel gauge. This equipment is crucial to making sure your tank works correctly.

Cracking or splitting oil lines can signify that oil isn’t traveling effectively to your heating equipment.

Unexplained increases in heating oil use. If you went through more oil this past winter even though you didn’t use your heat and hot water more often, it could be because of your tank.

Burt’s Can Inspect and Replace Your Old Oil Tank

While some of the issues listed above can be repaired, others mean you’ll need a new oil tank. Regardless of whether your tank shows visible wear, you should have it inspected if it is over 20 years old.

Burt’s offers a no-fee estimate on oil tank installations, oil tank removals, or oil tank replacements. And the modern tanks we install are lightyears ahead of the old tanks we remove. For example, our Granby Ecogard aboveground tank is double-walled and virtually leak-proof. It comes in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate your space. It looks pretty sleek too!

If you suspect your longtime heating oil storage tank is ready to retire, don’t wait to contact us. We’re ready to help today!