Maintenance Tips for Your Heating Oil Tank

If you have a heating oil tank, you need to know how to take care of it. It is not something you can just set and forget. Oil tanks are exposed to corrosive forces that require you to get regular checkups to keep them running.

When you neglect your tank, you risk serious problems. If you wait too long, you may need to hire a professional for repair or underground tank removal Putnam County. To avoid that and extend the life of your tank, see below for some maintenance tips.

Check the Supports

For outdoor above-ground tanks, you need to check their supports periodically. Being exposed to the weather leaves your tank vulnerable to corrosion over time. Any rust you notice on the legs needs to be addressed as soon as possible. In addition to corrosion, oil fuel tanks need a sturdy surface to rest on. Your best option is concrete set on compacted earth. Check for cracks or signs of sinking every few months to ensure your tank does not tip over or become unstable.

Be Wary of Leaks

Leaks are a massive problem for oil tanks. The best solution for oil leaks is prevention. For indoor and outdoor tanks, you need to inspect their fuel lines, valves, and fittings. These are relatively easy to replace if they show damage. However, cracks in your fuel tank area are a much more significant problem and likely warrant a new unit. Underground fuel tanks are much more challenging to inspect. Hire professionals to do any maintenance work on your underground tanks, and do not leave anything to chance. Before a spill or leak happens, you should outfit yourself with an oil spill kit. This is a temporary measure, but it can help contain a spill while you wait for experts to arrive.

Leaks and supports are just two areas to monitor on your oil tank. Consult with a professional to get the full breakdown of everything you need for fuel tank maintenance.