Maintenance of your oil storage tank is essential for protecting your heating oil supply and keeping your home warm in winter. Maintenance will also reduce the likelihood of spills or leaks, ensure you are complying with the law and reduce repair and replacement costs.
Whether you have a plastic tank or a steel one, they are built to last. Oil tanks supplied by Tanks for Everything have a 10-year warranty and many will last a lot longer than that. But without regular maintenance, they can develop cracks or rust or allow a build-up of water.
Regular checks you can carry out yourself will help to catch potential problems early.
Look out for:
- Sudden drops in oil level
- Oil stains around the base of your tank
- Problems with alarms and gauges
- Cracks or bulging in plastic tanks
- Rust or corrosion in steel tanks
If you spot anything out of the ordinary, call a professional as soon as possible to make sure a minor problem doesn’t become an emergency.
Maintenance should be a year-round activity, but there are some jobs which are best done at particular times of the year.
Spring maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to assess any potential damage caused during the cold winter months.
One key thing to check in spring is water in the bund of a bunded oil tank. This could indicate cracks or damaged seals, which should be addressed immediately to prevent contamination of the oil or corrosion of a steel tank.
Another important thing to check is signs of cracking or bulging in the outer bund (or the wall of a single skin tank). Any damage means a tank could be more likely to leak and should be repaired if possible or replaced if necessary.
Summer maintenance
Whatever the age of your tank and whether it is bunded, single skin, steel or plastic, you should arrange an annual service. The summer is the best time for this as OFTEC registered professionals are less likely to be busy and your tank will probably contain less oil. The annual service can identify internal corrosion, structural integrity and early signs of leaks, damage or contamination.
When plants are growing fast and insects are buzzing around, the likelihood of blockages in your tank increases. Check vents, caps and gauges are clean, secure and working as they should do. Any external protection for your oil tank should also be clear of plants, debris and water.
Summer heat and condensation can encourage the growth of algae in your heating tank. Using a biocide and looking out for discolouration can help preserve the quality of your oil and protect your heating system.
Autumn maintenance
Autumn is a good time to test the isolation valve. An isolation valve in proper working order allows you to shut the fuel supply off, which is essential in an emergency.
You should schedule a professional clean every few years. This is best done before the coldest part of the year and will help prevent water and sludge build-up, which could lead to blockages.
If you didn’t manage to book in your annual service in summer, you definitely need to do it in the autumn, because you really don’t want to be without your heating oil in the cold of winter.
Whenever you have your inspection, make sure you maintain your records for insurance needs and so you remember what you’ve had done and when! Without records, it is easy to forget to book an annual service.
Winter maintenance
Winter is the riskiest time of year for your oil tank, due to frost, snow and extreme temperatures. It is also the time of year when you want to be sure you can rely on it to keep your home warm.
Keep your tank clear of frost and snow to allow airflow and regularly check for any damage caused by frost, especially to pipes. A shelter or cover will help protect it from the harshest winter conditions.
If it is possible your oil could freeze, you can use additives in your oil to lower the freezing temperature of the oil.
Most heating oil tanks will last between 10 and 20 years. By carrying out regular seasonal maintenance, you will help to extend the life of your oil tank and ensure it stays safe and efficient, warming your home for years to come.
But if your tank is showing signs of significant wear and tear, it is important to upgrade to a new one before your existing tank fails – causing heating breakdown, loss of fuel or environmental damage.
