Top signs it’s time for an oil tank replacement
Whether you’ve been living in a house with an oil tank for a while or you are buying a house with an oil tank for the first time, it is important to know when the time is right for a replacement.
All bunded oil tanks supplied by Tanks for Everything have a 10-year warranty.
But with regular servicing and maintenance to prolong its life, there is no reason why an oil tank shouldn’t last for 20 or even 25 years.
There are a lot of factors which influence the lifespan of an oil tank, so it’s important never to assume it will last for 20 years! Key factors include the location of a tank, the material it is made from (steel tanks generally last longer than plastic), exposure to the elements and how often it is serviced.
It is important not to take any risks and leave it too late to replace your oil tank. If you ignore the warning signs and have a leak or your oil tank stops working, you could be left with an expensive environmental clean-up bill, not to mention a very cold house!
While a professional will always provide the best advice, you should also be aware of any potential issues yourself and carry out regular checks at home.
Some problems can be patched up or repaired by a professional, potentially extending the life of a tank by a few years. But ultimately, no matter how regularly you have your oil tank serviced and how well it is protected from the weather, the time will when repairs are no longer enough and it’s time for a replacement.
Here are the top signs it’s time for an oil tank replacement…
Rust and visible corrosion – if you have a steel tank, rust on the outside is a big red flag. Not only does it indicate the exterior of the tank is corroding, leaving it more susceptible to leaks, but it could show there is internal damage too. An oil tank which is corroding inside can lead to a build-up of sludge inside the tank. If left unchecked, this could ultimately lead to tank failure.
Dents and damage – major dents or other damage, perhaps caused by a vehicle or fallen debris, can affect the structural stability of an oil tank. They could also be an indicator of internal damage, which could affect the operation of the tank, for example rust inside the tank can block the fuel lines and filter. Any major dents or damage are always a warning sign to get your tank checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Leaking oil – signs of an oil leak, including damp spots, a visible sheen on surfaces or a smell of oil, are always a warning sign. Left unchecked, an oil leak could cause environmental damage to your garden or the surrounding area, including watercourses and an impact on wildlife. This could lead to a big clean-up bill. A small oil leak might be reparable, but often an oil leak is an indicator that it’s time to invest in a new tank.
Poor performance – if your home isn’t as warm as it used to be, your costs are rising or your heating is unexpectedly turning off, it may be an indication that some part of your heating set-up needs replacing. Poor heating performance isn’t just caused by a worn-out oil tank, but it is important to get it checked, in case it needs repairing or replacing.
Outdated design – while single skin tanks are still legal in many situations, they are more likely to fail sooner than bunded tanks, which have a double layer of protection. In addition, older single skin oil tanks will often not be as structurally sound as newer single skin tanks.
Advanced age – the older your tank is, the greater the risk of it failing. Once it has passed the 10-year warranty mark, it makes sense to inspect it even more carefully and to keep up a regular timetable of inspections and maintenance by an OFTEC-registered professional. As it approaches 20 years old, it may be that some repairs are no longer financially viable, and a new tank would be the better option.
Damaged lines or components – if the lines from your oil tank to the boiler are damaged, this can lead to an oil leak. If the oil gauge is damaged, you won’t be able to tell how much fuel you have left in your tank and could end up running out unexpectedly in the middle of winter. If the alarm system on your tank is broken, a supplier won’t fill your tank. Damage to any of these parts will require replacement or repair by a professional. In some cases, for example if the tank is already old, it might not be financially viable to replace or repair and might make more sense to get a new oil tank.
Damage from the elements – oil tanks can be damaged by pretty much any form of extreme weather. Long-term exposure to hot, bright sun can weaken a plastic oil tank, while strong winds can cause damage through falling tree branches. But the biggest risk is from rain, ice and snow. Heavy snow on the tank can cause structural damage and should always be removed quickly – use a brush, not a spade, which could cause further damage. Water getting inside the tank from rain, ice or snow can cause internal damage. As it mixes with rust and oil, it can get into your fuel supply and cause blockages in pipes, filters and valves. For this reason, it is important to protect your oil tank from the elements to help extend its life.
If you notice any of these signs when carrying out checks yourself, you should call a professional, as they will be able to advise whether the problem can be repaired or whether it is time for a new tank.
Individually, none of these signs necessarily mean it’s time to replace your oil tank. But if you notice several of them, that would definitely be an indication that you need a new oil tank.
If you currently have a single skin tank, it would make sense to replace it with a bunded oil tank. While single skin tanks are still legal in most domestic situations, a bunded oil tank is virtually leakproof and you are also prepared for any changes in the law in the future.
The best thing you can do for your oil tank (and your own bank account!) is to get your oil tank and boiler checked annually by an OFTEC registered heating engineer.
The good news is that, the better care you take of your oil tank, the longer it will last and the longer you can delay the big expense of a replacement tank.
