Winter’s now fast approaching, and heating season is getting closer, making it the perfect time to check your oil storage tank. Remember that you’ll still need to regularly check your tank for any damage and carry out maintenance where necessary. This is so that it’s in perfect condition for your next oil delivery. Here are some helpful steps to bear in mind for getting your tank ready for winter.
Keep your tank up to date
Making sure your tank is meeting all of the current storage regulations should be the first step, so you’re up to date with the current guidelines. You need to make sure that you’ve had inspections for your above ground tanks, testing for your underground tanks, and that any leaks or spills have been properly reported. Many tank owners upgrade to a fully bunded plastic oil tank, as they have a higher safety and security level.
Bunded oil tanks have a design that offers a higher level of safety and security. In the event of a leak or spill, any oil would be safely contained within the tanks ‘outer skin’ to prevent it from escaping into the environment and causing pollution. Most bunded tanks are also lockable to increase your tank security. Upgrading to a bunded tank will give you peace of mind knowing that your oil is stored responsibly and in line with all current legislation.
Consider refilling your tank
Refilling your tank at the end of the Summer and before the main heating season offers a number of great benefits such as:
- You can take advantage of off-season fuel prices and enjoy quick delivery. Fuel prices are lower in summer as the majority of people purchase fuel in the autumn and winter months in preparation for the colder season.
- You will be prepared to heat your home as soon as the weather starts to get colder.
- Having a full tank helps to prevent condensation which can lead to sludge build-up and tank corrosion.
Book an annual maintenance checkup
Always schedule an annual maintenance checkup in summer. Your local oil tank technician will check your tank thoroughly and make sure there are no issues with your system. This should reassure you that your tank will remain in good condition over the summer. An annual maintenance checkup has a number of additional benefits such as - ensuring that your tank warranty is valid and extending the lifespan of your tank.
Check pipe fittings
Make sure that your fittings are in good condition and firmly in place during the tank inspection. It is recommended that any problems found with the fittings and pipes be fixed or replaced. sludge buildup in old filters might cause obstructions in pipes, so it's advised to periodically check your oil pipes for any possible problems.
Look for any damage
Checking for any damage in your tank consistently, like splits or cracks, will help you identify them quicker and act sooner, so it doesn’t turn into any future problems. Another reason why you should be regularly inspecting damage is so that there’s no significant damage that can lead to any pollution and environmental harm.
Get a heating system maintenance plan
Buying a maintenance plan for your heating system will help to avoid the expenses of repairs and replacement. These kinds of plans involve regular tank examinations to detect any issues, avert any malfunctions and boost the efficiency of the system itself. This will all help to keep your tank from having to be replaced, and making sure it lasts as long as possible.
Final thoughts
Keeping your oil tank maintained is necessary to avoiding large costs for replacements, repairs, and possible fines for leakage. It’s always best to keep your oil tank well maintained in order to avoid costly replacements and repairs, as well as fines for leakages. Environmental harm can come from even a small oil leak, which is why it’s so important to follow recommended maintenance procedures.
