You rely on your oil tank to play its roll in keeping your home warm during Massachusetts’s cold months. Unfortunately, oil tanks don’t last forever. Eventually, harsh weather and time will cause problems that prevent you from heating your home.
Pay attention to the following seven factors to determine if your oil tank needs a replacement.
The Oil Tank Leaks
Leaking is potentially the worst thing that your oil tank can do. When an oil tank leaks, it wastes your money and harms the environment. It could even people children and animals in harm’s way. If you notice a leak, you need to get a replacement as soon as possible.
Inspecting your oil tank for leaks at least once per month will help you prevent serious damage. Excessive oil use can also alert you to a leak. If you run out of oil sooner than expected, then you need to inspect your oil tank carefully. You could have a leak that makes it look like you’re using more oil than you are.
Corrosion and Dents
A few dents may not seem like a big deal. They can, however, quickly lead to leaks if the paint gets chipped and exposes the underlying metal to the elements.
When metal interacts with water and air, it can turn into rust that thins the wall between your oil and the outside world. If you let dents and corrosion progress, then you will eventually get a leak.
It might not start leaking this month, but it will happen. Play it safe by having your dented and rusted oil tank replaces.
The Oil Tank Wobbles or Looks Uneven
Poor installation can leak to faulty legs that make your oil tank wobble or look uneven. Don’t take this structural problem lightly. The right weather conditions could cause the tank to fall over. In some cases, improperly installed oil tanks can fall unexpectedly.
Luckily, you can look for signs that your oil tank wasn’t installed correctly. Take a close look at the oil tank’s legs. If they look uneven, then you have a problem that requires a professional’s help.
You can also push against the oil tank to see if it moves. The average person doesn’t have enough strength to move an oil tank. If you can make your oil tank wobble even slightly, then you probably have an issue. Call a professional to replace your tank or repair its structural integrity.
You Find Wet Spots Near the Oil Tank
Unless your area has just received rain or snow, you shouldn’t find any wet spots near your oil tank. When you inspect the tank, look for wet spots underneath and around the tank. You should also look for wet spots on the tank.
If you find unexplainable wet spots, then you may have a leak that you can’t see or smell. Something is causing those wet spots. What the reason is, you don’t want it to progress.
The Vent Alarm Doesn’t Work
Many oil tanks have vent alarm features that make a loud noise when you fill them. The vent alarm prevents people from putting too much oil in their tanks. If the vent alarm stops working, then you either need a new tank or a replacement part.
The next time someone fills your tank, ask them to pay attention to whether they hear a vent alarm. If they don’t hear it, then your tank has sustained some kind of damage.
Remember that this only applies to oil tanks that have vent alarms. Some models do not, so you can’t rely on sound to tell you when it’s time to replace the tank.
Your Oil Tank is 15 Years Old
Most oil tanks last about 15 years. Around that time, you can expect the tank and its connected parts to start failing. The specific lifespan of your oil tank, however, may last a few years less or more than the average.
You can extend the life of your oil tank by taking good care of it. Some of the most important things you can do include:
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Using a broom (not a shovel) to remove snow from around the oil tank.
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Cleaning snow off the top and sides of your tank to prevent moisture damage and freezing.
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Clearing overhanging icicles that could fall from tree limbs and rain gutters to damage the tank.
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Inspecting the tank for dents, cranks, and other signs of damage.
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Having a professional fix any issues that you discover.
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Maintaining a clear path to the oil tank so you’re more likely to inspect it regularly.
Your Home Feels Cold
You can’t always detect oil tank damage from the outside. Some damage happens internally. You’re most likely to notice internal damage from cold spots in your home. If your house doesn’t feel warm enough, or you notice that you’re burning a lot of fuel without getting results, then your oil tank could have internal damage.
It’s important to get damaged oil tanks replaced as soon as possible. If you don’t deal with the issue today, you’ll have a bigger problem on your hands tomorrow. Besides, damaged tanks may force you to spend more money than necessary on oil. Take the budget-conscious approach by getting your oil tank replaced as needed.