January is here! Is It Time To Replace My Oil Tank?

While in the midst of winter, and after a long period of use during the holiday season, it might be time to start thinking about the condition of your domestic oil tank. Indeed, if your tank is old or showing signs of wear and tear, now may be the time to consider replacing it. Let’s take a look at some of the key signs that it’s time for an upgrade:

The age of your tank

With the right maintenance and upkeep, a high-quality oil tank can last more than 15 years. If your tank has surpassed this time frame, however, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional to ensure it’s still fit for purpose and working efficiently. 

Typically, issues will start to develop in a tank that has been operational for a decade, and there are only so many repairs one can make before the cost of replacing your tank becomes a more economically sensible option. 

That being said, just because your oil tank is more than 15 years old, doesn’t automatically mean you need a new one, but it will certainly help you heat your property more effectively and will ensure any existing issues are irradiated before they become a more financially draining problem in the future.

Snow and frost exposure

If your tank is exposed to extreme temperatures such as cold and frost, or if not afforded the necessary pre-winter safeguarding measures, then it can stop operating as required.

This is particularly prevalent with domestic oil tank is located outside, so it’s a good idea to pay extra care with tank maintenance throughout the colder months– especially following hard frost or snow.

In the event of snowfalls, be sure to sweep away any deposits on the top of your tank. Do this regularly if the snowfall is heavy—more than once a day— as allowing piles of snow to collect on your tank can damage its structure. Indeed, oil tanks aren’t built to withstand heavy weight, so be sure to keep the area as snow-free as possible.

If you spot the common signs that your tank has been affected by extreme weather conditions, contact your oil tank maintenance experts who may suggest a new system is required.

Your tank is leaking

If your tank is showing telltale signs of leaking heating oil, unfortunately, it’s likely too late for a repair service call out. In the majority of cases, it will need to be replaced altogether. Evidence of an oil leak would likely indicate that your old tank has corroded and fixing them would be too costly against the outlay of buying a new tank. Luckily, relying on CT Tank’s years of expertise and experience, you can be sure to receive the best local service available when it comes to new tank installation.

But how do you know if your oil tank is leaking? Perhaps the most obvious sign that your tank is leaking is that oil is pooling around the tank or the concrete or slab tank base. If you do spot this, you should call your local tank experts right away.

Signs of cosmetic damage

Unfortunately, signs of cosmetic damage is often an indicator of something more serious. This is another occasion where regular tank inspections become vital in order to monitor the problem, and you should contact your local tank experts if the issues worsen. Identifying cosmetic damage early could be the difference between integral repair work or having your oil tank replaced entirely, so make habit of checking over your tank at least once every couple of weeks. More if you believe there's a developing concern.

How can CT Tanks help?

If you’ve spotted any of these key indicators that your tank has reached the end of its life cycle, it may well be time to replace your domestic oil tank.

For domestic oil tank replacement services you can rely on, CT Tanks are here for you. We are proud to supply our valued clients with cost-effective oil tank solutions for the exact needs of your property—no matter how large or small your home. Get in touch, and see how we can help.