Choosing an oil tank may be a difficult task since there are so many different varieties to pick from, each with distinct forms, dimensions, and volumes to consider. You depend on your heating oil tank to hold enough oil to keep you warm during the winter. Winters may be harsh, so keeping plenty of oil on hand is essential for your family’s wellbeing. When it comes to fuel oil tanks, there are a few things to think about: installation, maintenance, and supply to your home! Check out what we have to say about these crucial points down below!
Fuel Oil Tank Installation
Installing a heating oil tank can be a cost-effective strategy to keep your expenses low and your property warm if you’re thinking about changing your heating system. When deciding where to put your new heating oil tank, there are various aspects to consider. Each arrangement has its own set of advantages that may or may not be suitable for your requirements. Some could be out of the question, while others might be ideal. A lot of it comes down to personal tastes and your ability to stick to rules.
You can break down heating oil tank locations into the following four types:
- Outdoor
- Indoor
- Above-ground
- Underground
Outdoor Fuel Oil Tank Installation
Outdoor tanks can be installed either above or below ground. This form of solution provides the security of having your tank stored somewhere other than your house. In the case of an oil spill or fire, an outside tank might give some protection, especially if you have kids or pets. The driver will be able to access your tank at any time, saving you the inconvenience of needing to let them into your home for oil delivery. However, there are a few drawbacks to keeping your oil tank outside, including a shorter lifetime, increased susceptibility to rust and natural degradation, and problems caused by severe weather and temperature changes.
Indoor Fuel Tank Installation
An internal heating oil tank is exactly what it sounds like: it’s located within your home, usually in a utility room or other empty place. Your oil tank should, in ideal conditions, be kept in the basement. Indoor oil tanks are protected from the weather and the extreme temperature fluctuations, preventing corrosion and other problems. Indoor oil tanks survive longer than outside tanks, with good care and maintenance, they may last up to 20 years. Because the tank is inside, you’ll be able to check for leaks or malfunctions more easily. At the same time, if your oil tank does have a leak, it will occur inside your home, which may be an unappealing scenario.
Above-Ground Oil Tank Installation
Above-ground oil tanks are completely above-ground and sit on a strong concrete surface or other firm surface outside the home. Because of its visible components, repair professionals have an easier time accessing and examining above-ground tanks. They’re also simple to set up, making it the preferred choice for replacing an oil tank. Keep in mind that above-ground oil tanks might be damaged by the weather. Without a cover to protect it, the tank is more susceptible to corrosion, cracking, and other types of damage that might compromise its performance. Above-ground tanks may take up room on your home, so you may want to consider installing your new heating oil tank indoors or underground.
Underground Oil Tank Installation
If the tank or any of its components or lines are located below the earth’s surface, it is considered to be an underground oil storage tank. Underground storage tanks, like their indoor versions, are shielded from the weather. Additionally, completely underground tanks are unnoticeable, allowing you to maintain a more open feel to your property without having to worry about a large tank blocking your landscape. Accessibility to underground oil tanks might be a challenge. Detecting leakage is challenging since these tanks are buried beneath the surface. Inspections and repairs take longer and require more effort if you start having problems. Yard displacement is a common part of subsurface tank repairs.
Fuel Oil Tank Maintenance
When it comes to tank maintenance, there are a number of factors to consider. However, the key goal is to ensure that the oil runs only through the exit pipe. Maintaining your fuel oil tank on a regular basis might save you money in the long run and guarantee that your tank is always operating at its best. It is critical that you inspect your oil tank for any visible damage. The presence of large dents or cracks as well as discoloration, protrusions, or corrosion may indicate damage that necessitates repair. Keep an eye out for fill points, air vents, and most importantly, the oil level indicator.
As oil tanks can be put inside, outside, or even underground, it is very important to think about where the tank is going to be. Another thing you should do is make absolutely sure your tank is locked and secure to avoid any mishaps. If your oil tank is outside, make sure you can see it from inside your house but not from the road. It’s good to have CCTV and light sensors around your oil tank if your tank isn’t visible from your home.
Another thing to think about when it comes to oil tank servicing is the risk of water getting into the tank. A leaky filler cap, corroded seals, damaged vents, or even a split or hole in the tank itself can let water in. Because rainwater can be contaminated, it’s almost impossible to tell by looking at the soil and looking for signs of it. Any water that has made its way inside the tank will plunge to the bottom, making it hard to get rid of.
Fuel Oil Tank Delivery
If your property is warmed with oil, you must ensure that the tank is kept full. This may be made considerably more difficult when confronted with extreme weather conditions. Nonetheless, it is critical to prepare your house for a heating oil delivery.
The easiest element of this process is ensuring that the delivery person can easily locate your home by displaying your house number. You’re not looking to cause a delay in delivery, are you?
Additionally, you should check that the inflow pipeline is easily accessible and that the tank is free of debris. Remember that your supplier will need to pull a long hose to your intake pipe. This hose must be able to navigate the area simply and safely. With this in mind, you’ll want to ensure that the pathway connecting your driveway or street to your inlet is free of obstructions or dangers such as rocks or tree branches.
For those of you who are acquiring a new oil tank, maintaining your present one, or replacing your old one, we hope that this information may be of use. You may save money and effort by following these tips, and yet have a fully functional fuel oil tank!
