Oil Tank Replacement in New England

HOW OFTEN SHOULD AN OIL TANK BE REPLACED?

Typically, here in Massachusetts, oil tanks will last from 15-30 years. An oil tank that is well maintained can usually last closer to 30 years. However, many insurance companies require you to replace an oil tank after 15-20 years. Also, state and local ordinances may have requirements that you should check. This also means that it is very important to keep track of how old your oil tank is. This can be easier if you are the original owner of your house, but most families only spend an average of eight years in a home. This means it is very likely that your oil tank simply came with your home and you may not know how long it has been there. If you are unsure how old your home’s oil tank is, schedule a tank inspection. In some cases, if the tank is older but not leaking, homeowners go ahead and replace the unit. This can keep oil tank replacement costs down. Otherwise, old and leaky tanks can be a safety concern and hurt the environment. It is better to know about an oil tank problem now, because putting it off can be very costly.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A NEW OIL TANK?

Ensuring that your heating system works properly is very important for all homeowners in the Northeast. You do not want to be in the middle of winter and suddenly have your home-heating system fail due to a faulty or old oil tank. So, how can you tell when you need to replace your oil tank?The best strategy is to get an inspection done on your oil tank by a professional. A specialist should be able to help determine if the tank needs to be replaced. But how do you know when to call your local service pro? Here are some signs to keep an eye out for in order to avoid trouble with your tank:

• Faulty Installation – This is often indicated by messy fitting, the overabundant use of sealers and unsteady/uneven legs. A tank that is installed incorrectly may have troubles operating at full capacity. Plus, any parts that are installed poorly can become failure points for your oil tank.
• Pipe Clogs – Vent pipes that are clogged by infestations, animal nests, snow or other blockage can be dangerous. Get a professional to clean them immediately if a clog is discovered.
• Splitting Oil Lines – If you find splits or cracks when inspecting rubber hoses on your oil tank, those hoses need to be replaced. Call a professional to service your oil tank right away.
• Burning Extra Oil – Does your oil bill seem to be going up? Do you suspect that you are using more oil than usual? There may be something wrong with your tank, and you should get it inspected right away.
• Fuel Gauge Malfunction – Is your fuel gauge reading properly? Does it never change positions? Maybe it tell you that your tank is empty when it is full, or vice-versa. This can lead to the mismanagement of the fuel for your furnace. We can help get the gauge fixed.
• Vent Alarm Failure – Does your vent alarm go off when you fill your tank? If it does not it could be faulty.
• Exposure to the Elements – Is your oil tank outside and exposed to the weather? This can wear it down, shortening the tank’s lifespan. This means your tank will need more frequent inspections to keep it in good working order.
• Exterior Damage – Any exterior blemish on your tank could mean that it is compromised in some way. Rust can indicate that the tank is corroding and thus weaker. Dents can indicate impacts that may also harm seals on the tank. This sort of damage could also indicate that the tank is not functioning properly. A vibration could cause rubbing if the tank is installed poorly. This could lead to loose fittings, leaks and other problems.
• Wet Spots – If you find wet spots under your tank, around fittings or anywhere else on or near the tank, you may have a leak. This can be a serious environmental issue, and could cause high clean up costs if not handled swiftly.

HOW LONG BEFORE I HAVE TO REFUEL MY OIL TANK?

When it comes to furnace oil consumption, several factors can play a role. Local temperatures, the size of your home, your home’s energy efficiency, the quality of your furnace, and how many hours of the day you are in your home can all play into your oil consumption. A nightly temperature of around 40 degrees could consume around 4 gallons of fuel a day. A nightly temperature of 15 degrees could force you to consume closer to 8 gallons a day. However, if your house is empty after you go to work and your kids go to school, there may be less oil consumption, especially if you regulate your thermostat to lower the temperature when you are out. On average, you can expect the consumption of around 5 gallons of fuel a day during the winter. That means a 200 gallon tank should last about 40 days. A 275 gallon tank should last you around 55 days. A 300 gallon tank should keep your home heated for 60 days. But remember, these times can vary depending upon your furnace, home efficiency, local temperatures and other factors.