Buying a New Oil Tank? Here’s What to Look For

Replacing your oil tank is a crucial investment. Before replacing it, you have to know how to tell if your oil tank needs to be replaced. So how long does an oil tank typically last? A typical indicator that your indoor tank unit needs to be replaced is tank failure. However, you will often spot some warning signs beforehand. 

Typical oil tank life span

Usually, an oil tank lasts for about 15 to 20 years. It’s roughly two to three times the length of an average residential occupancy. 

So, if a tank is on its way to its 15th year, and at a time you officially sign your lease agreement or close your home loan, you could expect additional expenses to your move-in costs. In most cases, an oil tank could considerably last longer than usual with proper and regular maintenance. However, consulting a professional, like www.simpletankservices.com, to inspect the oil tank when it reached its 15th year, regardless of how it behaves, is crucial to see signs of wear and possible performance issues along the way. Actually, even after a few years of being in the house, you should have the oil tank inspected already because it may appear to have an optimal condition but you’ll never know how the previous owners treated it. The oil tank inspector will eventually recommend advice when the time comes to install a new oil tank. They will help you comply with legislation and make sure the tank works for your specific needs.

Early signs that an oil tank needs to be replaced

Although a plumbing professional should be able to provide the appropriate prognosis, there are signs that you could find as a homeowner to have an idea of whether an oil tank is failing or due for some repairs. Some of the most obvious early signs of oil tank trouble include corrosion and dent marks. Rusts and dents usually indicate that something is wrong with the oil tank operations. The presence of wet spots, whether it’s underneath the tank or on the surface, is another indicator of trouble. Some of the things you should also look at are faulty vent alarms, broken fuel gauge, oil runs, pipe logs, and oil efficiency. If any of these issues arise with your tank, have your oil tank unit inspected by a licensed professional or technician who will be able to diagnose the problem and let you know of options such as doing repair work or overall replacing your oil tank. 

Things to consider when installing a new oil tank

In getting a new oil tank, it is highly recommended that you get advice from a competent tank installer. Fiberglass Tank Reline Services is a top quality installer. They will ensure to handle and comply with legislation and look for things to consider before getting a new oil tank such as looking for nearby watercourses, loose-fitting manhole covers, wells, boreholes, high water tables, or sensitive groundwater areas. Having any of these may affect where you would put your tank and may require you to have secondary containment to comply with the law. A competent tank installer will ensure you get value for money and provide help to avoid potential problems or any illegal tank installation. 

Where to put your tank

If an oil spill may go undetected, there would be an impact on your property, health, and the environment and it can be severe especially if it’s coming from an underground tank or pipework. 

Carefully looking for the best place to put your tank is very important and it is a must to comply with your local building or household regulations. There are also online local communities to help get advice and know your local community regulations about installing your new tank. Normally, it is recommended to install your oil tank outside and above ground within a secondary containment system. Your tank should be positioned to minimize the risk of pollution and maximize its security. Place it somewhere in a room that you frequently occupy so that you can keep an eye on it. Oil tank theft is becoming increasingly common nowadays. 

It is not recommended to install oil tanks underground. You may need planning permission to install an underground oil storage tank. If there are no other options, you should contact your environmental regulator for advice as this will ensure that before ordering or installing a tank, it will be possible, safe, and legal. There may be restrictions on where to install your underground tank, especially in sensitive groundwater areas. 

Type of tanks you need

Above ground tank

For this type of tank, you should check their manufacturer and choose the one that was manufactured by a recognized and relevant industry standard. This will ensure that the tank has been manufactured and tested by strict quality standards. It should be marked clearly with a maximum filling capacity to help with ordering fuel. There should also be displayed information on actions to take if there is an oil leak or spill. 

Underground oil tanks

Underground oil tank installation is very crucial. It is only those tanks that are specifically designed and constructed for underground use are buried partially or wholly underground. These tanks have a special design that allows them to withstand the pressure exerted outside of the tank when it is empty. It is highly advisable to consult and seek a specialist’s advice if you are planning to install an underground tank. There should be strict compliance with the tank’s manufacturer’s instructions for installing an underground domestic oil tank, especially about its maximum depth, amount of infill, and concrete. The tanks should also be located to a minimum of two meters away from any vehicle movement or parking areas.

Second-hand tanks

You can also opt to buy a second-hand tank but make sure to have it inspected by a competent person before installing it. There’s always a risk of compromising the container from its previous use and moving the container. Never consider buying a tank that is deformed or out of shape, or metal tanks with visible rust. For plastic tanks, do not buy those with whitening, cracking, or splits

Buying a new oil tank is all about getting advice from the experts, having access to your tank for you to check it regularly, correct installation, and ensuring that any old tank and pipework should be removed. Consider also seeking advice from your insurance company as they will have a view on the location of your tank and relate to how it may affect your building and contents insurance. They may also advise on the tank’s security which may have a bearing on your premiums.