03/07/2024
5 Common Problems with Oil Tanks
There are several common problems with domestic oil tanks that can occur due to natural occurrences such as age or weather. However, with good oil tank care and regular maintenance, many of these issues can be avoided, saving you time and money.
Let’s take a look at 5 of the most common problems with oil tanks, why they occur, how to prevent them, and how to fix them.
1. Heating Oil Theft
Heating oil theft is an issue you may experience as a domestic Oil Tank owner. It is less prevalent during the summer months and tends to be more pressing as the weather gets colder. Nevertheless, it is still something to think about when installing your oil tank and throughout its general lifespan.
How to prevent people from stealing your heating oil
Have your oil tank installed in an area that you can see easily from your house, such as near a window or back door. This should hopefully deter anyone from stealing your oil.
When you first get your oil tank, install it inside in a basement or locked shed or position it underground. Thieves will either not know you have an oil tank or may not view it as worth attempting to steal.
Install cameras, monitors, and alarms to ensure that you are notified if your oil tank is tampered with.
2. Corrosion
Cosmetic damage, such as corrosion, is a sign your metal oil tank is getting weaker. Corrosion is caused by water contamination, condensation, heat or UV light. This can eventually lead to leaks and other serious problems that can be fatal to your heating system, leaking to full oil tank replacements and appliance repairs.
There are several types of corrosion that may occur, including:
General corrosion – occurs throughout a tank
Local corrosion – appears in specific areas where water collects or flows
How to avoid oil tank corrosion
Give your oil tank regular inspections yourself, in addition to any annual inspections by an OFTEC professional. Do both an internal inspection for signs of water or internal rusting, as well as an external examination to uncover any dips, dents, paint chips, splits or cracks in the body of the tank.
How to fix oil tank corrosion
There are some ways to remove corrosion from your oil tank by yourself at home:
You must first completely and safely move oil from your tank to a temporary container.
Mix vinegar and baking soda to nearly fill the tank.
Let the mixture sit until it bubbles up and begins to change colour; then rinse thoroughly to ensure it’s completely empty.
If the corrosion has caused cracks, holes, or splits, you need a full oil tank replacement.
3. Leaks and Spillages
Oil tank leaks or spills are signs that your tank has serious external damage or that some of its fixtures may be loose. Leaks can damage local wildlife and the environment, resulting in hefty fines or clean-up costs for the oil tank owner.
Causes of leaks and spillages include:
Corrosion
Physical damage
Poor maintenance
Improper installation
Manufacturing defects
Environmental factors
Age
How to prevent a leak from your oil tank.
There are several things you can do to try and prevent an oil tank leak:
1. Choose an oil tank with a secondary containment, even if you are not legally required to do so.
2. Have annual (at a minimum) oil tank inspections by OFTEC technicians to ensure early signs or damage that could lead to leaks are detected.
3. Practice good oil tank care, such as keeping it out of direct sunlight, keeping the surrounding area clear of debris, and filling your oil tank to the top during summer.
What to do if you find an oil tank leak
If you think your oil tank has a leak, immediately carry out the following steps:
- Identify the source and plug the hole using an emergency repair kit. If your tank is plastic, rub a bar of soap along the split to seal it.
- Stop the spread of the oil by putting down cat litter or sawdust
- If you can’t plug the leak, collect the leaking oil in a container such as a bucket.
- Call an OFTEC Technician and ask for Emergency oil tank services
In the long term, if a technician advises it, you must completely replace your oil tank.
4. Water Contamination
Water contamination in an oil tank can occur from cracks or splits in the tank’s exterior, ill-fitting fixtures, or condensation build-up from warmer months.
Water can:
- Contaminate oil and worsen its quality
- Cause rust and corrosion
- Effect connected appliances
Water contamination can also lead to frozen pipelines if water or condensation remains in the tank when it is winter and temperatures drop below 0oC.
Ways to stop your oil tank from getting contaminated with water
- Keep your tank filled up to the top during the summer
- Have your oil tank inspected at least every 6 months
- Keep lids stuck on your tank
- Shelter your oil tank from direct sunlight and water
- Tank dewatering at outlet pipes every 6-8 months.
How to get water out of your oil tank
Internal inspections are necessary for detecting and confirming water contamination. More often than not, if your oil tank is contaminated with water, an OFTEC technician will advise you to get it drained and cleaned and then refilled with new, uncontaminated oil.
5. Sludge
Sludge is a byproduct of untreated water contamination in your oil tank. Water collects bacteria and debris, which then sits at the bottom of the tank, clogging pipelines, filters, and appliances and contaminating your oil.
How to stop sludge from forming in your oil tank
Preventing sludge involves removing water contamination at early stages to stop it from developing into something more damaging. Using premium kerosene or a fuel additive can reduce your carbon deposits, improving the efficiency of the heating system.
Other preventatives include:
Ensuring all lids and caps are secure
Regular oil tank inspections by OFTEC technicians
Self-inspections of your oil tank’s exterior
Keep the area clear of debris
How to remove sludge from your oil tank
The sludge needs to be removed by a professional oil tank technician; it is too complicated for you to carry out at home without causing damage. A professional will clean both your tank and its contents to ensure it is completely sludge-free.
If you’ve discovered that your oil tank has any of these common issues, do not hesitate to contact a member of our team to assist you. Call us on 01638 781710, today.
