17/01/2024

The Ultimate Year-long Guide for Oil Tank Care in 2024

Different seasons will bring new challenges to your domestic oil tank, so being aware and prepared is the best way to maximise your oil tank functionality. From tips and tricks to making the most out of your oil tank during the cold months to the best time to install your oil tank, this ultimate guide aims to cover everything you need to do in a year with your oil tank.

Spring

Springtime should see your use of heating oil decrease and the weather slowly warms up. Although it seems ages away, you can do plenty of things to prepare your oil tank for water during spring.

Oil tanks are usually closer to empty during the springtime. Therefore, it is essential to double-check the base and ensure your oil tank is completely secured. Emptier tanks are lighter and, therefore, more likely to fall over, tip and spill.

Installation

If you are looking to get an oil tank installed for the first time or have an old one removed and replaced, spring is the best time for many reasons:

• The heating must be turned off for up to 6 hours during installation. You might have to go daily without any appliances linked to your oil tank. If you install your oil tank during mild weather, you will not miss out on your heating for the day.

 

• The pipes between appliances and your oil tank can get or become frozen during installation in freezing temperatures. Installing in spring prevents this from happening.

 

• Lots of people still install tanks during the winter months, so for this reason, be prepared and install your oil tank in the spring allows for more flexible installation schedules from technicians and a shorter waiting list.

 

• Spring also allows for off-season prices. Once installed, the heating oil for your tank will also be cheaper than during peak winter seasons – so it is a great time to prepare for winter and save money.

 

• Installing an oil tank during spring reduces the risk of condensation forming in your tank, which is likely to occur if installed in the peak of summer.

 

• Dry and mild weather also allows for easier tank installation outside, with less chance of wet, windy days.

Cleaning

Give your tank a spring clean! Prepare for winter and focus on maintaining your oil tank while it is not in use.

The weather is typically more forgiving and dry; therefore, it is easier to drain, clean and dry an oil tank, whether done by a professional or yourself.

You are also less likely to need to use your oil tank during the warm weather as oil tank cleaning requires the current contents to be removed and stored elsewhere.

Whilst cleaning, we recommend changing the oil tank filter. This will help keep your oil contaminant-free after cleaning the tank and removing sediment from the current oil contents.

Summer

Summer brings on hot weather that can cause various problems to your oil tank, such as condensation, corrosion and rusting pipes. If left untreated, these can lead to more severe issues, such as cracks, splits or leakages.

Maintenence tips

Summer requires lots of oil tank maintenance to keep your oil tank functioning correctly and prevent it from failing during the cold season.

• Shade: When an oil tank is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, it can experience significant temperature increases, leading to various potential issues. You can minimise the risk of problems from the sun by creating shade for your oil tank through shrubs, trees, a canopy, a roof or a shed.

 

• Ventilation: Extreme heat can cause the temperature inside the tank to rise, potentially leading to oil degradation and even posing a safety hazard. Good ventilation allows for airflow around the tank, preventing excessive heat buildup.

 

• Fire Barrier: A fire-resistant barrier is crucial in protecting an oil tank against the potential hazards of hot weather. In the event of a fire, extreme heat can rapidly escalate the situation, posing a significant risk to the tank and surrounding areas.

 

• Regular Checks: Check your oil tank by yourself regularly to keep on top of any weather-induced condensation, corrosion, cracks, splits or leakages.

Book an Inspection

Towards the second half of summer, before the weather starts cooling down in autumn, booking an inspection with an OFTEC-certified Technician is a good idea. This way, you can fix any problems discovered before the cold weather starts, ensuring full functionality for winter.

When you prepare and plan, waiting times for an inspection will also be much shorter in the summer.

Fill your tank

Once your tank has been given the all-clear from the OFTEC Technician, it will be time to consider filling your oil tank.

Heating oil prices in summer are typically lower as there is less demand. Filling up your tank while the weather is warm is a great way to save money and ensure you are not suddenly experiencing a cold turn in the weather without any oil for your heating.

Filling your oil tank in the summer also reduces the risk of developing condensation. As the weather warms up, it fills the gap between the tank wall and the oil level, creating condensation. This can lead to corrosion, physical damage and oil contamination.

Autumn

The weather is now getting colder, wetter and windier, leading to many potential issues with your oil tank.

Check for Damage

As previously discussed, the hot summer weather can cause condensation in oil tanks, leading to corrosion, cracks and spillages. Once the weather begins to cool down, it is essential to check your tank for any signs of physical damage or water contamination inside the tank.

If you notice any cracks, bulges or splits or suspect your oil tank is leaking, you should contact an OFTEC technician to use their emergency oil tank services.

Throughout autumn, you should also actively look for any signs of water damage, as this can contaminate your oil and tank, worsening the functionality of your heating system and causing damage such as corrosion.

Check gauge and levels

Check your oil tank gauge regularly to monitor the levels of oil you are using as the weather gets colder. This will give you an insight into the potential amount of oil you may use throughout the whole winter period, allowing you to prepare for the cold.

 

Oil tank gauges can also help you determine whether your tank leaks if it appears you are using more oil than predicted.

 

If you do not have an oil tank gauge, we recommend purchasing one – some are fitted with alarms that will notify you when your oil levels are very low. This way, you can monitor your usage and schedule a tank fill-up before you run out entirely.

 

Top up oil

The oil price will be relatively high at the start of Autumn (September) as people begin to fill up their oil tanks. However, if you filled your tank up during the off-season in summer, you should only require a small top-up to ensure you are covered for the winter.

Topping up during milder temperatures can help you save money, as the cost of oil will be lower, and help guarantee you are not left short of heating oil when you need it the most.

Winter

It is essential to look after your oil tank during the coldest part of the year to ensure its longevity throughout winter.

Take a look at the surrounding area

Check your oil tank base to make sure it is secure. Can the ground underneath support the tank, or does it need extra help? Ensure you are confident that your oil tank is secure over the winter season.

 

Snow, heavy rain and wind will likely bring down overhanging branches or trees, blow loose objects from your garden onto your tank and cause damage.

 

Check the bund

If you have a double-bunded or second-skin oil tank, it is important to check the bund.

 

Bunds should be able to hold 110% of the main tank capacity, but not if it has become full from heavy rainfall, snow or storm. You will need to drain the bund carefully of the water so if a leak occurs, the bund will be able to operate properly and prevent any leakages.

 

Tighten up on security

Unfortunately, heating oil theft is expected, especially over winter when high prices spike and demand.

 

There are several ways that you can protect your heating oil from theft this winter:

 

• Strategic Placing: relocate your oil tank to deter thieves from even attempting to steal your oil. Putting your oil tank in a clear view of windows and doors means the tank is always visible and often prevents theft.
• Locking Fill Caps: locking fill caps act as a physical barrier, deterrence and are very cost-effective.
• Alarm Systems: coming in many shapes and sizes, alarms instantly notify you, provide fast action, and can be monitored remotely.
• CCTV: cameras provide evidence of real-time monitoring, send alerts and notifications, and cover any blind spots.

 

Precipitation

You should inspect your heating oil tank whenever heavy snowfall or rain occurs. Large amounts of snow piled on top of your tank can cause it to cave in if it is too heavy. Brush off any excess snow, and check the inside of your tank in case water has contaminated your oil.

 

You should also insulate any exposed pipes to prevent damage from low temperatures or condensation.

 

Have a question about your oil tank?..

If you haven’t found the answers you’ve been looking for, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team today for more information or guidance.