15/11/2023

How to prepare your oil tank for cold weather

Check your tank

As we approach the colder season, checking your oil tank regularly is essential to monitor any potential damage. Check these six areas of the tank to make sure your system is as efficient as possible.

• 1. Cracks

Cracks and splits in the tank can be caused by underlying issues such as water damage or environmental damage. Check for these openings to ensure your oil will not leak out.

 

• 2. Discolouration

As with all plastic, oil tanks can lose their colour when exposed to extreme heat; they will weaken under direct sunlight once exposed for long enough.

Look to see if any areas have started to go white on your tank. If so, this may indicate that you need to replace it.

 

• 3. Weak spots

Look for any bulging or bowing of the edges of your tank.

This indicates a weak spot and could mean your tank is no longer strong enough to hold the fuel volume.

 

• 4. Odour

Leaks can be identified through the smell. If you can smell fuel when you approach your tank, you likely have a leak that needs to be addressed ASAP.

 

• 5. Stains

Fuel can stain the base your tank is sitting on. If you can see stained patches on the ground around your tank, you may have a leak.

 

• 6. Corrosion

Water causes metal to corrode and rust. This rust can contaminate the oil, and the corrosion will reduce the strength of the tank.

If you spot signs of rusting, contact your oil tank technician, who can advise you on the steps to remove and prevent it in the future.

Secure the tank before it gets colder

• Fill it up

As you use the oil from your tank, it will gradually become lighter; this can increase the likelihood of your tank moving in particularly windy conditions, like in storms.

Keeping the tank topped up with oil can prevent condensation and keep it heavy enough to reduce the risk of tipping over.

• Secure it in place

As with the risks of a light tank being more likely to tip over and spill when too empty, ensure that the tank is appropriately correctly fitted in the centre, with a level footing for the best stability.

If your base is damaged or decaying, this can cause damage to your tank, so be sure to check the surroundings regularly.

What to do if you have a leaking or damaged tank

• Leaking tanks

If an oil leak occurs, the oil must be stopped promptly to prevent it from entering water sources or soaking into the ground.

 

Absorbent materials such as sand or even cat litter can be used to collect leaked oil. However, according to local guidance, they must be disposed of correctly.

 

You should switch off the supply if oil is escaping from a pipe. Contact an oil professional to assess the tank and arrange for a clean-up after attempting to control the oil spill.

 

• Damaged tanks

Damaged plastic heating oil tanks, such as cracks or splits that might lead to an oil leak, should always be replaced.

Repairing your own tank is not recommended because your insurance will most likely be invalid.

 

Steel heating oil tanks with minimal corrosion or rust might be safely welded by a professional.

 

An oil expert should be able to inform you whether or not a steel tank can be fixed, as well as how to properly drain the tank before commencing repair work.

 

• Replacing your oil tank

When replacing your old heating oil tank, you may discover that oil storage regulations have changed since your tank was installed, you must check current regulations.

 

Often your base will be suitable for your new tank; however, if the base is located too close to nearby buildings or boundaries, you will have to move the location of the new tank.

 

Alternatively, fire-protected tanks can be located in a wider variety of places, including inside the property.

When it rains and snows

• Snow on top of your tank

Each time there is heavy snowfall, you should inspect your heating oil tank.
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 it is, recommended to insulate any exposed pipes to prevent damage from low temperatures or condensation.
 

• Rainy days

If your tank has any weak cracks or splits, water can gain access and cause havoc with the oil in the tank.

Check out our other blogs for more guidance on water in your oil tank.

For more information on oil tank storage, visit the Gov website.