31/07/2024

Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Oil Tank

Oil tanks typically last more than 10 years with good maintenance practices and regular inspections by a professional. If they avoid damage or leaks, heating oil tanks can last up to 20-25 years. In addition to regular inspections by professional oil tank technicians, there are several self-maintenance practices that you can carry out to prolong the lifespan of your tank. This blog is going to explore several easy ways to keep your tank at optimal functionality.

Regular Inspections

An oil tank inspection is essential for the longevity of your oil tank. An Oil Tank Inspection must be completed by a professional, such as an OFTEC technician. During the inspection, the technician will perform a physical examination of your oil tank to find any current major issues or minor issues that could develop into a bigger issue at a later date. 

As enforced by the UK government in 2002, all inspections must be completed by a ‘competent person.’ At Oil Tank Change, every technician is required to complete OFTEC training, a scheme recognised by the government.

Monitoring The Oil Tank’s Fuel Levels

It is important to keep a close eye on the fuel level within your oil tank. Keeping your oil tank full throughout the summer can prevent issues such as condensation, which occurs when heat is trapped in the gap between the oil and the tank. This can then cause contamination of the oil with water, corrosion, and rusting. Filling your oil tank in summer to prevent condensation can also save you a lot of money and short waiting times, as you will be refuelling during the off-peak season.

Cleaning Your Oil Tank

Keeping your oil tank clean will help it to operate to the best of its ability, ensuring it doesn’t form any issues such as blockages, sludge or damaged pipelines, which can cause your oil tank to corrode, rust and split.

Cleaning the Inside

If your oil tank level is full and you believe there is lots of dirt, debris, and sludge, you should consider getting it professionally cleaned. If you are looking to clean your tank yourself, you should only do so if your tank is almost empty and there are several steps you need to take. 

1. Drain the oil tank – Remove all oil from your tank and put it into a safe container.
2. Scrub the inside – Without using water, scrub any debris, sludge, and dirt off the inside of your oil tank.
3. Add the cleaner –  Trisodium phosphate is usually the recommended cleaner for oil tanks as it’s tough on grease, dirt and soot. 
4. Dry and Refill – Thoroughly dry the inside of your oil tank before carefully refilling it. To prevent oil contamination, you must remove all traces of chemicals, water, and dirt. 
5. Waste Disposal – This waste is toxic to humans, wildlife, and the environment; contact your local council to find out how to dispose of this waste properly and safely.

Cleaning the Outside

Remove surrounding debris, branches, and other elements that could damage the exterior of your tank or contaminate the oil if it were to get inside. Scrubbing the outside with a simple mixture of dish soap and water can help you notice any small cosmetic damage that needs to be addressed and make it easy to spot in the future.

Pipelines and Fixtures

Over time, any metal fixtures on your oil tank are likely to be subject to rust and corrosion. Checking these regularly and cleaning and drying them can extend their lifespan. It is important to check the pipeline between the tank and the appliance for any breakages, contamination, debris, dirt, rust or corrosion. If there is any damage to areas such as valves and taps, replace them immediately to prevent leakages. If you think there is damage to your pipelines, turn off all appliances attached, turn the tank’s valve off and contact a professional for help.

Filters

Oil Tank Filters are there to prevent your tank from becoming contaminated with dirt and debris, but if they become blocked, it can cause other problems. Old oil tank filters can compromise the quality of oil entering your appliances and, therefore, hinder their performance.

The filter is typically located close to where the fuel enters the system on the oil tank. If your filter is disposable, you can simply replace it. For permanent filters, once you have located them, you can remove, inspect, and clean them to maximise your oil tank’s functionality. 

To clean your filter, you can follow one of two different methods:

• Brush Method: Gently brush away visible dirt, debris, or sediments from the filter with a soft-bristle brush. Be careful of any features of the filter to prevent damage and alter its effectiveness.
• Rinse Method: If approved by the manufacturer, rinse the filter with a suitable cleaning solution, such as dish soap and water. Submerge the filter in the bucket and gently agitate it to dislodge any stubborn contaminants. Once cleaned and before reinstallation, your filter should be thoroughly dried to prevent any contamination or filtration problems. 

While several things can be done to maintain your oil tank throughout its lifetime, being aware of other non-maintenance aspects, such as location and theft prevention, can also help to extend its lifespan.

Oil Tank Location

The positioning of your oil tank can be a huge factor in its longevity. You must avoid locating your tank in direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the exterior of plastic oil tanks to stretch, split, and warp, creating damage that can lead to oil tank spillages. Direct sunlight can also create condensation in your tank, contaminating your oil with water and affecting how well your appliances work. Placing your oil tank in a shaded area can prevent a range of damage, but be mindful of overhanging branches that could cause other cosmetic damage.

Oil Tank Theft Protection

House heating oil is often subject to theft. As the temperature gets colder and as heating prices increase, it also becomes more common. There are several steps you can take to try to prevent oil tank theft and increase the lifespan of your oil tank:

1. Place the tank in a secure location
2. Fit an oil tank cage
3. Install CCTV cameras
4. Add sensor lighting
5. Get an oil tank alarm
6. Put a spinning cap on your tank
7. Fit a padlock to your tank

If your oil tank is starting to get old and you want it checked out by a professional, contact a member of our team today at [email protected] or  01638 781710.