Oil Tanks: A Homeowner’s Guide

Heating oil is one of the safest and most cost efficient ways to heat your home. However, oil tanks must be properly cared for and maintained to ensure they continue to produce a comfortable and safe home environment. It’s also essential to know how to spot a leak, and to recognize when a tank needs to be replaced.

Oil Delivery Company: Maintaining Your Oil Tank

A properly maintained oil tank will last longer and reduce your overall heating costs. A trusted heating and oil delivery company can inspect your aboveground oil tank and test your underground tank for leaks, but there are also a few things New Jersey homeowners can do to make sure your heating system functions optimally.

If you have an aboveground tank that’s kept outdoors, keep it sheltered from the elements. Protect it from snow and ice, and make sure no falling tree limbs can pierce or rupture the tank. Tanks that have been uncovered for 10 years or more should be replaced.

Indoor aboveground tanks should be checked for signs of pitting and corrosion. Placing a pan or tray beneath the unit can make it easier to determine if the tank is leaking.

How to Determine if Your Tank is Leaking

The likelihood of a leak increases as your tank ages. A tank that is only 10-15 years old is unlikely to be leaking, but because such an occurrence could harm not only members of your family but others in the neighborhood, you want to keep an eye out.

If you have an aboveground tank, you can check for leaks yourself. Look around the tank for oil stains, paying special attention to the ground underneath the tank, as most leaks will occur there.

Underground tanks are more difficult to assess, requiring the eye of an expert. A simple soil test can determine if a leak is present, while more complex tests will evaluate whether the tank had leaked in the past or will do so in the near future.

Replacing Your Oil Tank

The process of replacing your old oil tank and upgrading to a modern, aboveground system can be quite costly. However, if your underground unit leaks, cleaning up the contamination could be even more expensive. If you have an underground oil tank that is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading before leaks become a problem.

A modern oil system can save you money in the long run. Today’s oil heat furnaces are able to heat a home with 90 percent efficiency, and oil furnaces last 30 years or more. Plus, you’ll no longer have to worry about whether your old tank is leaking harmful contaminants into the ground around your home.

Rest Easy With Reliable Service

No matter what sort of oil tank you have, Point Bay can help with maintenance or advice on upgrading to a new heating system. To learn more, give them a call at (732) 349-5059.