Paying attention to your oil tank only at the time of a refill or in the event of an issue could subject you to discomfort you don’t deserve and / or expenses you don’t need. Instead, if you were to give your tank and its accompanying fitments a look every now and then, you’ll be able to get more out of your tank in terms of performance as well as longevity. Here’s six tips to keep your tank free of performance and efficiency hampering issues.
Schedule a tank inspection
Conventional wisdom says prevention is better than cure. At Boyle Energy, we believe timely inspection is better than expensive repair. Schedule a professional inspection once a year to get your oil tank checked thoroughly for signs of wear-and-tear, loose fittings, rust or any other issues that could lead to bigger issues if left undetected. Look up heating oil companies in your area to gather details on how much a comprehensive one time inspection will cost you and the services that will be provided.
Check the age of your tank
No equipment, however well-designed or manufactured, is built to last forever. Check the number of years that your tank has put into serving your household. If it’s still a long way off from the average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, you have nothing to worry about. However, if your tank is close to its limit or has exceeded it, think about replacing it with a high-efficiency oil boiler sooner than later.
Look for leaks
There are various reasons for an oil tank to develop leaks. These could include: corrosion due to the water inside the tank, rusting because of the reactive soil (in case of underground tanks) or external damage, loose fittings of vent pipe or feeder lines or a faulty or poorly manufactured oil tank. Whatever the reason may be, it’s necessary to spot leaks as early as possible to protect your family from health risks as well as the hazard of a fire on your property. One of the easiest ways to spot a leak in time is to be alert for strong odors of oil in or around your home.
Monitor the fuel gauge
Your tank’s fuel gauge too can indicate the onset of issues that need looking into. For instance, oil leaks could lead to a build-up that will stop the gauge from giving you an accurate reading. Factors like rust that happens naturally over the years, can impair a gauge’s ability to do its task. Therefore, make it a point to consistently monitor your tank gauge for any inconsistency or signs of malfunction. If you’d prefer an expert doing this, you could look up local companies that correspond to ‘heating oil Havertown PA’ in your search browser.
Clean your tank
The crude oil that’s stored in your tank contains impurities and will leave behind a residue or ‘sludge’ at the bottom of your tank. If left unremoved, this sludge will not only clog the passage of oil – which will cause your furnace’s performance to drop, it will also quicken the process of your tank’s internal corrosion. Check with heating oil companies who service your neighborhood for tank cleaning and maintenance expertise.
Ensure clear venting
Your tank’s vent system performs the critical role of releasing the excessive pressure buildup during the tank’s operation. Any obstruction within the vent or around it will hamper this process of pressure release which could cause your tank to collapse or rupture. Maintaining the prescribed space around your tank will also eliminate potential health hazards that could result from the concentration of vapors.
Keeping an eye out for common problems will not help you extend the life of your oil tank, it will also help you bring down your cost or repairs. If you need professional expertise in the matter, feel free to reach out to us. We are Boyle Energy, a trusted and renowned name in oil services that has been serving Havertown and its surrounding areas since 1937. Call 610 595 4717 or 215 709 9196 to speak to experts for professional guidance and oil tank maintenance services that set the bar in quality and reliability.
Patrick Boyle brings over three decades of expertise to Boyle Energy, carrying forward a family legacy that began with his grandfather, Joseph Boyle Sr., the company’s founder. With extensive technical proficiency, Patrick holds advanced certifications in both oil and HVAC systems, ensuring the highest standards of service and performance. Additionally, he is recognized as an NPGA-certified propane service professional, underscoring his commitment to safety and industry best practices. Under his leadership, Boyle Energy continues to deliver reliable and efficient energy solutions, grounded in generations of trust and innovation.
