Do you use oil to heat your home? There are plenty of things you should know about oil tanks. These things include:

You have plenty of options

When it comes to the various oil tanks that you can choose from, you have plenty of options. The most common ones are:

Steel tanks

Steel tanks are widely used to hold bulk oil due to their superior strength when compared to plastic oil tanks.

Advantages of Steel oil Tanks

• Stronger than plastic.
• Available in standard or bespoke sizes.
• Ensures compliance with all legislation and provides enhanced theft protection.
• Able to withstand bigger impacts.
• It can be fixed and mended, unlike plastic tanks.
• Do not require a firm platform – can be erected on piers
• Non-porous: do not absorb any of the stored oil.
• Stronger than plastic tanks, with a far longer lifespan.

As much as the tanks are great, they come with their fair share of negatives. For example, steel tanks are more susceptible to corrosion from environmental factors such as heat, UV light, and humidity.

Over time, this weakens a tank’s integrity and eventually enters the tank structure, resulting in tank bottom perforation.

When left uncontrolled, this corrosion can cause the tank’s contents to leak into the surrounding environment, resulting in pollution, hefty clean-up expenses, and void warranties.

Due to this, you should regularly inspect them, and in the event you notice even a minor issue, address it promptly.

Plastic tanks

Plastic tanks are a popular alternative for many people because they are often less expensive and do not rust like metal tanks. They have a 10-15-year shelf life, but bad management will dramatically shorten it.

Advantages of Plastic oil Tanks

Made of polyethylene, they are less prone to corrosion than steel tanks.

• A lightweight solution.
• Come in various off-the-shelf sizes and capabilities
• Easy to install and move – can be installed directly on a base on the ground without piers.
• Plastic is an insulator, lowering the danger of contamination.
• Seamless, distorted tanks can restore their original shape if there are no cracks.
• Easily accessible, fully bunded

Like their steel counterparts, steel tanks also come with their fair share of negatives. When a plastic tank is damaged, the only alternative is to replace it. An oil tank replacement can be costly and cumbersome, so you must perform frequent checks.

When plastic tanks are placed outside, they are subjected to significant stress owing to weather and temperature fluctuations. Cold temperatures can lead them to become brittle, resulting in splits and fissures that damage the environment and wildlife.

Single-skinned plastic tanks are extremely vulnerable to sunshine and UV radiation, which can cause bleaching and discoloration. This can cause the plastic to stretch, twist, and bow, finally leading to cracks.

Why do plastic oil tanks crack?

Plastic tanks can break for a variety of reasons, so keep this in mind when installing and inspecting your tank. Some of the reasons that can read to the tank cracking include:

An uneven tank base: Such a base can cause pressure to build up in specific parts of the tank when it is filled. This will cause the plastic to strain and ultimately split. Using a professional, qualified OFTEC technician ensures that your tank is installed securely and correctly.

Sun exposure: Because single-skinned tanks lack an outer shell to shield them from the sun, they are susceptible to discoloration/whitening. Over time, this can produce cracks in the tank’s body, allowing oil to leak and water to get in.

Since UV rays can be particularly damaging to an oil tank, surrounding your tank with fencing or a masonry shed will protect it from the sun, wind, and rain while also hiding it in your landscape.

Why not choose a subterranean site for your tank? Underground tanks are significantly less prone to inadvertent damage in high-traffic locations, and they are also shielded from the elements.

It’s crucial to remember, however, that monitoring the health of an underground tank, as well as checking for leaks and spills, is significantly more difficult, so be strategic when installing it.

Cold temperatures: Low temperatures can make tanks brittle, resulting in cracks and splits. To avoid tank damage, clear any snow from the top of your tank after each snowfall.

A fractured oil tank not only puts its surroundings at risk but also increases the likelihood of water contamination, which is a severe issue with stored oil.

It can cause a buildup of bugs and sludge, clogging filters, injectors, and oil lines. During wet weather, make sure your tank is sealed, the lids are securely closed, and there are no cracks that could allow water in.

Where to place your oil tank

To prevent the chance of pipes breaking and causing spills and groundwater contamination, your oil tank must be at least 10 meters away from inland or coastal water, away from flood-prone areas, and 50 meters away from a spring.

It must also be located at or below ground level; it should never be elevated over the roof. You should also keep in mind that it must be easily accessible for delivery and regular maintenance while also being away from locations that could damage the tank, such as machinery and poor weather.

How do you know it’s time to replace your tank?

Oil tanks have an average lifespan of 10-15 years, assuming they are regularly maintained.

The problem with steel tanks is that corrosion starts from the inside out, so you may not notice any issues until it’s too late. That is why it is critical to invest in frequent tank inspections by a skilled professional so you can be certain that both your stored oil and tank are in good shape.

The good thing with plastic tanks is that any faults typically manifest on the outside first. During regular checkups, you should be able to see any cracks or discoloration, which will signal that oil tank replacement Huntington is necessary.

When you are installing the new tank, go for a high-quality one that is large enough to hold enough oil for your heating unit. You also should remember to regularly inspect the new unit and address any issue that might show up within the shortest time possible.