Written on: April 28, 2025
Having a heating oil storage tank on your property offers an important advantage. The tank in your basement, yard, or garage provides an ample supply of heating oil ready for immediate use whenever it’s needed.
While heating oil tanks can last for decades, like anything else, they eventually need to be replaced. Lifespans vary depending on factors such as humidity, the thickness of the tank’s wall, and the overall environment. When tanks do fail, it’s often hard to detect the problem early, as they typically erode from the inside out.
A lot of empty space inside your oil tank causes trouble and can shorten its lifespan. That’s why it’s best to keep your tank at least half-full (preferably more) during the warmer months.
Condensation is the root cause of many tank issues. Empty space in your tank is where water condensation can form. Condensation is more common during the summer when hot, humid days and cool nights create the perfect conditions for moisture buildup inside the tank. If your tank is aboveground, outdoors, and in an unshaded area, it is especially prone to condensation.
After water forms on the bare walls of the empty area in the tank, it drips down and sinks to the bottom because it is denser than heating oil. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms, which over time turn into sediment, also known as sludge. This sludge can create significant problems for your oil tank. One such issue is that sediment can clog your fuel lines, causing your heating oil system to shut down.
Keeping your heating oil tank full during the summer months helps prolong its life. This is because the condensation that leads to sludge can also corrode your tank from the inside out – a big problem that’s often difficult to spot early and costly to repair.
Another important maintenance tip is to arrange for periodic professional heating oil tank inspections. However, you should also conduct your own visual inspections because some signs of trouble can be spotted early. These include:
If you notice any of these issues, contact us immediately so we can perform a thorough inspection.
If any issues arise, Broco Energy® is ready to help you make the best decision regarding oil tank replacement and manage your heating oil tank installation.
Our experienced team of professionals will work with you from the beginning to ensure that we install a heating oil tank that is the proper size for your needs. We consider factors like your household’s heating requirements, your heating system, and the size of your home.
Once your tank is selected, our expert installation team will adhere to all industry regulations, guidelines, and codes to ensure the installation is safe and efficient.
Do you think you’re ready for a new heating oil tank? Please contact us with any questions today.
If you live or have a business in North Reading, MA, or one of the other communities we service in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, please reach out to us if you’d like to become a Broco Energy® customer.
