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How Long Do Heating Oil Tanks Last?

Date: March 12, 2019

Snow on oil tank

Some things get better with age, but that’s not necessarily true for heating oil storage tanks. While it’s true that oil storage tanks can last for many years, they eventually do give out. Life spans vary depending on the humidity, the thickness of the steel and more. And when tanks do fail, it’s hard to see it coming, because they generally erode from the inside out.

As a general rule of thumb, if your fuel storage tank is more than 30 years old, you should consider replacing it.

To avoid the headaches that will come if your tank does fail, it’s a good idea to investigate your options in new aboveground tanks. Today’s fuel storage tanks are light-years ahead of old models because they are virtually leak-proof and have features that include:

  • sleek designs
  • double-wall construction that includes an outer tank of corrosion-resistant galvanized steel
  • leak-detection system
  • long-term warranties

Here’s another great feature: Modern aboveground tanks generally can be installed in small or unusually shaped spaces.

To sum up, today’s aboveground oil storage tanks provide peace of mind and convenience—in addition to all the other benefits of heating your home with oil!

Contact your local oilheating company to explore your options in new oil storage tanks and get details about a $200 rebate for an oil tank upgrade.

Fuel storage tank checklist

If you see any of these problems with your aboveground tank, please alert your South Carolina oilheat company.

  • leaks from tank fittings, filters, piping or the tank gauge
  • signs of oil spills around the tank, fill pipe or vent lines
  • signs of corrosion
  • sagging tank “legs”—the tank’s “belly” should not be touching the ground
  • clogs or restrictions in fill cap and vent cap

Note: Basement and outside oil tanks are required to have a working vent alarm, which prevents spills by letting the driver know when the tank is full. Contact your oilheating company if you have questions about your vent alarm.