How to Maintain and Inspect Your Above Ground Heating Oil Tank

Above Ground Oil Tanks require very little maintenance. However, it is very important to inspect your tank periodically

The key benefit of an aboveground heating oil tank is the ability to monitor and inspect it. If you have an aboveground tank, you should visually inspect it at least twice a year. While it may seem complicated to inspect your tank, it is  quite simple.  Proper maintenance can increase the life span of the tank and prevent premature failures. If at any time you see corrosion, staining or wet spots, call a professional. Below is a guide for homeowners to properly maintain and inspect aboveground heating oil tanks:

• Visual inspections should include.
  • Inspect the tank’s surface for signs of rust of corrosion
  • Make sure the vent and fill pipes are in good condition
    • The fill pipe should have a 2inch diameter, The vent should be the same but can be slightly smaller
  • Inspect the area where the pipes meets the tank for staining (oil staining by the pipes thread are signs the tank may have been overfilled causing the pipe glue to fail over time)
  • Inspect under the tank for signs drips or staining.
  • Check tank legs to make sure they are sturdy.
    • All four tank legs should be in good condition, straight and sitting flat on a cement foundation or floor. A tank should always be installed on a solid base such as a cement floor or cement pad. Not paving stones or cinder blocks.
• Maintaining the tank’s exterior surface. If you observe rust or corrosion :
  1. Gently brush the rusted areas on the tank’s exterior with sandpaper;
  2. Clean the sanded surface
  3. Applying a coat of rust proof metallic paint (readily available at any hardware store). If needed, Barrier Contracting can provide paint.
• Maintaining the tank’s exterior surface is a good practice and the
  application of touch-up paint will not void the warranty of the tank
• Maintain the tank liquid level as high as possible during the summer months in order to limit water condensation within the tank.

If you have a service plan or oil burner maintenance program, you can ask the technician to look at the tank as well. If