As well as ensuring your oil tank is full, there are a few essential tasks that you are required to complete, throughout the life span of your tank, to keep it in good working order. For instance, taking a proactive approach to the maintenance of the oil tank can pre-empt the possibility of expensive repairs, costly environmental impacts, as well as improving the quality of the system. You’ll learn in this article what basic maintenance steps each oil tank owner should undertake at least once a year.
Visual Examination
Before any mechanical parts of equipment are touched, a complete visual inspection of the oil tank should be conducted for the first level round such as annual maintenance. Examine the surface for indications of corrosion, denting, cracking or discolouration. Corroded areas or physical damage weaken the tank’s structure and can compromise its integrity, which leads to potential leaks or even tank failure. Check all exposed connections and any areas that may not be covered, and joining segments for any traces of oil or dampness. Remember to check the level ground at the bottom where the tank rests. For example, if the tank is above ground, check that there are no trees, or other structures nearby which could affect the tank or the pipes. These problems can be avoided before they start growing into larger issues by performing a visual inspection.
Sanitise the Area Around the Tank
Ensuring the area around your oil tank is kept free from clutter & debris is essential to allow maintenance to be carried out and keeps the tank in good condition. Overgrown vegetation can trap moisture around the tank, which may accelerate rusting and corrosion. Additionally, accumulated snow or ice from colder months can pose a risk to the tank’s integrity. Especially when it starts to melt during warmer weather. Regularly clearing these potential hazards helps protect the tank and ensures it remains in optimal condition year-round.
Upgrade or Replace if Necessary
If your oil tank is old or starting to show signs of wear, you know what to do. Just replace it. Upgrade to a new, more durable model. Bunded oil tanks are recommended as they’re a popular choice for homeowners who are looking to improve safety. These tanks are also good for people who want to be compliant with regulations. They consist of a ‘tank within a tank’ design, offering a secondary layer of protection in case of leaks, which is especially important for preventing environmental contamination. Bunded oil tanks are often required in certain regions for environmental safety reasons, and upgrading to one can offer peace of mind and long-term savings. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to upgrade, a professional technician can evaluate the condition of your tank. And provide recommendations for repair or replacement.
Assess the Amount Of Oil and Watch For Oil Leaks
Annual maintenance involves checking the oil levels, which is critical not only because it prevents you from running out of fuel at colder times but also for leak detection. A significant decrease in the level of oil inside the tank without a noticeable increase in engine usage might mean that there’s a leak in the tank or the pipes. Check the oil gauge of your tank on a regular basis and make a note of the temperature so that any sudden irregular changes in supply can be picked up. If your tank has an automatic monitoring system, ensure that it’s in good working order. Not only do leaks cause a loss of fuel, but they’re also harmful to the environment. In any case, this problem needs to be solved right away if you think there has been a leak. Plus, you should call a specialist to have a look at it and do the necessary repairs.
Schedule a Professional Service
Although most maintenance activities are simple enough to be performed by the owner, getting a professional service done at least once a year, helps in improving the maintenance of the appliance. Quite often, the owner won’t be able to look for signs of inside corrosion, sludge, and other complications that would be barely noticeable on the surface. They’ll also relieve the tank of all the oil to eliminate contamination and optimise the working of the system. Periodic maintenance reduces the risk of malfunctions and accidents and also increases the operating time of the tank. Finally, a professional service is a guarantee not only for efficiency but also the safety of your heating system.