Expert Services

• Visible Signs of Exterior Tank Damage

It’s a good idea to routinely inspect the exterior of your oil tank, provided the tank is located above-ground. Common signs of exterior oil tank damage include corrosion, a presence of rust, discoloration, or denting along the tank. If you notice any of these signs, it is very important that you seek oil tank replacement soon — if there is enough damage for it to be obvious on the outside, the inside is likely substantially worse. We recommend that you contact Expert Services or another heating oil supplier to get a second opinion. Heating contractors can give you a cost estimate for a fuel oil tank replacement, or if it’s salvageable.

• Exposure to Elements

If your oil tank is located outside your home, it is very important to make sure that no elements can get into the tank. For example, you don’t want snow or ice to make their way in. This can lead to potential damage inside the tank. One of the worst things that can happen to an oil tank is to be exposed to snowfall. Seriously, don’t let this happen. Even if you’ve recently installed the tank, it can be damaging enough to need to replace it again.

• Weak or Unstable Legs

The legs supporting your oil tank can often reflect the overall condition of the heating oil tank as a whole. If the legs have become weak or unstable, it is possible to replace the legs. But typically, it’s better to replace the entire oil tank.  When we do our site visit inspection we can determine what the best course of action should be and will make the appropriate recommendations.

• Damaged or Broken Oil Tank Components

Your oil tank incorporates a large number of important components. A broken fuel gauge or faulty oil tank vent alarm can mean a lot of trouble and can drastically reduce the safety of an otherwise very safe source of home heating. Remember, if the vent alarm on your oil tank is broken, an oil delivery supplier will not fill the tank! If the tank cannot be filled, then you risk facing a heating emergency. Make sure you don’t run out of heating oil due to this issue during the height of winter in New England.

Now, the cost to replace an oil tank gauge can vary. It may not be worth it to replace these kinds of parts if the oil tank is old. Oil tank replacement companies can guide you during your decision to fix the existing unit or go with a replacement oil tank.

• Wet Spots and Other Signs of Leaking

Pinholes and minor cracks are often the first major signs that your oil tank has corroded from the inside. Signs of this can include:

• Wet spots around the oil tank

• Puddles of oil present near the oil tank, or along its piping

• A persistent odor of heating oil in or near your home (you should only notice this smell at the beginning of the year if your tank and oil furnace are in good condition!)

• Poor Oil Efficiency

Drops in heating oil efficiency are common when your tank is wearing down and getting old. This is often because the tank is losing oil, or there is an issue with your heating system. If you’re dealing with poor oil efficiency, Expert Services for an assessment. It may be that simple burner maintenance tune-up and replacing the filter of the oil tank can remedy the situation!

• Frequent Pipe Clogs

Oil tanks that are corroding or are not well insulated can lead to a massive amount of sludge buildup that can be hard to keep up with. In some cases, a cleanout may get the job done, but at that point, an oil tank replacement may be the best option.

• Unprotected Oil Lines

The oil lines that connect the heating oil tank with your furnace should be in good condition. If you ever notice any splits or cracks in that connection, then you need to have your heating oil tank serviced by an oil tank replacement technician right away. If the lines have cracked, that opens up the possibility that an oil leak will be next.

• Sheer Age

On average, a well-maintained heating oil tank should last around 10-15 years before it causes any trouble. Once the oil tank has reached this age, it’s time to start budgeting for a new heating oil tank installation. We'll be happy to discuss your options and convenient financing plans that are available.