Regular oil tank maintenance is essential, particularly during the cold winter months when tanks are under more pressure. Regular tank inspection and taking care of your oil tank will greatly reduce the chances of an issue occurring.

Regular oil tank maintenance ensures that you avoid any costly mishaps and ensures that your tank is working at maximum efficiency at all times. At Carbery Plastics, we specialise in manufacturing bespoke, high-quality oil tanks for both the industrial and domestic market. We have developed a specialist knowledge in oil tank maintenance and this article highlights our tips to ensure your oil tank stays in the best condition.

A lack of proper oil tank maintenance can lead to two primary issues:

  1. Impurities: When an oil tank is not taken care of, impurities will begin to collect. When these impurities are mixed with the oil within the tank, the burn process is compromised. Clean oil is important as contaminants will affect combustion and reduce energy efficiency when the oil is sprayed through the thin nozzles.
  2. Leaks: When oil tanks are not inspected, the delayed identification of cracks & splits may lead to leaks. Oil leaks, by their very nature, are expensive, dirty and difficult to fix. Oil leaks also pose and environmental and health hazard.

Oil Tank Maintenance Procedure

Our experts at Carbery Plastics have put together the key factors to consider for domestic and commercial oil tank maintenance. Read on and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Importance of Oil Tank Location

It is important to choose a safe location for an oil tank, whether it is a domestic or commercial tank. The chances of an oil tank causing a fire are slim, but health and safety precautions are still necessary. The location of the oil tank should never be near a fire source. The oil tank should also be:

  • 1.8 metres away from non-fire rated buildings like sheds in the back garden.
  • 1.8 metres away from doors or windows in a fire rated building like a garage.
  • 760 millimetres away from any non-fire rated wooden fences.
  • 600 millimetres from any foliage like hedges.

If these guidelines cannot be followed due to a lack of space, it is essential to have protection around your tank, that will act as protection in the unfortunate event of a fire.

Protect Your Tank Against Water Contamination

Generally, when oil tank maintenance is carried out, the external condition of the tank is given priority. However, it is essential to check for water contamination with the tank as this can cause serious issues, especially within the winter months.

Water can enter your tank in various ways. Sometimes the problem is as simple as the cap not being on properly, damaged lids, seals and vents or even a hole or split which has formed overtime because of exposure to the elements. The major difficulty in identifying water contamination in an oil tank is that it cannot be identified by a simple inspection as the water will sink to the bottom. The best strategy is to put preventative measures in place before the contamination happens by regular maintenance.

Preventing Oil Tank Spills

Preventing spills is extremely important as spills from an oil storage tank can cause a lot of damage to both property and the environment. Regular oil tank maintenance greatly reduces the risk of a costly spill. It is important that homeowners have an understanding that as an oil tank ages, there is a greater risk of a spill. The location of the tank is also important, as external oil tanks will have a shorter life span and an increased chance of a spill. Regularly checking the condition of your tank and looking for signs of damage will help you identify a possible spill before it happens.

Oil Tank Maintenance Tips

Heating Oil provides safe, clean, affordable and dependable warmth and it is important to ensure your Oil Tank provides safe and secure storage. Here are some of Carbery Plastics top tips designed to keep both your tank and your oil safe.

Know your Oil Tank

  • Inspections: Checking your oil tank regularly is one of the best ways to keep your tank and your oil safe. You should visually inspect your tank for any signs of cracks, leaks or bulges.
  • Documentation: Knowing what type of Oil Tank, you have will help you to look after your tank correctly. Keeping important information like your Tank make, model, installation date or serial number safe will help should you ever have a query regarding your Tank.

Know your Oil Tank Base

  • Base Inspections: Check your base regularly for any signs of damage. Remember your tank should be fully supported on a flat concrete base, which extends 300mm beyond the tank on all sides.

Know your Oil Tank Fittings

  • Pipe Inspections: Don’t forget to examine the pipes connected to your tank regularly for any signs of cracking.
  • Gauge Inspections: If you have a gauge on your tank, make sure to check it is working correctly and your oil level is correct. 
  • Boiler Service: Get your boiler serviced yearly to reduce the chance of breakdowns.

Check Out Carbery Plastics range of fitting packs.

Know when it’s time for an Oil Tank Replacement

Oil losses can be expensive for a household and extremely damaging for the environment around your Tank. Oil tank maintenance cost will be far less than then some of the potential issues if maintenance is not undertaking. If your Oil Tank is older or showing any warning signs such as cracking, leaks or bulges you should consult an OFTEC registered technician immediately and replace your Oil Tank.

And don’t forget if you do need to replace your tank, choose a Carbery Plastics Bunded Oil Tank for extra protection.

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