If you rely on oil for heat, maintaining your home heating oil tank is essential for ensuring your home stays warm all winter. There are several factors, both inside and out, which can lead to a damaged, leaking tank. Follow these steps to avoid leaks and contamination, and enjoy reliable warmth when you need it the most.

Oil Tank Maintenance Tips

1. Choose the Right Tank

Heating oil is an ideal environment for some microbes. Over time, bacterial contamination can lead to a buildup of sludge and microfilm in your oil tank—it can also lead to corrosion. When you choose your tank, make sure it has an anti-corrosion inner lining to protect it.

2. Inspect Your Tank Regularly

The sooner you detect any problems with your home heating oil tank, the easier they are to fix. Check your tank bottom, as well as the vent and fill pipes regularly for leaking oil. Then go over the exterior of the tank to check for corrosion, broken welds or seals, or damaged supports.

3. Remove Objects & Plants Around the Tank

Trash, debris, branches, or personal belongings, which touch or lean on your oil tank, can encourage damage and corrosion. Keep the area around your tank clear of plants, and don’t use the space for storage.

4. Choose Rust-Proof Paint

Your oil tank may experience some heavy weather, which is why it’s important to protect the exterior and the interior. Choose rust-resistant, outdoor paint to coat your oil tank, and reapply it when the previous coat shows signs of wear.

5. Keep It Topped Off

Water condensation inside your oil tank is a common form of contamination. You can help limit the amount of moisture collecting by keeping the tank full during the summer—schedule a fuel delivery some time after you turn off your furnace for the season.

If you need convenient fuel delivery, contact Monroe Oil Company in Rochester, NY. For over 100 years, they have provided top quality products and reliable delivery, whether you want home heating oil or truck fuel. They’ll even help you track your fuel use to determine when to make a delivery. To learn more about their products and options, call (585) 244-4080 or send a message online.