Your heating oil tank keeps your home comfortable when the outdoor temperature is cold. It also has several safety features to protect your home and the environment. When it's worn out or damaged, it can't meet either of those goals effectively. Here’s how to know it’s time for a repair or replacement.

When Should You Repair or Replace a Heating Oil Tank?

1. Visible Damage

Many of the causes of leaks and contamination are visible from the outside of the tank. Rust and corrosion mean that the affected area is either weakened or already leaking. Dents also create weak points. Tanks with these issues need to be replaced for safety. Any broken equipment like gauges and alarms should also be repaired.

2. Stray Oil & Wet Spots

Even if you can't locate the leak, finding heating oil outside the tank is a sign that there is one. If you think the oil might have come from a spill instead, clean it up or lay down a clean sheet of newspaper in the area and see if more oil accumulates.

Also, look for wet spots on or under the tank. This can indicate problems with condensation, or might also come from a leak if there's water in the tank.

3. Inefficiency & Clogs

A heating oil tank that has too much bacteria or condensation in it can produce sludgy buildup that can clog your pipes. You might also notice that the oil supply isn't reliable, or that the tank registers as empty even when there's oil still in it, leaving your house cold. A cleanout can sometimes fix these issues, but if they keep returning, you need a new tank.

If you need to install a new heating oil tank or schedule oil delivery, choose Monroe Oil Company in Rochester, NY. Serving Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties since 1910, they offer same-day delivery with up-front, honest pricing. Call (585) 244-4080 or visit their website to place an order.