Is Your Home’s Oil Tank Nearing Retirement?

Warning Signs That Your Fuel Storage Tank May Be Giving You

There are certain items in your home that you never think about until they break down. Your heating oil tank is probably one of them. In part, that’s because these tanks are built to last. They can serve without incident for 15 to 30 years, sometimes even more!

But nothing lasts forever, not even an oil tank. But how are you supposed to know when your tank needs to be retired?

At JW Pierson Co., we know the warning signs. Here are a few early indications that your tank needs to be replaced.

Moisture and Oil Where They Shouldn’t Be

If there is stray oil near your tank, this could indicate a leak, often from interior corrosion. Similarly, wet spots on your tank are a sign of condensation.

In both these cases, you should have a professional inspect the tank. They could be signs of a more significant problem.

Structural Deterioration

While oil tanks are built to take a beating, they should not have rust or dents. This structural damage might mean the tank is no longer operating correctly.

Pay attention to the stability of your tank’s legs. A 275-gallon tank can weigh more than a ton when full. If your tank’s legs are unstable, you need to address it immediately.

Broken Equipment

Even if you’re not a home heating technician, you can do a quick check on your vital equipment. Here’s what to look for:

• Your vent alarm should chime when the tank is being filled. If it doesn’t, you’ll want to contact a service technician.
• A working fuel gauge is crucial for knowing when to order more heating oil. If your fuel gauge is stuck or broken, you need to have it fixed.
• If you see cracking or splitting on your oil lines – lines that carry oil from the tank to your heating equipment – your tank must receive service immediately.

Higher Heating Oil Bills

Are you using heating oil at a faster rate even without changes in the weather? This can be a sign that your heating oil tank is not functioning the way it should. Contact a service technician to inspect your equipment, including your tank.

JW Pierson Is Here to Help

Some of the issues above can be fixed, while others mean you’ll need a new tank.

If the oil tank for your New Jersey home is more than 20 years old or displays any of these warning signs, we can help! JW Pierson offers FREE tank inspections performed by our highly trained and experienced technicians.

If you need a replacement tank, we install top-of-the-line, galvanized steel tanks from leading manufacturers like Granby and Roth. We even offer Our Tank Tub Storage covers to protect and conceal your outdoor oil tank!

Don’t wait! Contact us today, and we will schedule an inspection at your earliest availability!