Heating oil is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly method of heating both your home and water. However, if you don’t use and look after your tank properly, a leak could happen – which can potentially be damaging. Spilt oil could harm the environment, and can result in fines or prosecution, so it is essential that you keep on top of things.
Taking proper care of your oil tank will not only protect your home and the environment but also will save you forking out on costly repairs. Thankfully, they aren’t hard to maintain. Here are our tips to keep you on the right track:
- Inspect your tank regularly
Regular inspections of your oil tank mean you’ll spot warning signs before they develop into anything major. Check for signs of damage and vandalism, wear and tear, any dust build-up or signs of rust if a metal tank. If it is plastic, you will start to see cracks appear or discolouration of the plastic as it weakens and turns whiter on the green tanks due to weathering. Have a look at the base of the tank too, in case there are any signs of cracks or residue.
Checking weekly is recommended to prevent issues. Add it into your daily routine such as after putting the bins out.
- Keep it accessible
It is best to keep your tank in a location which is easy to access for when it needs topping up, or any maintenance or repairs. You must keep in mind, however, that fuel tanks can pose a risk of theft. So it’s best to choose somewhere which is hidden from the driveway.
Make sure that an outdoor tank has protection from strong winds and snow. Cutting away hanging branches nearby and clearing away obstacles will also lower the chance of any damage being caused.
- Don’t overfill your tank
You should never overfill your tank as this increases the likelihood of spillage. When oil prices drop, it can be tempting to buy more in bulk. This is fine as long as you have space. The extra fuel will need to be stored in a safe manner in order to protect the environment from oil leaks.
At Quad Fuels, we offer domestic customers an interest-free monthly payment plan that allows you to spread the cost of your fuel supply over 12 months. This helps keep your fuel topped up without the need of stocking up for the winter months.
- Clean your tank
Water condensation can form in the interior of the tank, and over time this can lead to corrosion or a build-up of sludge forming which can block filters and pipes, and become un-efficient for the boiler burning.
Cleaning your tank isn’t something you should be doing yourself. It can be extremely dangerous, so you’ll need to call a professional out to do this.
- Check on the tank following a period of heavy rain
As we’ve mentioned previously, issues can occur when water gets into the tank. So a check is advised following heavy rain.
If you have any queries or questions about your tank or ordering your heating oil, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of the team today to discuss how we can help.