Written on: April 25, 2022
Everyone wants their fuel storage tank to last as long as possible. Well, here’s an easy way to protect your tank and in the process extend its life–don’t let the fuel level drop too low before the weather warms up.
A lot of empty space inside your oil tank can cause trouble. It’s best to keep your tank at least half full (preferably more) during the warm months.
Water condensation can form in the empty space in your tank. And condensation is more common during the summer. Hot, humid days and cool nights create the right atmosphere for condensation buildup to accelerate inside your tank. And if your tank is aboveground, outdoors and in an unshaded area, it’s especially prone to condensation.
After water forms on the bare walls of the empty area of the tank, it drips down and sinks to the bottom. This is because water is denser than heating oil. There it becomes an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms. Over time, these turn into sediment that can create problems with your oil tank. One problem is that sediment, also known as sludge, can get into your fuel lines and clog them up. This causes your heating system to shut down.
The same condensation that results in sludge can also corrode your tank from the inside out—a big problem that you wouldn’t know about and which would be costly to remediate.
Besides filling your tank, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect it, as signs of trouble sometimes become visible. Here are some things you can check yourself on your aboveground oil tank. Look for:
If you notice any of these signs, let us know so we can evaluate your tank and make a recommendation.
Feel free to contact us to request a summer fill or to learn more about Westmore Fuel, a company built around its customers.