Oil Storage Tank Life Expectancy
The EPA reports that there are over 500,000 underground oil tanks in America. Underground storage tanks pose a more significant environmental threat than above-ground tanks.
Still, above-ground tanks can not be neglected past their life expectancy. You’re responsible for maintenance if you have an above-ground oil tank. Corrosion can create leaks, threatening your soil integrity and costing you money.
So, what is the average life of an above-ground oil tank? The lifespan of an oil tank depends on a few variables. Read on to learn how to tell your oil tank’s age, keep tabs on its condition, and replace it when necessary.
Types of Oil Tanks
The two main types of tanks found on commercial and residential properties are above-ground and below-ground oil tanks. Below-ground oil tanks have different maintenance requirements than above-ground ones.
Among the above-ground tanks, some exist outdoors and others indoors. Location considerations impact how to answer “what is the average life of an above-ground oil tank?” Indoor oil tanks can outlast outdoor tanks by a maximum of forty years.
The longer lifespan is because indoor oil tanks aren’t subject to the elements like outdoor ones. If it’s in a dry, climate-controlled building, it will degrade much slower than an outdoor tank that endures rain, humidity, heat, and other natural influences.
What Is the Average Life of an Above-Ground Oil Tank?
Above-ground oil tanks are often found in homes, where they store heating fuel such as propane or heating oil. The average life expectancy of an above-ground oil tank is about twenty years when placed outdoors. Homeowners must know their oil tank age and whether it’s time to replace it to keep their home and land free of contamination.
How to Tell the Age of an Oil Tank
Determining your oil storage tank’s life expectancy starts by understanding how old the tank is. If you are unsure how old your oil tank is, you can look for its serial number or call a professional.
The oil tank age is discernable by checking the serial number. A typical serial number consists of alphanumeric figures on the tank’s side. These figures mean different things depending on the manufacturer.
You can use an online search or contact the manufacturer to learn how to read your serial number. The etched figures almost always include the manufacturing year, batch, and line numbers.
When Should I Replace My Above-Ground Oil Tank?
Please don’t wait until there’s a leak or the tank exceeds its lifespan to replace it. The cost of treating contaminated soil, replacing the tank, replacing the oil, and potential environmental fines far outweigh the cost of proper oil tank maintenance and replacement.
Start by understanding how old your oil tank is. Then, check for corrosion.
If it’s approaching the end of its lifespan or showing signs of degradation, call a professional for an evaluation. Most oil tank services will conduct your inspection and give you a quote for free. Then, you can schedule your oil tank removal and new installation.
All American Environmental Oil Storage Tank Services
We’ve answered the fundamental question, “what is the average life of an above-ground oil tank?” Now, it’s time to determine whether your oil tank has reached its end. If it’s time for a replacement, it’s time to contact All American Environmental.
At All American Environmental, we offer a full range of services for both new and old tanks, including inspection, installation, sweeps, cleaning and removal. Contact All American Environmental today for more information about our home and commercial property oil tank services! We service most of New Jersey and are not limited to central and northern NJ.
