Life Expectancy For Heating Oil Tanks
If you have a heating oil tank, you are probably wondering how long you can expect it to last, and when you should start planning a replacement. Here, we look at the life expectancy of different styles of heating oil storage tanks and when to replace oil tanks in basement areas or outdoors.
How Long Do Home Heating Oil Tanks Last?
Above ground, fuel storage tank life expectancy differs from that of an underground storage tank. However, both can be maximized if you take certain actions to ensure that they last as long as possible.
One of the main problems is that a steel tank typically rusts from the inside out. As a result, its exterior may look intact but, the tank itself may be easily punctured due to corrosion on the inside. Therefore it is important to understand the life expectancy for heating oil tanks so that you can plan for your tanks testing and potential replacement.
AST Lifespan
An above ground oil storage tank can have a lifespan of 20 years up to 40 years or more if you properly maintain it. There are a few variables which come into play regarding an AST’s life expectancy including:
• The materials from which it is constructed
• The location in which it has been installed
• Potential water leaks to the tank
• Age of the tank
• Thickness and quality of the steel
• Oil tank design – double or single walled
• Plumbing connections
• Mechanical damage
Indoor storage tanks are capable of lasting for 60 years or more as older tanks are often made of stronger steel than more modern versions. Usually, modern storage tanks are made from 12 gauge or 14 gauge steel, but there are some older oil tanks with walls that are thicker and therefore more durable.
Underground Storage Tank Life Expectancy
A buried storage tank generally has a shorter lifespan than an above ground model, lasting only around 10 to 15 years. By the time it reaches 20 years of age, there is a significant risk of leakage. Some of the factors that contribute to the degradation of your underground storage tank include:
• Whether the oil tank filler is exposed to water ingress
• Whether the wrong type of tank has been used
• Whether mechanical damage has been incurred during the installation process
• Corrosive or conductive soils
• Damage incurred to the tank by vehicles
• Amount of soil groundwater
• Defective welds in the storage tank
How To Maximize Your Tank’s Lifespan
Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground tank, there are several steps you can take to maximize its lifespan including:
• Inspecting the tank for leakage regularly
• Removing any water from the oil tank whenever it is discovered
• Removing sludge from the tank as soon as it has built up
• Painting above ground tanks on every side using a rust-inhibiting paint.
• Protecting tanks above ground from water ingress and ensuring that it makes no contact with soil.
Take these simple steps to ensure that your oil tank is well cared for and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Contact All American Environmental today. We will help you get the maximum life expectancy for heating oil tanks as possible. We are a professional oil tank cleaning, sweep, installation, and removal company. We provide oil tank services to the entire northern NJ area.
