If you use oil to power or heat your home, you can’t afford interruptions in service. An oil tank that’s past its prime could fail, leaving you in need of an emergency replacement. To help prevent failures and keep your home comfortable and functional, below are warning signs that your tank should be replaced.

How To Tell When Your Oil Tank Needs To Be Replaced

1. Rust & Dents

Beyond weakening the tank, dents may chip away at the paint, exposing the metal underneath and allowing it to rust. Corrosion will spread once it’s started, eating through the tank’s wall and eventually causing leaks. 

Each week, inspect your oil tank for signs of damage or rust, and have it professionally inspected if you notice any damage. To help prevent dents and rust, protect the tank from falling branches and ice with a small shelter.

2. Moisture Around the Tank

Unexplained moisture on, beneath, or around the tank likely means there’s a leak, even if you can’t see a hole or damage. You may also notice a pungent odor or wilting vegetation near the moisture.

Leaks can occur when condensation builds in the tank and causes it to rust from the inside out, creating nearly invisible holes that allow fuel to escape. Not only do leaks waste oil, but they also pollute the environment and affect wildlife nearby. A leaking tank will need to be replaced to restore your home's normal functioning.

3. Faulty Vent Alarm

The tank should have an alarm that sounds when it’s being filled. As air is displaced by the rising fuel levels, it’s pushed out of the alarm to create a whistling noise that stops when the tank is full, letting your oil delivery team know to stop filling it. If the tank doesn't make a sound, air could be escaping through a tank leak, or the part could be faulty. A professional can examine the tank and identify any leaks or faulty components.

4. High Oil Usage

It’s normal for oil usage to increase during cold months or after adding another oil-powered appliance to your home, but if you’re refilling your tank more often with no explanation, there’s likely an underlying problem. Leaks from perforations in the tank are often to blame, but the problem could also be caused by cracked lines or a worn seal, which would require a tank replacement.

If your oil tank has started showing any of these signs, Ike’s Fuel in Douglas, AK, will help you choose the best replacement for your needs. Since 1966, they’ve offered reliable tank replacements and oil deliveries. As the only independent and family-owned oil supplier in the area, they offer a variety of tank sizes and will custom order yours if they don’t have it in stock. View their services online, and call them today at (907) 364-3420.