How to Prepare Your Oil Tank for Winter

Whether you’re ready or not, winter is fast approaching. Rather than having any disruptions to the operation of your home furnace or boiler during the chilliest months of the year, make sure your heating oil storage tank is ready for the new season. Use the following tips to keep your oil tank working correctly and your home warm and toasty.

Inspect the Tank for Damage & Wear

Over the spring and summer, your home heating oil tank may have developed cracks, leaks, or rust from exposure to severe weather conditions, foliage, and animals. The freezing temperatures of winter can make any existing issues worse and lead to hazardous oil spills and costly repairs. Ensure your oil tank is ready for winter by having problems addressed and even potentially scheduling prompt aboveground or underground tank installations to replace the old one.

Examine the Oil Tank Gauge

This tank gauge reads just like your car’s fuel gauge. If it’s low, you’ll want to schedule a heating oil delivery so you will not have to go without heat in the dead of winter.

If you notice the gauge has cracks or loose connections, it would be wise to repair or replace it. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you thought you had plenty of oil left, only to find out the gauge was broken and you’re out of oil.

Clean the Area Around the Oil Tank

Whether your heating oil tank is indoors or outdoors, you’ll need to keep the area around the tank clear for easy access and safety. Make sure there aren’t any cardboard boxes, fabric, wrapping paper, or other flammable items next to an indoor tank. If you have an outdoor tank, remove any vegetation around it. And once it starts snowing, maintain a clear path to the tank by regularly shoveling.

Make Sure the Oil Fill Pipe Is Accessible

Pay special attention to the oil fill pipe. This is the access point your oil delivery drivers will use to refill the tank. If branches, debris, snow, or ice block this pipe, it may delay your oil delivery.

Fill the Oil Tank Up

An empty tank is susceptible to corrosion and leaks. That’s why it’s wise to plan a fuel delivery before temperatures drop below freezing. It’s also recommended that you schedule a delivery once the tank is 25% full, giving the delivery company plenty of time to fit you into their schedule.

Lubricate the Tank Lock

Thieves target home heating oil during the winter, so once you have a full tank, make sure you secure it. After putting a lock in place, lubricate it to keep it from seizing up when temperatures drop.

Book a Professional Oil Tank Inspection

After examining the tank yourself, it’s wise to call in the professionals for additional oil tank tune-ups. These heating oil storage tank professionals will ensure your system is running efficiently and safely before winter begins. And if you have no use for your underground tank, be sure to call an oil tank removal company.