“What Should I Know about My Oil Tank?”
You probably don’t think about your heating oil tank much, unless you receive a fuel delivery or happen to walk past it.
One of the benefits of being a heating oil customer is having your fuel safely stored in a tank on your property, as opposed to gas and electricity which are provided by the utilities.
Your heating oil storage tank can last for decades and fuel leaks are extremely rare. Most storage tanks are designed with corrosion-resistant materials for long life and exceptional safety, and research shows that less than 1% of heating oil tanks ever experience a release.
However, internal corrosion could shorten your tank’s lifespan, but the good news is, there are several things you can do to limit the chance of a serious, expensive release.
“How do I protect my heating oil storage tank?”
- Check your tank on a regular basis. Look for blisters, dents, wet spots, rust, bulges, or drips. Also check the lines and fittings for drips.
- Schedule your annual tune-up. You’ll be happy to know that we include a visual tank inspection in our annual maintenance.
- Call us at804-231-5798 if you suspect a leak or smell oil around your tank.
- If your oil tank is more than 20 years old, consider replacing it. Even if you don't think there is a problem with your current tank, internal corrosion is a hidden danger you won’t be able to see until it’s too late. An ounce of prevention is worth gallons of leaking heating oil.
“Now that I know about tanks, what else should I be aware of?”
Southside Fuel is your oil storage tank specialist! Our expert technicians will ensure that your new tank is installed and secured properly, professionally, and promptly! If needed, we will also safely remove aboveground tanks. We install the best indoor and outdoor aboveground tanks the industry has to offer. The latest aboveground tanks are made from corrosion-resistant steel and fiberglass, and take up very little space in your basement, crawl space or utility room.
And there’s one more thing you should know …
Virginia provides FREE, automatic coverage for the cleanup costs of a leak or spill. Every oil tank in the Commonwealth of Virginia is protected under the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund, a state-mandated program that is run by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Owners/operators can request reimbursement for up to $1 million per occurrence, for costs above the $500 deductible for residential clean-ups.
As we’ve already said, an oil release is extremely rare, but it helps to be aware of how to protect your tank. If you have any questions about your heating oil tank or any of our residential heating services, we’re happy to help! Contact us today!
