Why Regular Oil Tank Servicing is Important
Regular servicing of your oil tank is crucial, especially when this is the source of heat for your home. It plays a role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your home heating system. By catching any issues early, they are easier to manage meaning you won’t go without heat when you need it the most.
By keeping on top of the maintenance of your tank, you can spot any cracks or leaks before they get worse, reduce damage to the environment, avoid costly repairs, and prolong your tank’s longevity.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TANK SERVICE
During a typical oil tank service, an OFTEC-registered engineer will come out to your property and perform the following checks:
- Visual inspection of the tank – looking for any leaks, cracks, corrosion or rust
- Visual inspection of the pipes – looking for any leaks or cracks
- Contamination checks – looking for any sediment, water or sludge within your tank
- If cleaning is necessary, we will discuss your options on the day.
- Inspection of valves & filters – ensuring these are in good working order
- Looking at the structural integrity of the tank and surrounding site – ensuring there are no signs of weakness or safety concerns.
Once the inspection is complete, you would then be provided with a record documenting findings, covering any issues found and including recommendations for maintenance work.
BENEFITS OF REGULAR OIL TANK MAINTENANCE
There are many benefits to maintaining your oil tank:
- Preventing leaks and contamination – regular inspections help identify and address areas of weakness in the tank, catching the issue early.
- Ensuring efficient operation – a clean, well-maintained tank helps with the efficient operation of your heating system.
- Prolong the life of your tank – preventing corrosion and addressing minor issues before they become a bigger problem can contribute to the tank’s longevity.
- Optimise fuel quality – sediment and water in your tank can compromise the quality of your heating oil. Regular checks ensure that the fuel remains clean and of high quality, preventing damage to your system.
- Peace of mind – knowing your tank is in good working order can bring peace of mind, especially when coming into the colder months and you want to be sure your heating system works.
OIL TANK MAINTENANCE FAQs
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A TANK BE SERVICED
The industry recommendation is to have your tank checked annually. If you have a steel tank, this should be checked more frequently, every six months or so, due to the increased chance of rust build-up and additional care needed.
COST OF AN OIL TANK SERVICE
On average, a service typically costs around £85-105. The cost can vary depending on multiple factors such as location, type, and size of your tank. If additional work is required, our team will discuss your options with you on the day.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME
While we recommend having your tank checked annually by a professional to ensure early detection of any issues, there are checks you can do at home.
To keep on top of the condition of your tank, you can:
- Check for any signs of cracks or splits
- Check for any leaks
- Check your oil level is not too low
- Ensure the surrounding area is debris-free to reduce sediments contaminating your oil
- Ensure your tank is secure and that no water can get in
If you spot anything of concern whilst checking your tank, call us or email us with further details, and we can get someone out to resolve these before they become more costly.