Is It Time to Replace Your Heating Oil Tank?

Posted: September 20, 2018

Heating oil tank

How long will my heating oil tank last?

It’s a question we get asked quite a bit here at Vaughn Oil. The answer? It depends on the answer to many questions. For example:

As you can see, there are a lot of variables involved – we’ve provided a table of average heating oil tank life expectancies that addresses each of them below.

So how do you know if you need to replace your heating oil tank? Well, the one thing you shouldn’t do is rely on the eye test. Even if your heating oil tank shows no visible leaks or rust, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to use. Why? Because heating oil tanks usually corrode from the inside out due to trapped moisture and sediment. That means a tank can fail without visible warning, leaving you with a big and expensive remediation headache on your hands.

That’s why an annual oil tank inspection is a must, especially if you have an older tank. An expert technician will spot problems that you will probably miss, helping you to potentially save thousands of cleanup dollars in the process.

If you already know your tank needs to be replaced, don’t wait – it’s simply not worth the risk, especially considering the affordable, leak-proof, eco-friendly tank options that Vaughn Oil offers. Contact us for a FREE estimate on a new heating oil tank.

Average Oil Tank Life Expectancies*

Indoor tanks

Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall, connected at tank end wall15 years
Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall, connected at tank bottom20 years
Steel tank, 12-gauge, single wall, connected at tank end wall20 years
Steel tank, 12-gauge, single wall, connected at tank bottom25 years
Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall upper, double wall bottom50 years
Fiberglass or Plastic tank, single wall50 years
Fiberglass or Plastic tank, double wall50+ years

Outdoor tanks

Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall, connected at tank end wall10 years
Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall, connected at tank bottom15 years
Steel tank, 12-gauge, single wall, connected at tank end wall15 years
Steel tank, 12-gauge, single wall, connected at tank bottom20 years
Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall upper, double wall bottom50 years
Fiberglass or Plastic tank, single wall50 years
Fiberglass or Plastic tank, double wall50+ years

*Data from Inspectapedia.com

Get peace of mind and avoid the nightmares oil leaks can cause – Contact Vaughn Oil today for a FREE estimate on a new heating oil tank for your home.