If you have a steel heating oil tank sitting in your basement, it probably has a lifespan of somewhere between 15 and 20 years (see table below) – which means if your Rhode Island home was built in or before 2000, you’re probably due, or maybe even overdue, for a replacement.
Don’t be fooled: even if your heating oil tank looks and seems like it’s working just fine, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to continue to use it. That’s because older, single-wall steel heating oil tanks usually corrode from the inside out due to trapped moisture and sediment. That means you won’t see a tank failure coming until it’s too late.
| Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall, connected at tank end wall | 15 years |
| Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall, connected at tank bottom | 20 years |
| Steel tank, 12-gauge, single wall, connected at tank end wall | 20 years |
| Steel tank, 12-gauge, single wall, connected at tank bottom | 25 years |
| Steel tank, 14-gauge, single wall upper, double wall bottom | 50 years |
| Fiberglass or Plastic tank, single wall | 50 years |
| Fiberglass or Plastic tank, double wall | 50+ years |
The takeaway here: if you already know your tank needs to be replaced, don’t wait – it’s simply not worth the risk, especially considering the affordable, double-walled, eco-friendly above ground heating oil tank options that Vaughn Oil offers (heating oil tanks have come a LONG way in the last 20 years – today’s models are virtually leak-proof and available in a variety of configurations).
Need another reason to replace your heating oil tank? We have 250 of them! Save up to $250 on a heating oil tank installation from the pros at Vaughn Oil if you act today. Contact us for details.
Get peace of mind and avoid the nightmares oil leaks can cause – Contact Vaughn Oil today for a FREE estimate on heating oil tank installations in RI.
Please note: At Vaughn Oil, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe, your home heating systems working, and your heating oil deliveries coming throughout this challenging time.
*Data from Inspectapedia.com
