The warmer weather and longer daylight hours of spring are a perfect time to inspect and refresh your domestic or commercial oil tank system. The allure of longer and warmer spring days tends to fill people all over the UK with a bit more optimism and excitement for the coming months. During the run-up to spring, though, there’s no better time to conduct some basic home and oil tank maintenance.
Before you give your home a makeover, it’s always worth inspecting your oil tank for signs that it might be due a checkup.
With over 25 years of experience servicing steel bunded oil tanks across Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and beyond, SG Tanks is here to guide you through the key steps for giving your oil heating system a minor refresh.
Assessing Oil Tanks for Damage
Start by visually checking your tank, pipes and valves for any signs of damage accumulated over the winter months. Carefully inspect for cracks, deep scratches, discolouration, bulges and major dents which could compromise the tank’s structure and integrity. Even the most innocuous of dents could manifest into large-scale internal problems that could prove costly to repair, so it’s worth checking your domestic oil tank regularly.
Also, check tank legs and supports for corrosion and rust which, if excessive, can affect its functionality. Apply protective primers or paint coatings to rusted metal parts to prevent them from withering.
Use spring cleaning as an opportunity to replace oil filters, which should be swapped annually anyway. However, even small upgrades go a long way; keeping filters and oil levels properly maintained is critical for optimal performance and to minimise risks during warmer weather when oil is more viscous.
Finding and Addressing Any Oil Tank Leaks
In addition to the oil tank body itself, inspect the surrounding area for any indication of spilt oil or leakage from pipes and valves. Oil leakages can indicate severe problems which can be rectified if they are spotted promptly.
While inspecting, verify that all access points and tank seals are fully closed to prevent potential leaks. Excessive buildup of water or debris in a bunded oil tank should be removed as this can also impact workability.
As oil tank servicing specialists, SG Tanks also recommends that you do the following to minimise an oil tank problem during the spring:
- Change your oil filter annually
- Keep your oil level high during warm weather
- Clean out your tank (if over 10 years old)
- Install a filter bowl
- Ensure all access points are closed
Doing the above in a timely and effective manner will minimise the need for large-scale oil tank repairs or replacements down the line, and will give your tank more longevity.
Professional and Timely Oil Tank Maintenance in Time for Spring
Take advantage of the current winter climate to thoroughly inspect, maintain and clean your oil tank storage system before the spring.
SG Tanks offers professional assistance with any identified oil tank issues and can extend a helping hand if you have any concerns.
Our fully licenced team can expertly service, repair or replace oil tanks of various sizes, across residential and commercial settings. Contact us today to learn more about keeping your oil tank in peak condition year-round, or if you have any questions that you think our team can answer.
