The average life expectancy of a heating oil tank is about 20 years, but some factors can shorten that time frame. Today we'll be examining both aboveground and
The average size of a residential oil tank is 275 gallons. On days when the outside temperature averages 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a typical household will consume 2 gallons of heating oil. When you divide a full 275-gallon tank by two, the heating oil will last for approximately 137 days, or four months and two weeks.
You read that right: a properly maintained double-walled heating oil can last 50 years or more, according to inspectapedia.com.
A typical homeowners policy does not cover most residential fuel or fuel oil spills. The primary reason for this is that most homeowners policies generally have exclusions about the leaking or spilling of many different types of pollutants. Fuel and fuel oil are classified in this category and considered “pollutants”.
When full, a 275-gallon tank holds approximately 225 gallons; the rest of the space is left to allow for air or debris at the bottom of your tank. So if your gauge reads “½” in a 275-gallon tank, you actually have about 110 gallons left, not 135 or so.
Over time, corrosion decreases a tank's integrity and eventually penetrates the tank structure, initiating tank bottom perforation. This can cause oil to leak into the environment which can result in huge clean-up costs.
Your domestic oil tank should be serviced annually by a registered OFTEC engineer.
Your furnace or boiler will most likely stop running if you let the oil level get down to about four inches, or about 32 gallons.
While other types of equipment can be fixed before replacements are necessary, oil tanks are different. Oil tanks typically cannot be repaired, so it's best to replace yours when the time is right. So how do you know when it's time for a new tank?
You may be able to determine the age of your tank by checking the nameplate on your tank, which sometimes include the born-on date. If you are unsuccessful in determining the age from the nameplate, check to see if the ends of your tank are crimped.
Consequently, after the fuel tank has been filled, it is likely that the burner will not start but will 'lockout' – this will be indicated by the lockout button on the front of the burner being lit red. If this 'lockout' occurs, it is recommended that that oil supply to the burner is bled.
However, on average, an oil tank replacement cost between $2,950 and $3,400. The cost may be up to $4,000 plus, if you are working with a double wall or a Roth tank. These rough quotes are as of 2023.
We have seen indoor oil tanks in good condition that are 60 years old or older, and we have found failures in newer oil storage tanks that may have been made of thinner or cheaper steel and that did not last as long as the original ones.
check the tank base or supports for cracking or subsidence. ensure the tank has a working contents gauge; if this has a valve make sure it's closed. check all visible pipework, valves and filters for damage and signs of leaks, such as dampness or staining, especially around joints.
On average an outdoor tank is required to be replaced after 13 to 15 years of age. Indoor tanks have a little more time, due to not being exposed to the elements, and don't need to be replaced until 18 to 20 years of age.
An oil tank's vent pipe is about 1-2 inches in diameter and is made of galvanized metal. It often has a mushroom or bulb-shaped cap covering it up. Seeing one of these vent pipes sticking up on the lawn or close to the building's foundation is a red flag you may have a buried oil tank.
Typically 4-5 hours for a single oil tank installation. The installation of two tanks can be a full day job. Jobs that require bollards in a garage oil tank installation will be a full day. Jobs that require the installation of a cement pad (inside or out) will be a 2 phase job.
275 Gallon Vertical Oil Tank Chart
This tank is usually filled to a maximum of about 250 gallons (about 6 inches from the top of the tank) to leave room for expansion.
To measure your tank manually Mister C says; take the cap off the top of the tank, which is where the fuel goes in, and put the dipstick right down to the bottom of the tank. When the stick is withdrawn, the oil will leave a mark on the stick consistent with the level of oil.