As the weather gets colder, it’s essential to make sure your oil tank is winter-ready. This blog post will be a seasonal guide focused on helping you to prepare your oil tank for winter/freezing. It will outline the essential steps involved in winterisation, such as tank inspection, water removal, special oil tank covers etc. Keep reading to find out how to prepare your oil tank for cold weather.
Tank inspection
Before the cold weather arrives, it’s important to visually inspect your oil tank for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, rust or other issues that could lead to leaks or issues in future.
If you notice any damage, address it immediately. Small issues often become much bigger during the winter. Consider hiring a professional to conduct a more thorough inspection and make any repairs. This will:
- Prevent leaks and avoid wasted fuel.
- Ensure safety by reducing fire risks.
- Save money before issues become expensive repairs.
- Protect the environment by preventing oil leakages.
Water removal
The water in your oil tank itself can lead to a wide range of problems, so when preparing your oil tank for the colder months, water accumulation is important to consider.
An accumulation of water caused by condensation during the warmer months creates a layer of water at the bottom of your tank. This might not seem like a great concern, but when the tank becomes full, a larger volume of air inside the tank will further increase the likelihood of condensation forming. If left, this water buildup can lead to a variety of issues, tank corrosion, damage to the heating system and oil tank freezing to name just a few. Regular maintenance and water removal are key to reducing the risk of issues as a result of water accumulation.
If this is an issue you’re familiar with and struggle with each year, consider investing in a bunded oil tank that will protect against the risk of leaks.
Special oil tank covers
Unfortunately, an issue you might have to contend with during the cooler months is oil theft. When heating oil is in demand, you may have to take measures to secure your tank. Consider having special oil tank covers or locking caps installed on your oil tank and make sure to check regularly for any suspicious signs. An added bonus of an oil tank cover is that it will help to prevent oil tank freezing at the same time.
Keep an eye on oil levels
There’s nothing worse than running out of oil in the middle of the coldest months. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can be expensive too.
Making sure that your tank gauges are properly functioning is vital for being able to monitor your oil levels accurately. If they’re not accurate, you won’t have a reliable way of knowing how much oil you have and when you need to refill. Make sure you check your gauges for signs of damage such as cracks or abnormal readings as we get closer to the coldest months.
It might help to set reminders to check your tank regularly and get connected with a reliable oil supplier. We recommend ordering supplies in advance to help you avoid price increases and make sure you can stay as comfortable as possible.
Contact us If you’re worried about how to prepare and protect your oil tank this winter, don’t hesitate to contact QuickTanks at any time for help and advice. We’re the experts in heating oil tanks for both domestic and commercial properties.