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YOUR OIL TANK See
what's "in store" with today's technologically advanced oil tanks!
A heating oil storage tank
offers an important advantage to a homeowner - the ability to safely store an
adequate supply of heating oil that's ready for
immediate use whenever cold weather arrives or a need to heat the home arises.
Tank Locations
Oil storage tanks, either aboveground or underground tanks, can be found in
three locations:
- An aboveground tank may be inside
the home, usually in the basement, utility room or garage. The most common
tank is the inside 275-gallon basement tank.
- Some aboveground tanks are located
outside the home, either in the rear of or at the side of the house. Like
inside tanks, these tanks usually hold 275 gallons of oil.
- Underground tanks are found in
various locations outside the home, buried in the yard. They are usually
larger than aboveground tanks, holding 550 or 1,000 gallons of fuel.
Types of Tanks
The oilheating industry has been developing a variety of tanks to ensure that
the oil is safely contained.
 Steel
Tanks
Steel tanks built to rigorous Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
specifications are the mainstay of the industry. They are the most commonly
installed tanks and have proven themselves over decades of use. They can be
installed aboveground or underground.
Fiberglass Tanks
Fiberglass tanks are built to rigorous Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
specifications. They have become increasingly popular for underground
installations. Additionally, a fiberglass tank has recently passed UL's
fire test and can now be installed aboveground.
Combined Tanks
Another popular tank system is a combined plastic and steel tank. The plastic
tank serves as an inside liner for storing the fuel, and this is protected by an
outside steel jacket. This tank is also built to rigorous Underwriters
Laboratory (UL) specifications.
This tank design has been used in Europe for decades.
Tank Improvements
The oilheating industry has been working for decades to ensure that tanks are
safe. Any tank that is installed aboveground must be able to withstand a severe
fire. In testing the tanks, they are put in a diesel fire for 30 minutes, and
cannot leak during that time period. These tanks are designed to ensure that
they will not contribute to a house fire.
Additionally, to ensure leaks are rare, some steel tanks are covered in
composites that make them more attractive, and essentially provide a second
barrier. One manufacturers is now manufacturing a tank with a second bottom to
ensure they will never leak. Upgrade to a New Tank
Like any home appliance, a tank can serve for many years. But upgrading your
tank is a viable option. Today's state-of-the-art tanks are composed of
corrosion-resistant steel and fiberglass, and can last homeowners for many
decades. Methods are also available to check your tank's condition. For safety
and durability - consider an upgrade to a new Oilheat tank.
 The Benefits of Fuel Storage
Like many homeowners, you may have bottled water or canned goods stored in your
home. Doesn't it feel good knowing these items are readily available? It's very
much the same with a heating oil tank. Your fuel supply is always on hand,
stored on your own property. Secondly, you have full control of your supply.
Oil tanks also combine cost-efficiency and convenience by allowing you to
store product and use it as you need it in the future.
A storage tank means your own fuel, safely stored, and purchased at a great
value. What a deal!
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