Losing oil can not only end up costing you a fortune, it also means your home will not be heated and your cooker won’t be powered; depending on what you use your fuel for.
When it comes to checking your tank, there are a few things you should always look out for. This includes checking the tank base and its supports for any signs of cracking, as well as ensuring that the content gauge within the tank is functioning correctly. As a general recommendation, you should be checking the condition of your fuel tank at least once a month.
It’s also beneficial to check the surrounding pipe work and valves for signs of leakage, which may be in the form of staining. If your tank is close to flowers or other vegetation, you should also check whether the areas next to the tank have died, as this could suggest an oil leak.
Tanks are available in both metal and plastic varieties, and each come with their own advantages and disadvantages. With plastic tanks, they can be prone to cracking and splitting over time, however this is easy to identify with regular tank checks.
Plastic tanks are not typically repaired once they begin to crack; it is instead advised that you buy a new one to replace it. Metal tanks begin to show signs of rust over time, but are able to be repaired to a certain extent. Plastic tanks can often be cheaper to replace.
If you use a remote tank monitoring service to save you having to check your tank's fuel level yourself, you should still regularly check the exterior of the tank to ensure that no leaks are present.
It is also advised that you have your fuel tank checked by an oil professional at least once a year, to ensure that you haven’t missed any signs of damage and also to give you peace of mind that it is in full working order.