On average, a heating oil tank that has been professionally installed and regularly maintained will have an expected working life of around 20 years. However, the lifespan of your tank can vary based on several factors.
Proper installation is crucial - a well-installed tank will generally last longer, and we would always recommend you use an OFTEC registered oil heating engineer. Your tank needs to be adequately supported with a base that provides continual structural support, and is non-combustible, imperforate, and level.
The location of your tank is another important factor. Tanks that are in exposed locations and exposed to harsh weather conditions can commonly suffer damage in the form of splits and cracks. These, in turn, can result in water contamination and leaks.
As part of your annual boiler service, your engineer will visually inspect your heating oil tank for any damage such as cracks or leaks, or tell-tale signs of water ingress, leaking joints, and rusting components.
If you need a new heating oil tank, our blog tells you all you need to know. Or it could be a good time to consider changing to another fuel source such as LPG which is the nearest thing to mains gas and a great choice for off-grid households.