Residential Fuel Oil Storage Tanks

Here’s an exciting topic to talk about, residential fuel oil storage tanks!

Just kidding, but really it is something that needs to be addressed. Recently, in the State of Rhode Island, home heating fuel oil and diesel motor fuel has been mandated to be blended with bio-products. The current ratio is now 20 percent or what is referred to as B-20. While this is great for our environment, there is an unintended consequence. Hope Energy is now replacing fuel oil storage tanks at a never before seen rate. Please read on to understand why this is happening.

Many homes have fuel oil tanks that are more than 30 years old. In fact, some fuel oil tanks were installed in the 1950’s and are still in service today. Over the years fuel oil storage tanks build up sludge at the bottom. This can’t be helped; it’s just the nature most petroleum based fuels.

Biofuel acts as a mild solvent. When introduced to an older tank it can loosen and dissolve accumulated varnish, sediments and sludge (from years of conventional oil use) off the walls of the tank. Displaced sludge can now travel through filters, pumps and nozzles creating service headaches.

Due to the moisture absorption and microbial growth brough upon by the characteristics of biofuel, suspended solids settle at the bottom of the storage tank. These suspended solids tend to be acidic and “eat” away at the bottom of the steel storage tank. As these organisms feast on the steel bottom, the fuel oil storage tank becomes compromised.

Typically, when a tank fails you will see small droplets or even a constant dripping of fuel from the belly of the tank. At this point the only corrective action is tank replacement. Don’t try to patch this or wait for it to stop. And do not touch the area as you will most likely puncture the tank leading to a catastrophic release of fuel. Call Hope Energy immediately.

Hope Energy provides fuel oil tank insurance as part of our Gold Service Plan. We offer up to $2,000.00 towards the replacement of a fuel oil tank. Qualified tanks, once approved for coverage, ensures you with piece of mind. Don’t delay, let us evaluate your tank and determine if replacement should be considered or if your fuel oil storage tank qualifies, consider purchasing our Gold Service Plan.