Checking Your Fuel Tank

If you have a heating fuel tank at your residential or commercial property, it is very important that you routinely check the strength and the integrity of your fuel tank. Heating fuel Shropshire are more than happy to assist with your needs. Checking your fuel tank comes under two main categories, a visual inspection of the tank and a check of the fuel level.

It is recommended that owners of fuel tanks check them at least once every couple of weeks over the autumn and winter season, which is an increase on the recommended once a month in the summer. Checks need to happen more regularly over the colder months as this is when more fuel is being used, so there could be the occurrence of more issues – it is also the time of year when you definitely don’t need any problems with your tank.

The visual inspection performed on your heating fuel tank should be thorough. You need to be sure that your tank isn’t suffering from any cracks, leaks or signs of stress. It is also important to check your fuel level.

You should also complete regular general upkeep on the area surrounding your fuel tank:

  • Removing debris, this includes any plant life or vegetation
  • Clean any spillages made during a fuel delivery
  • Check for oil stains on the supports or the ground
  • Check that all the connections are secure
  • Check for any cracks, bulging, rust or discolouration on the tank
  • Treat and paint steel tanks as required

Performing proper maintenance on your fuel tank is crucial, problems can cause issues that require tank repairs or even replacements or it could even be a fire hazard. Testing and monitoring your fuel tank is also not just in your interests, but is also in the public interest. Fuel spills, even on a small scale can have big repercussions which result in a messy clean-up and this can be dangerous for animal and human health. 

Letting your heating fuel reach a critically low level is not recommended and can become highly detrimental to you. Running out of fuel during the colder months can be very troublesome, leaving your family or business in the cold – it could also risk a decline in your workflow for many types of businesses who rely on heating oil. Not checking your fuel tank regularly can result in you losing oil, which can cost you a lot of money and it will also mean that your home will not be heated and your cooker will not have power; depending on what you use the fuel for. 

It is always recommended that you order a replenishment of fuel to your tanks, with at least two weeks to spare when using fuel for domestic purposes; or when your fuel reaches no lower than 20%, this should help to guarantee that you aren’t left without fuel. 

For those of you that have heating fuel tanks installed underground, this maintenance can be difficult, there are professional fuel companies that can assist with the maintenance of underground tanks.