Did you know that approximately 42% of homes in Atlantic Canada use oil tanks as their primary source for heating? Home heating oil tanks play a significant role in your daily activities and comfort, but they must be adequately maintained. Being proactive about your home heating oil tank safety can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and headaches.
Oil tanks are an integral part of your home’s heating system. The oil provides the heat, while the tank keeps the oil at the right temperature and protects it from the elements. Your oil tank is a high-risk area for home repairs and upkeep. If it breaks, you’ll likely end up paying hundreds of dollars for an emergency repair.
Whether you’re looking to replace your existing home heating oil tank or are simply looking to freshen up your safety guidelines, there are some essential things you’ll want to keep in mind.
What To Know When Purchasing a New Home Heating Oil Tank
Heating oil tanks can last for decades and be a great energy source for your home. But like any part of your home, they’re subject to wear and tear. If they’re not maintained properly, they can become dangerous, putting your family at risk.
As you begin searching for a new heating oil tank for your home, you’ll want to take your time and do your homework to make sure you’re getting a quality product.
Things you’ll want to look for when purchasing a new home heating oil tank include:
- Proper Certification: Ideally, your tank should be certified by the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada or the Standards Council of Canada.
- Have Metal Pipe Connections: Your new home heating oil tank should be connected to your piping system with metal piping, not plastic. This helps protect your oil from any leaks, which are especially dangerous when the temperature drops during the winter.
- Be Double-Walled: The best home heating oil tanks are double-walled to protect your oil from the elements. This lets you keep your oil at a constant temperature, no matter what happens outside. It also prevents any small leaks from turning into big ones, saving you money in the long run.
- Automatically Prevents Water Accumulation: You want to invest in a home heating oil tank that has a system that prevents water buildup. This prevents dangerous situations, such as water freezing and cracking your tank. It also prevents water from leaking into your system and potentially causing significant damage.
- Should Be Installed on Concrete or Patio Stones: Your home heating oil tank should be placed on a concrete or patio stone surface to prevent any potential ground movement from causing leaks. The ground should also be leveled to ensure your home heating oil tank is secure and safe.
5 Home Heating Oil Tank Safety Tips You Should Know
Winter weather can be a pain, but it’s essential to ensure your home heating oil tank is safe during the cold months. Here are six home heating oil tank safety tips you should know.
1. Oil Tanks Should Be Installed 15 Meters from Wells and 30 Meters from Open Water Sources
Heating oil tanks should be installed at least 15 meters from a well and 30 meters from open water sources. This helps prevent any potential leaks or spills from contaminating your water supply. It also provides a buffer zone in case a pipe breaks.
2. Needs to Be Inspected Regularly by Yourself
It’s crucial that you take the time to regularly check your oil tank for leaks. If you notice a strong, pungent smell coming from your home, you should immediately call your home heating oil supplier for assistance. This could indicate a leak, which can be dangerous.
3. Have a Professional Inspection Done Annually
It’s also a good idea to have a professional inspection done annually to make sure everything is still in working order, and the integrity of your home heating oil tank hasn’t been compromised. This provides you with peace of mind and allows you to catch any issues before they become disasters.
4. Keep Tank, Lines, and Connections Clear of Snow and Ice
It’s vital that you ensure that your tank, lines, and connections are cleared of snow and ice before the start of and throughout the winter. This prevents any potential problems, such as frozen or cracked lines. It also helps prevent any leaks from being exacerbated by the cold weather.
5. Place a Drip Tray Beneath the Tank
A drip tray is also a good idea to place beneath your home heating oil tank. This helps catch any potential drips or leaks before they can cause significant damage. It also prevents oil from spilling onto the ground, which can be messy and difficult to clean up. It also can help keep oil from spreading should a leak happen.
Protect Your Home Further with a Policy from Higgins Insurance
Life is full of surprises, and we can’t control what happens to our homes. But with the right homeowners’ insurance, you don’t have to worry about losing money on your home.
Protect your property with insurance you can trust! Get your quote from Higgins Insurance today.