How Old Is Too Old?
Storage Tanks Age. Do you know how old yours is? To better evaluate the health of your system, start on the outside and work your way in.
Check the COMPONENTS.
Start outside at the fill and vent pipes and work toward the burner to inspect each pipe, cap, supply line, fitting, gauge, leg, and tank exterior (if aboveground) for any corrosion, rust, or leaks. Every storage tank part contributes to a fully operational, safe heating system.Check the CONTENTS.
Water and sludge accumulate in storage tanks over time. That buildup interferes with performance and promotes corrosion inside the tank causing it to decompose from the inside out. Use water-indicating paste (available in big box stores and online) to check for water. Look in the filter cup for particles that look like coffee grounds that indicate sludge buildup.Check the AGE.
If you have a tank installed before 1990 consider an upgrade. The life expectancy of a typical storage tank can be 30 to 40 years. However, tanks in wet or damp locations deteriorate more quickly. Underground storage tanks installed before the mid-1980s were typically bare steel making them very susceptible to corrosion.