With exposure to the harsh wind, rain and snow, looking after your home heating oil tank in Winter is vitally important. As one of Cork’s leading Home Heating Oil Suppliers, we would like to help you be as prepared as possible for the season. Here is a handy guide highlighting some of the most important signs to look out for in the Winter.
IN THE EVENT OF HEAVY SNOWFALL
If you have experienced a heavy bout of snowfall, then you should check your oil tank for snow building up on the roof of your tank. Any extra weight on your tank can be very damaging, particularly if your tank rests on tank support brackets or legs. You should also ensure that any exposed pipes are carefully lagged to protect them from freezing. It is important to note that your home heating oil won’t freeze in the tank. However if there is any water condensation that may have built up inside the tank, then this could freeze and block your fuel lines, therefore affecting your fuel supply to your boiler. Avoid any possibility of water building up in the tank by ensuring the cap is securely tightened on after every refill of oil.
IN THE EVENT OF HEAVY WINDS
Stormy weather including gale force winds can cause loose debris to be thrown around in your garden. Once it is safe to do so, make sure you take a good look around your oil tank to ensure that there are no fallen branches or garden furniture resting on and around the tank. Take the time to look for any fresh dents or scrapes or loose fittings that may weaken the structure of the tank. Check underneath and the ground around the tank for any damp patches which may signal you have an oil leak. Check out our blog on Tips for Checking Your Home Heating Oil Levels.
KEEPING YOUR HOME HEATING OIL TANK SECURE
This is the time of year that most people will have their oil tank filled to the brim as well as refilling more often due to higher usage. It is important that you are taking every precaution against fuel theft. Make sure your tank has a lock or security alarm fitted and replace any rusted locks that could easily be broken. You should also check your fuel gauge to ensure that it is working correctly so that you don’t find yourself running out of fuel completely. Having an accurate fuel gauge in good working order will also alert you to fuel theft or an oil leak.
PROTECTING YOUR HOME HEATING OIL TANK AGAINST WATER DAMAGE
It is vital that you take every precaution to minimize the chances of getting water into your fuel tank. Refilling your oil tank regularly to keep it as full as possible is a good way of making sure water condensation doesn’t build up inside the tank. You should always ensuring you use good quality fuel and as one of Cork’s leading Home Heating Oil suppliers, we aim to deliver fuel that is cost effective, clean and safe for your oil tank. Make sure you check your oil tank filter – we would advise to check it at the beginning of the season and halfway through to make sure debris hasn’t built up. Watch out for rusted pipes, as well as damp valves and connections as this is a sign that water could be corroding your oil tank. It would be advisable to get these replaced at the beginning of the Winter season.
LET US HELP YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR HOME HEATING OIL TANK IN THE WINTER
Should you require any further advice with regard to looking after your home heating oil tank during the Winter months, why not give us a call on 022-4222011. You can also email info@cityoil.ie to arrange a home delivery of oil. Unsure of which fuel to choose? Check out the full range of fuels available on our website www.cityoil.ie or you may want to have a look at our parent company website www.tria.ie. We are one of the Cork leading Home Heating Oil Suppliers with over 30 years experience and happy to manage your home heating oil needs.