What is the life expectancy of an above ground (in garage) home heating oil tank?
We bought our house in 1971 and the above ground oil tank was installed in the basement back in 1933. In 1994 when our old furnace (originally a coal furnace that was converted for steam) cracked and started leaking my husband decided that we should switch to gas. The old oil tank was still perfect but took quite a lot of space in an area that my husband envisioned as his future little gym. Between us….2008 no gym! We had to have the tank professionally cleaned and removed. In 1994 we paid $500. From the pipe outside they flushed the oil, washed and rinsed the tank with solvents testing residues to make sure it was safe to remove. The tank was then cut in pieces that could be removed through the door way. They even gave us the credit for the oil extracted and the weight of metal sold to the junkyard. Our tank was in a toasty warm basement, near the furnace no moisture or rust exposure. Your tank is in the garage exposed to various temperatures depending where you live. You might be w
The avearge life for an above ground outdoor tank is around 30 years. The problem is some look pretty rusty on the outside but may be perfectly fine. They may last longer than 30 years, they may not. Only an expert can tell for sure. Definitely get a second opinion if you aren’t totally happy with the first inspectors answer. Here are some links that may help you. Just remember it’s much cheaper to replace a tank than it is to clean up a spill.
The avearge life for an above ground outdoor tank is around 30 years. The problem is some look pretty rusty on the outside but may be perfectly fine. They may last longer than 30 years, they may not. Only an expert can tell for sure. Definitely get a second opinion if you aren’t totally happy with the first inspectors answer. Here are some links that may help you. Just remember it’s much cheaper to replace a tank than it is to clean up a spill. http://dec.alaska.gov/spar/perp/heat/facts.htm http://www.dawginc.com/secondary-spill-containment/home_oil_tank_ar12.php Sources: http://www.dawginc.com/secondary-spill-containment/home_oil_tank_ar12.
