[lucystar]

The oil tank in my cellar is 52 years old. I recently got a price to replace the boiler and was told that I should replace the oil tank. The man said that the older tanks have a higher vent which allows condensation to collect on the bottom.

I called another dealer and he said not to replace the tank if it is not leaking. He said if it started leaking it would be a pinhole leak and I would see it or smell it. He said he doesn't routinely tell people to replace their oil tank if there is no problem.

Can someone advise. Thanks.

 

[jonm]

I'd definantely change it out. I've cleaned up too many spills. They're messy and if oil gets under basement floor, you're looking at a big bill to remove basement floor, contaminated soil and the list goes on. Better safe than sorry. I'd ask the guy who recommended against it if he'll foot the bill if it does leak. Just my opinion

 

[beenthere]

The vent isn't any lower on a new tank.

I'd find another contractor and get more prices, including changing out your 52 year old, could leak any time oil tank.

 

[-80guru]

Change it.

 

[GradyWhite244]

At 52 years old, this tank owes you nothing. I would change it before it starts to leak. I've only seen one tank where the bottom fell out but that was two too many. Tanks rust from the inside out.

 

[casturbo]

It's not that the vent is higher on the old tanks, your contractor was referring to the outlet port on the tank being higher on the old tanks compared to the new tanks. New tanks have the outlet port off dead bottom, so the burner will consume small amounts of moisture/water and not let the tank collect it (and thus, rot it out).

If it were me, I'd change it out if an oil leak will cause havoc. But say if the tank was in a garage, or workshop, I'd leave it there until it leaks, then change it out. Age of tank doesn't mean a whole lot actually, since I've seen new tanks, less than 15 yrs old, leak and near prehistoric tanks still holding just fine. And in all actuality, old tanks are much heavier duty than the flimsy new ones, so they by design will last a boatload longer.

 

[pecmsg]

REPLACE THE TANK
When that old tank lets go, (on a friday night just as you leave for a two week vacation) I don't think your homeowners insurance will cover the Hazardous Waste clean up.
REPLACE THE TANK

 

[jdenyer]

REPLACE THE TANK
When that old tank lets go, (on a friday night just as you leave for a two week vacation) I don't think your homeowners insurance will cover the Hazardous Waste clean up.
REPLACE THE TANK

Yeah what pecmsg said. It is very very very expensive to clean up a large oil spill in the basement. Often your states department of environmental protection gets involved, and then things get really fun Replace it, it's cheap insurance.

 

[casturbo]

Yeah what pecmsg said. It is very very very expensive to clean up a large oil spill in the basement. Often your states department of environmental protection gets involved, and then things get really fun Replace it, it's cheap insurance.

Just a sidenote, of all the oil tank leaks I've seen in the last 15yrs, only 1 involved a major cleanup. All other times, the tank had the tiniest pinhole leak, gave off the unmistakable oil stench and the customer called for service. I put a magnetic patch on them until the tank runs dry and then the change over occurs. Not to discredit the possible big expense that could conceivably happen, but in reality it does not happen. So what to do with that old tank, you wonder....shop around for an affordable replacement now if the old tank bothers you.

 

[MechAcc]

Don't forget the sludge that has most likely collected over 50+ years. Let it go near empty and refilled will allow lots of sludge go to the burner. Get a new tank.

 

[heatpumpguru]

Get a ROTH tank,no worries!