Why You Need A Spring Tank Fill Up

With winter at an end and your fuel levels low from the heating season, it’s the ideal time to schedule your next fuel tank fill up. It can be tempting to skip the spring oil delivery if you have enough fuel to get through most of the summer. It seems like that money could be put toward planning the next family summer vacation. But the truth is, a lot could go wrong when your tank is at a quarter full for extended periods, and you won’t realize it until you’re paying for repairs, replacements and clean ups.

One reason it is imperative to have your tank filled regularly is simply water accumulation. Water is almost impossible to keep out of fuel storage tanks. When a tank “breathes” through the tank vent, condensation builds up and moisture re-enters the tank. Rainfall can find numerous ways into outdoor tanks through those same vents or improperly capped filling pipes. If your oil comes into contact with moisture during the distribution process, water will be delivered along with your oil.

Accumulation of water at any point can affect the integrity of your storage tank and it’s ability to contain the oil by creating an environment that promotes bacterial and fungal growth. Contamination is possible when bacteria- or fungus-infested water sits in the bottom of your tank, corroding it over time, leading to an oil leak. This process is referred to as microbial influenced corrosion, or MIC for short. The presence of water in fuel storage tanks can also cause the degradation of the oil leading to a build up of sludge, a mixture of water, oil and other solid contaminants, that can reduce efficiency and lead to further damage of equipment if released into the system.

A full tank means less space for water to build up, meaning less risk for you and your summer vacation plans, so don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’re not signed up for an automatic delivery plan, call your oil dealer and set up a delivery to ensure your storage tank’s integrity.