Posted: May 13, 2025

How to Maintain Your Heating Oil Tank

You can slow corrosion and catch tank issues with these tips.

When you keep your home warm and comfortable with heating oil, you depend on a sturdy, drum-tight heating oil tank. These tanks tend to be durable and long-lasting, and heating oil itself is an incredibly safe home fuel.

That said, a heating oil tank failure is serious business. If your tank becomes corroded or structurally unsound, you could wind up facing a fuel spill, which may be incredibly expensive to remedy.

Luckily, there are many ways to maintain the health of your home’s heating oil tank — and Mirabito Energy Products is here to help!

What’s the lifespan of a heating oil tank?

A home heating oil tank typically has a lifespan of 15 to 25 years before requiring replacement. However, with proper maintenance and a bit of luck, your tank could last significantly longer. In fact, our heating oil delivery team occasionally services tanks that are over 40 years old!

How can you keep your heating oil tank healthy?

Here’s some good news for you: maintaining your heating oil tank is not difficult or time-intensive. Here are four easy ways to do it:

1. Keep your tank filled during the warmer months. Mostly-empty tanks are more prone to interior condensation, which can easily speed up internal corrosion. Having a full tank in the spring and summer reduces condensation, and the fuel will still be good to use in the winter.
2. Use premium heating oil. High-quality fuel leaves fewer deposits and less gunk behind. At Mirabito, we proudly deliver highly-refined, eco-friendly, clean-burning Bioheat® blended fuel.
3. Give your tank an eyeball inspection a few times a year. Look at the section below for the warning signs that your tank may be at risk of failing.

What are the signs that a heating oil tank might fail?

Here are a few of the early warning signs that your heating oil tank may be nearing retirement:

• Pinhole leaks and oil on the floor near the tank
• Oil stains on the outside of the tank
• Dents or abrasions on the tank body
• Rust o
• r blistering paint
• Wet spots on the tank long after your fuel has been delivered
• Unstable tank legs
• Broken or malfunctioning components (e.g., vent alarm, fuel gauge, oil lines)
• Split or cracking fuel lines

Seeing any of these issues on your home’s heating oil tank? Reach out to Mirabito right away so that we can inspect your tank.

Upgrade to a top-tier heating oil tank with Mirabito!

If your current oil tank is on its last legs, Mirabito Energy Products has you covered. We can replace your failing tank with a top-of-the-line model from a leading brand like Granby and Roth. Modern tanks have double-wall construction for added durability, built-in leak detection for enhanced safety and compact designs perfect for tight spaces. Upgrading ensures secure, space-saving fuel storage that will last for decades.

Mirabito serves households in the Finger Lakes, Central, Northern, Upstate and Western New York, Western and Central Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and communities in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. Get in touch with us today or call 800-934-9480 to discuss your heating oil tank needs.