Replacing old 275 Gallon Oil Tank because its old

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Vilco says their Fiberglass tanks come in double wall or single wall. Which did you get?

Do you know how the double wall works, is it like a tank in a tank?

I'd be thrilled to pay $2500 for that job.
 
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I remember paying $175 for a new 14 ga 275 Gallon tank in the 90s at a plumbing supply house. Then they upped the code to 12GA. I think it was at least $250 or more and a lot heavier to carry ,new code up from 14 Ga. Dang things are a job even for 2 guys and they do have handles on the sides ,but they are so heavy the handles bend up while yur carrying them. I have about 4 or 5 of them yet i dont use since i got a 1000 gal tank buried .Should sell em.
 
The standard warranty I am finding on steel tanks seems to be 10 years. I'm surprised its only 10 years if the code says they have to be 12 GA.

back in the "old days" (pre 1970's?) they were probably all plate steel!
 
Hey what does anyone think about using an aluminum big-rig fuel tank as a fuel oil tank? Someone offered me 100 gallon tanks for nearly nothing.
I don't use much of any oil, it's really just a backup, but I'm increasingly nervous about our (buried) tank, it still pressure tested ok 2 years ago (20lbs) but that thing is 50 years old now, it's insane to pour any more fuel in there I think.

You should be asking your insurance person that question.

I would say definite no-no simply because big rig fuel tanks were built for big-rigs and your house isn't a big-rig. Likely the first thing my insurance person would ask, is does it have a CSA or ULC stamp on it?
 
Hey what does anyone think about using an aluminum big-rig fuel tank as a fuel oil tank? Someone offered me 100 gallon tanks for nearly nothing.
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That tank would be way more durable and rust proof than regular steel tank prone to rust. Made to carry the very same type of fuel and get bounced around all day. I cant see a downside.
 
I agree functionally its a superior tank as long as its equipped with fill alarm and proper venting and a firematic valve on the outlet. Unfortunately the insurance company would not accept it so there is some risk if a fire or leak occurs they don't need to cover it.
 
From what I've seen Insurance companies exclude oil tank spills anyway.

So you may as well install something you trust and to heck with the insurance comany.
 
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A few years back I had to change the filter housing on our farmhouse tank, as it had pin holes in the bottom of the can from water. Dirt floor in there. Thinking the 25 year old tank to be right behind it, I changed it too. There was a good 5 gallons of unusable bunker oil in the bottom of the tank, but it was sound. On my new setup, I installed a water separator ahead of the filter, I have to drain an inch of water every three weeks or so.
 
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Wonder if having the tanks directly on concrete causes more sweating. I know most of the corrosion happens inside the tank but that's alot of hassle changing them out in that time frame.

Meanwhile got 4 x 300 gallon gas and desiel overhead farm tanks outside. No leaks, Must be over 60 years old... grandpa used them, dad, and now myself. They can't be any thicker guage because sometimes I'll pushup on them to see how much fuel is left not heavy at all when empty.
 
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An oil tank replacement company just told a friend of mine to leave his 45 year old oil tank alone, don't change it. They said the older tanks can last 50+ years no problem - he has seen some last 70 years.

I wonder what is the cutoff time for an "older" tank?
 
Im sure it makes a difference if the tank is located in a dry basement or out in the weather.
 
An oil tank replacement company just told a friend of mine to leave his 45 year old oil tank alone, don't change it. They said the older tanks can last 50+ years no problem - he has seen some last 70 years.

I wonder what is the cutoff time for an "older" tank?

That would be a question for his insurance person. If he wants to rattle that chain. :confused:
 
An oil tank replacement company just told a friend of mine to leave his 45 year old oil tank alone, don't change it. They said the older tanks can last 50+ years no problem - he has seen some last 70 years.

I wonder what is the cutoff time for an "older" tank?
I know for sure that my older tank is over 38 years old,my dad got it used in 81
 
That would be a question for his insurance person. If he wants to rattle that chain. :confused:
Depends on your insurance.My electrician replaced his because of insurance.They would only cover him for 15 years no matter what tank he bought.The warranty on the fiberglass tanks is 25 years they didn't care.So he bought a tin tank with a 15 year warranty.
 
I would be curious if the switch to ultra low sulfur diesel heating fuel would make a difference in tank life?
 
I would be curious if the switch to ultra low sulfur diesel heating fuel would make a difference in tank life?
That would be an interesting experiment if you were willing to accept the lower energy output for many years and you believe you will still be upright when it finally does spring a leak.
 
I think ME, NH and VT have all switched to low sulfur heating oil so the experiment is running as I write this.
 
The house i'm in, the tank was put in in 1962 when it was built. Cement floor, oil sits for long periods because of wood use. Does run in the summer for dhw. Never had a problem with water in it.
 
The oil tank company checked over my tank today and said with an age of 34 years it should be replaced. He said it was a heavy gauge well made tank but based on age he would not say to leave it alone. He said no leaks so no rush but recommended replacement.

He also said the low sulfur oil tends to reduce the sludge. The sludge he said actually protects the bottom of the tank but disolving it hastens corrosion.

Now just waiting for a quote.