Replacing old 275 Gallon Oil Tank because its old
- Thread starter fire_man
- Start date
-
Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.
We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.
We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil. -
Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here
It's a Vilco, this is the first link I found:
(broken link removed to https://homeheating.wilsons.ca/vilco-fiberglass.html)
I paid $2500 CDN. Old oil removed, old tank out, new pipes feed pipes, the tub liner, the new 30 yr tank, inspection, etc. My old tank was red tagged due to the weeping found on inspection. And it was obvious once I got under it and looked, but not noticeable just standing next to it (and hadn't dripped on the floor yet)
(broken link removed to https://homeheating.wilsons.ca/vilco-fiberglass.html)
I paid $2500 CDN. Old oil removed, old tank out, new pipes feed pipes, the tub liner, the new 30 yr tank, inspection, etc. My old tank was red tagged due to the weeping found on inspection. And it was obvious once I got under it and looked, but not noticeable just standing next to it (and hadn't dripped on the floor yet)
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.
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.
Last edited:
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!
back in the "old days" (pre 1970's?) they were probably all plate steel!
maple1
Minister of Fire
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last edited:
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 wonder what is the cutoff time for an "older" tank?
maple1
Minister of Fire
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.That would be a question for his insurance person. If he wants to rattle that chain.
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 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.
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.
Similar threads
