Question from Andrea
Hi Debra,
Our 12-gauge steel oil tank has sprung a leak, and we have been advised to replace it as soon as possible. It is located in the basement of our home, so it is accessible (i.e., it does not have to be unearthed, although naturally all proper environmental precautions must be taken in the removing and disposing of it).
I am concerned that the newer oil tanks are more cheaply made and may not be as built to last as our old one was (which lasted decades). I am also concerned about health-related and environmental issues concerning the installation of a new tank. Is there a specific brand, or type, of oil tank that you or your readers can recommend to replace the old tank? There are a few different kinds–some made of steel, some of plastic, some a combination of both.
I hesitate to use one containing any plastic, for fear of them off gassing, or of the plastic possibly having toxic interactions with the heating oil, or of them just not lasting as long as an all-metal tank, although the manufacturers claim they won’t corrode the way metal tanks do. But I just don’t know for sure. Plus the manufacturing of plastic presents its own environmental problems, as well.
I know oil heat is not an ideal heating system overall, but since solar panels and geothermal heating systems unfortunately are not options on our particular property, I still think it is preferable to gas heat, so I am stuck with it for now.
Any advice that you or the readers can provide on the type of tank that would be the best to choose in terms of health, air quality in the home, and the environment in general would be deeply appreciated. As would any tips on avoiding toxic exposure in the home during the tank replacement process.
Thank you very much.
Debra’s Answer
Readers, any experience with this?
