Three Causes Of Sludge In Your Heating Oil Tank
Underground heating oil tanks aren't immune to problems. Sludge is a common complaint. This debris builds up in the bottom of the tank, adding impurities to your heating oil and clogging fuel lines.
1. Oil Impurities
The most common cause of sludge in the past was impurities in the heating oil itself. Modern filtration and processing methods have all but eliminated this as a source of sludge, but in older tanks, the sludge from the past could be causing your problem in the present. If you currently have sludge from oil impurities but the tank is in otherwise good condition, you can postpone fixing the issue with a simple tactic -- always maintain the oil level in the tank to at least 50 percent of its capacity. This way the intake lines won't pull oil from the sludge layer at the bottom. Further, keeping some oil in the tank prevents the sludge on the bottom of the tank from being stirred up each time you refill.
2. Tank Corrosion
Oil tanks can develop corrosion and rust as they age. The culprit is moisture than condensates in the tank. The moisture can get into the tank through a badly sealed refill valve opening, for example. There is also usually at least some water molecules trapped in the oil you have delivered, even in high-quality oil. The moisture condenses on the tank walls, where it slowly eats away at the metal. The metal then flakes into the tank, creating sludge. Checking tank seals regularly and purchasing only high-quality oil slows the process, but you will still need to have the tank cleaned every couple of decades.
3. Sediment Leaks
Leaks are a major hazard. They occur when corrosion eats through a tank wall or when a crack forms, perhaps from a failed weld or another form of damage. Sediment from the surrounding soil then leaches into the tank through the crack or hole, resulting in quick sludge buildup in the oil. Even worse, oil can leak out into the soil and contaminate the ground or the water table. A tank with a sediment leak will require replacement.
If extensive sludge is in your oil tank, your first task is to make sure there is no damage to the tank. If there is, it needs to be replaced to prevent oil leaks into the environment. If the sludge is a result of poorly filtered oil, then it makes sense to have the tank drained and cleaned. Then, contract with a heating oil company that provides good, clean oil to prevent future sludge buildup.
