The winter months always lead to an increase in heating expenses, whether it’s gas or oil. For those of us using heating oil, we hope we’ve properly maintained our boilers and furnaces throughout the year. Another piece of equipment that is very important to keep us warm is our heating oil tanks. The oil that heats our homes needs to be properly stored, and the tanks need to be able to use that oil efficiently to keep our homes comfortable.
Problems can occur with our oil tanks if we don’t appropriately care for them. One such problem that can become costly if not addressed promptly is oil sludge build-up in those tanks. So, how do we prevent sludge build-up?
What Causes Sludge in My Heating Oil Tank?
Sludge build-up in a heating oil tank can result from several factors. Water leaking into and contaminating your oil can lead to sludge build-up. This can happen due to corrosion occurring outside your tank that could be spotted from the outside and prevented.
Underground tanks are, by nature, impossible to visibly scan for corrosion, making them more susceptible to water leaking into them. Once water leaks in, it creates an environment for bacteria to grow and thrive. When the bacteria combine with the oil and other impurities that leak in, including rust and dirt, it forms sludge.
Is Oil Sludge Flammable?
Unfortunately, in addition to being a general hazard to your oil tank, oil sludge is flammable. Not only is this a fire hazard, but a pollution hazard as well. If the oil sludge is not dealt with, it will work its way out of your tank and into your home heating. When this happens, it can extend that fire hazard throughout your home, which means a fire could happen anywhere.
What Dissolves Oil Sludge?
Some industrial degreasers, such as acetone, can help break up sludge. That said, this is a job you’ll want to leave to HVAC professionals. Your heating system is too important to risk adding chemicals to your system by yourself. Scheduling regular maintenance checkups can help avoid costly problems with your home heating system.
Express C.O.D Is Long Island’s Trusted Heating Oil Provider
Proper maintenance of an oil tank is important to avoid problems such as sludge build-up, which can extend the life of your tank. Tragar Home Services provides HVAC maintenance services that can save you and your family money and give you peace of mind this winter.
Express C.O.D, a division of Long Island’s trusted Tragar Home Services, provides discounted oil-on-demand delivery services with the ability to shop and place orders 24/7. We have over 60 employees to help ensure speedy delivery and excellent customer service. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you.
