Above Ground Steel Oil Tanks
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Above Ground Steel Oil Tanks

An above ground steel oil tank is used to store waste oil from the home. Most steel tanks have the same type of characteristics such as a 12 gauge thickness, a half or two inch supply, four leg brackets and one and a quarter inch female thread. Two handles at each end for transport and it is easy to replace. Any oil tanks for home or commercial must meet and comply with the standards of the CWB, ULC, CSA and the UL.

One manufacturer of these tanks is Granby Steel Tanks; they have a great reputation in both commercial and residential above ground tanks. They offer 100 gallon vertical tanks that are 12 gauge thickness and weight capacity is 165 pounds. There is a 150 gallon vertical tank that has 12 gauge thickness and weight capacity is 225 pounds, 150 gallon horizontal and 12 gauge and a weight capacity of 225 pounds. The 200 gallon vertical tank has a thickness of 12 gauge with a 260 pound weight.

The 200 gallon horizontal tank has a 12 gauge thickness and a 260 pound weight capacity. 250 gallon vertical and horizontal tanks both 12 gauge and 310 pound weight capacity. The steel is ASTM A-569, female threaded openings. The tanks can be pressure tested between 5 and 7 PSIG.

Sometimes a tank can be come failure for different reasons; one reason may be water got into the tank from a pipe possibly or water from the tank being outside. Climate can be another factor if the tank is stored outside. When the weather is warm the warm moisture can seep into the tank and air can accumulate in the tank.

Even if the tank is a 12 gauge steel there are some things that can happen, for example a steel tank can over time become corroded with rust from the inside of the tank. What you can do is inspect the tank for pinholes or just an open leak. Steel is thin on these tanks and what may look strong may be brittle so be careful you don?t puncture a bigger hole.

A bad delivery of oil can be the cause of a faulty tank as well. Above ground oil tanks have to be inspected. You can have some one from the oil company come out and check the tank for leaks and make sure that it is run properly. If you choose to have an outdoor or an indoor above ground tank either way, make sure they are installed properly either by a professional or if you choose to do it. Have the tank inspected to make sure installation was done right.

Keep the maintenance on your tank, check every month or so for leaks and the first sign of a pinhole contact your oil company, if you catch it in time maybe it can be saved by a patch. Don?t let it go too long before it turns into something where you have to replace the whole tank.