New Oil Tank outside?

Leonc

I'm getting my oil tank (currently 275 gal in my basement) replaced this year.

The last few months I have seen many neighbors get their new tanks installed outside instead of inside. At first I didn't know what it was, then I found out what the new Roth tanks looked like. I always assumed that I would just get a new tank in my basement to replace the one I have, but it seems like everyone is getting theirs put outside.

I been watching some videos and looking through old posts about the Roth tanks but I still have a few questions:

1. I like the idea of the tank being outside, I can get more storage space, and a tank failure wouldn't ruin my basement. What are the reasons not to? I have read some opinions in past posts that an outdoor tank is a horrible idea, but I couldn't find the reasoning.
2. Right now my tank is on the opposite side of the basement from my boiler. Would I be able to have a new outdoor tank on the same side of the house as my boiler (to reduce total feed line length, as well as preferred location for looks)? Is it just one small hole that needs to be drilled for the thin copper line to feed into the house?
3. What maintenance does an outdoor tank require (if any)? I haven't done anything for my indoor tank except look at the bottom with a flashlight every now and then, and have some plastic sheeting underneath, which I inspect for drips.
4. Should I protect it in any way more than the way it comes? Assuming I get the Roth, there is a nice stainless steel "roof" that comes with it. Will adding any kind of tarp/sheeting (maybe a mini shed?) around it be helpful?
5. Anything else I should consider or I should make sure to ask the companies that I call?

Thank you all for your input!

Robert O'Brien

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/197620/new-oil-tank-outside

1. Fuel gelling & tank corrosion. Corrosion is not an issue with Roth but it will still need water removed periodically
2. Yes
3. Remove water, more condensation in outdoor tanks
4. Roth requires their outdoor kit
5. Fuel gelling is the biggest concern, you can use additives or an immersion heater or both

HVACNUT

I did exactly that myself.

Check your local codes as far as location to property lines, other items like LP tanks or AC condenser, windows. The Town might require a poured (recommended) slab, hurricane straps, etc.

My total oil line run is approximately 60 ft. (1/2" OD to the boiler). Single pipe, with a Tiger Loop Ultra at the burner. I add fuel treatment at every delivery, and never run over 3" vacuum. Any higher, I replace the filter.

Dave Carpentier

I looked at the Roth lid for outdoor use, didnt think it was strong enough, so made a pole-barn kinda shed around it, shingled the sloped roof , painted etc. Keeps it out of the sun, too.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I am sure the Roth will be fine outside. But there is the risk of problems from cold oil if you live in a cold climate. You can also put double wall tanks indoors which will protect your basement.

Cold oil can be mitigated by fuel oil treatment and better quality oil.

SuperTech

I don't like seeing any oil tanks outside, too much potential for problems. The Roth tanks also require the oil line to be connected at the top of the tank, this causes the oil pump to have to pull the oil out of the tank which leads to vacuum leaks if the oil line isn't perfect. I prefer to see the tank indoors with the pump fed by gravity by a single line connection at the bottom of the tank.

Leonc

Thank you all for the responses! A few clarifying questions:

1. "Removing water" is that water that gets into the tank or is that just removing water on the outside of the tank?
2. I live in the Philadelphia area, how often (or what kind of temps) will I need the fuel treatments, and what is the process for that?

Thank you all!

Robert O'Brien

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1807980#Comment_1807980

1. Inside the tank, from condensation
2. Pour point suppressant on every delivery to be safe, some people only do fall/winter but it's cheap insurance