Need a new heating oil tank- single vs double wall?

[Ronsant]

My 275 gallon heating oil tank started leaking on the floor. Just a few drops here and there. Tech came over and attached a magnetic “patch” and no drips since then.
Oil company wants around $4K for R&R with new tank. 3 year warranty. Double wall tank is $500 more and has 30 year warranty.
Seems like a no brainer, but double wall may not fit. Have to measure the available space. Tight fit due to radon system piping.
I have to believe that a single wall tank will last significantly more than 3 years in my basement?

Anyone knowledgeable about this, please chime in. THANKS,

 

[Rand]

Before I'd pay 4k I'd consider ripping the whole thing out and go heat pump.
not like heating with oil is cheap.

 

[supton]

I know if my oil burner gave out, I'd think seriously about going to gas. I'm not sure how cost effective it is, but oil requires yearly cleanings. There might be some sort of savings as the years go by.

How long do you plan to live here? I mean, if you're gone in 5, perhaps the cheapest route?

 

[Ronsant]

I do not have access to natural gas on my street, unfortunately.
We will be in this house for a decade or more. Heat pump is a good option, but would require supplemental heat on the coldest days.
At this point, the boiler is good, and I replaced the pumps a few years ago, so I want to get the new tank. The three year warranty is concerning, as the original tank lasted over 30 years.

 

[wsar10]

I feel like $4K is high!

For 4K you could install a mini-split and then replace the tank on your own time. A 10 gauge tank will probably start @ $1000-1200 at a supply house, NOT A BOX STORE. In the end for 6k you could have an additional heating system (the pros are endless in terms of ROI, the MS will pay for itself shortly) along with your fossil fuel system fixed.

That just seems really high, but then again every basement is unique with its own unique obstacles.
Wish you were closer, Id sell you my extra tank that still looks new with no sludge at all! I pulled two from my basement, ended up replacing one with a different setup but the other is in storage.... I have always installed 10 gauge tanks in climate controlled basements, much like HVAC guys did for the last 100 years. I have never had or seen one of those tanks leak in that scenario that was not coming from a fitting or a faulty weld around the bung.

Not sure what type of code or inspections you have to deal with. You may wanna keep things quiet and just get it done, or it may end up much more expensive when Big Brother start sniffing around. After all these ABC groups have to validate themselves someway... When people start talking about Haz-Mat leaks, they tend to pay attention.

$0.02

 

[k1xv]

I built my Vermont home in 2002 with two 330 gallon indoor tanks. Never have had a leak.

 

[BISCUT]

Before I'd pay 4k I'd consider ripping the whole thing out and go heat pump.
not like heating with oil is cheap.

This! Pretty good systems out there now. I'm waiting on my BIL as he is close to installing a heat pump system.

 

[BISCUT]

$4k does seem really high. I built my house in 2004 and I also have tandem 330gal tanks. They weren't expensive to purchase and installation isn't anything time-consuming or difficult. You likely have most of the structure in place already. Hope it all goes well.

Bit of advice. Make sure the installer cuts the whistle. I didn't know about that and my two 330's don't fill up as high as I'd like due to the whistle not being cut. It's a safety feature but often overdone to the extreme.

 

[k1xv]

we have a 4000 sq ft home in frosty Vermont. About 2/3rds of it are now heated and cooled by special Mitsubishi heat pumps that will heat even when it is below zero. And their ability to efficiently cool in summer is outstanding.

 

[walterjay]

I wouldn't worry about a single wall tank if it is indoors. I've installed a few and never had a leak over the years.

 

[BISCUT]

$4k does seem really high. I built my house in 2004 and I also have tandem 330gal tanks. They weren't expensive to purchase and installation isn't anything time-consuming or difficult. You likely have most of the structure in place already. Hope it all goes well.

Bit of advice. Make sure the installer cuts the whistle. I didn't know about that and my two 330's don't fill up as high as I'd like due to the whistle not being cut. It's a safety feature but often overdone to the extreme.

Sorry! I neglected to add....my tanks are single wall and zero issues.

 

[CDX825]

Roth double wall tanks are pretty nice! We mostly install single wall tanks around here but we have done a few Roth tanks. I actually like the Roth tank better but most people don't want to spend the extra cash for it.

 

[andrew_j]

I replaced a working 275 gallon oil tank few years back when I got a new boiler. It was made in 1972 along with boiler!!!

They charged $2100 to remove and replace with standard single wall. The tank removal guy who removed out on a trailer and drove out of driveway for a guy on Craigslist picking up a free tank. Tank guy also pumped the remaining 30 or so gallons into plastic open barrel and took home for his boat.

 

[Ronsant]

It’s a tight fit to get the old tank out and new tank in. Not sure a double wall will fit.
This is the original tank to the house, built in 1977. So this one lasted a very long time.
The 3 year warranty on the new tank seems pretty weak.
Estimates up here in RI were all around $4K for taking away the old tank and installing the new one. Also, they will pump out the heating oil and pump it back into the new tank. ( tank is almost full).
I don’t doubt that it could be DIY’ed for less, but the job is beyond my skill level.
Heat pump is a great idea, but at this point, I just want to get the tank replaced.

 

[Rand]

how does an indoor tank rust out? watery sludge settle on bottom?

 

[walterjay]

how does an indoor tank rust out? watery sludge settle on bottom?

Yes.
I recommend setting a tank with a very slight slope to it so water will settle at one end. Open a drain valve on it yearly to remove water.

 

[BISCUT]

It’s a tight fit to get the old tank out and new tank in. Not sure a double wall will fit.
This is the original tank to the house, built in 1977. So this one lasted a very long time.
The 3 year warranty on the new tank seems pretty weak.
Estimates up here in RI were all around $4K for taking away the old tank and installing the new one. Also, they will pump out the heating oil and pump it back into the new tank. ( tank is almost full).
I don’t doubt that it could be DIY’ed for less, but the job is beyond my skill level.
Heat pump is a great idea, but at this point, I just want to get the tank replaced.

Messing around with #2 can get a DIY in a lot of trouble, especially in a state like RI. Likely the cost has hazmat issues baked in. Only Gov't can get away with a spill!

 

[Halderm]

Holy cow 4,000? That’s what I spent on 2 24,000 BTU hyper heat mini splits. HVAC companies are so expensive. I wish you the best, stuff like that hurts.

 

[Ronsant]

Messing around with #2 can get a DIY in a lot of trouble, especially in a state like RI. Likely the cost has hazmat issues baked in. Only Gov't can get away with a spill!

Yes, I suspect that there is some hazmat fee included in the quotes. My oil company told me that they have to have a third party company do the work. Has to be a “state licensed” contractor.

 

[2005jettatdi]

Before I'd pay 4k I'd consider ripping the whole thing out and go heat pump.
not like heating with oil is cheap.

You beat me to it.