Best Ways To Figure Out Your Oil Tank Levels
Whenever you drive your car, you likely keep a pretty close eye on your fuel level to make sure that you don’t run out of oil before you get where you’re going. You may even make a quick stop at the nearest service station to get a refill if the tank is running close to empty. This is a level of diligence that should also be exercised with your oil tank at home.
This is because your home heating system requires fuel to keep the entire building warm. If fuel depletion is something that you make the mistake of overlooking, you could wind up in a no-heat situation that leaves you with a cold, uncomfortable house until your next delivery arrives. Rather than facing a no-heat situation, you can simply check the fluid levels in your tank at regular intervals. You’ll have to know how to read oil tank gauge. This will make it easier to determine when your next delivery needs to be scheduled.
How To Know When Your Heating Oil Is Running Out
Take advantage of the following tips to determine how much oil you’ve got left in your tank.
1. Check The Gauge For Your Heating Oil Tank
Every oil tank should have a gauge. This displays a reading for the fuel level all of the time so that this important information can be instantly assessed. It is a lot like the fuel gauge that you have on your vehicle. It will state whether or not the tank is empty, full, or partially filled. Keep in mind that an “empty” reading doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re completely out of oil. There could be sufficient fuel remaining in the tank to keep the heater going so long as you turn the thermostat to a reasonable level. Get in touch with a fuel oil delivery service before your fuel runs out entirely. One easy rule of thumb is to set up fuel oil delivery services as soon as your tank reaches the 30 percent full mark. If the gauge on your tank isn’t working, move on to the second strategy.
2. Visually Assess Your Fuel Level
If the gauge isn’t to be trusted, then try performing a simple manual inspection instead. Find the cap at the very top of the fuel tank. Loosen this cap by turning it until it can be completely removed. Put this in a safe, accessible place so that it can be returned to its rightful position once your inspection is done. Shine a flashlight down into the interior of the tank. If you can see light, then you still have some manner of oil. If the only thing that you see is an accumulation of solids and sludge, then you’re probably close to running out. When you see this, you’re seeing the residue of fuel combined with particles such as rust and dirt. Schedule an oil delivery right away.
3. Determine Your Tank Level With A Dipstick
After you’ve been able to identify some amount of remaining liquid, the next thing that you have to do is measure how much there is. This is best done with a dipstick that’s approximately 4 inches in length. In a pinch, you can always perform this measurement with a long, slender broomstick. Simply insert the stick into the tank opening until it connects with the tank bottom. Let it stay in place for a few seconds so that the heating oil has the chance to cling to its surface. Remove the stick by pulling it straight up and out while allowing the excess oil to drip down. Use a pencil to mark the very top of the oil mark. The lower that this mark is, the less oil that you still have.
4. Underground Oil Tanks Can Be Checked With A Long Wire
If your oil tank is underground, then you probably won’t be able to check your fuel levels with a dipstick. Try using a long wire that’s approximately 6 feet long instead. The type of wire that you use doesn’t matter so long as it can be easily bent. Feed this into the pipe opening until it reaches your fuel tank and lightly connects with the bottom. Then, bring the wire back up so that you can check the oil mark. This should have a red-colored liquid on it. If you still have a fair amount of oil, then there’s no reason to panic. If, however, there is no liquid on the wire when you remove it, an oil delivery should be scheduled right away.
Contact R.F. Ohl With Your Home Heating Oil Needs
Routinely checking your heating oil levels is vital for establishing timely delivery schedules. Make this a habit so that your winters can be stress-free.
Having the help of a reliable heating oil delivery service is important in winter if you want peace of mind and the ability to consistently remain comfortable and warm at home. Call R.F. Ohl to get heating oil deliveries that are quick and efficient. Our discount heating oil is high in quality.
To find out more about our oil delivery services and our highly competitive heating oil prices, get in touch with our R.F. Ohl service representatives now.
Call us today to learn more. Click here or call us at (610) 377-1098 to contact us today!