Why Diesel Tank Maintenance Matters

Humans can sometimes neglect taking care of their bodies, and over time, the body stops functioning at its best. The same principle applies to diesel tanks. Without proper maintenance, diesel storage tanks can become inefficient, contaminated, and even dangerous.

A lack of maintenance is one of the leading causes of diesel tank failure — especially when free water enters the tank. Water contamination can lead to fuel degradation, corrosion, microbial growth, and in severe cases, even explosions.

Diesel Tank Maintenance Tips

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Routine maintenance is one of the most effective ways to prevent water contamination in diesel tanks. Industry standards and fuel experts recommend that storage tanks should be completely drained and inspected annually.

Although some suppliers avoid maintenance due to cost concerns, neglecting maintenance can result in far more expensive repairs and operational issues in the long run.

Understand Fuel Degradation

Stored diesel naturally undergoes chemical changes over time.

Oxidation occurs when diesel is exposed to oxygen.
Hydrolysis occurs when diesel comes into contact with water.

These reactions can alter the quality and colour of the fuel, reducing performance and potentially creating hazardous conditions.

Prevent Microbial Growth

Water inside a diesel tank creates the perfect environment for microbes to grow at the water-fuel interface. These microbes produce acids that cause corrosion, clog filters, and become difficult to remove once established.

Using a biocide treatment every three months is recommended to help prevent microbial contamination and maintain fuel quality.

Drain Water Regularly

Managing water contamination often depends on the type of storage tank being used. Ground-level tanks are generally easier to drain and maintain.

Many companies now use advanced water-removal technologies specifically designed to extract water from diesel storage tanks efficiently.

Use Quality Fuel and Filtration Systems

Purchasing fuel from a reputable supplier and using a proper filtration system during fuel transfer can significantly reduce the risk of contamination.

Keeping tanks as full as possible can also help reduce condensation buildup inside the tank.

Choosing the Right Tank

Different types of tanks are designed for different storage needs.

Horizontal storage tanks are particularly suitable for liquid storage applications. They are durable, reliable, and can last five years or longer when properly maintained.

At RotoTank™, we manufacture high-quality polyethylene water and chemical tanks designed for durability and performance. Every tank is manufactured according to the required specifications for its intended use.

We proudly offer:

A 3-year structural warranty

Maintaining Plastic Water Containers

Plastic water containers and flat water tanks are convenient and practical for water storage. However, like all storage solutions, they still require regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain hygiene standards.

Cleaning Your Water Container

You can clean your container using:

Hot water and household detergent, or
A diluted bleach solution suitable for the container size

After cleaning:

Rinse the container thoroughly multiple times.
Ensure all soap or bleach residue is removed.
Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no bleach smell remains.

Your container will then be clean and ready for safe use again.

Don’t Take Shortcuts with Storage

Whether you are storing diesel, water, or chemicals, maintenance should never be overlooked. Proper care extends the lifespan of your tanks, protects your investment, and ensures safe storage conditions.

Contact RotoTank™ today to learn more about our:

How to prevent water from contaminating a diesel fuel tank