Outdoor Oil Tanks in Winter: Gelling, Water and Cold Snaps

From the Alcus family · Alcus Fuel Oil & Sons, Amityville · Updated October 31, 2026

Many South Shore homes, especially on the canals, have an outdoor or raised oil tank. They work fine all winter with a little care. Here's what to watch for when it gets cold.

What can go wrong in the cold

• Gelling. In very cold weather heating oil can thicken and form wax, most often in the thin line or the filter outside. The burner may sputter or lock out even though the tank has oil.
• Water and ice. Outdoor tanks collect condensation. Water at the bottom of the tank or in the line can freeze and block the flow. See water and sludge in an oil tank.
• Buried fill and vent pipes. Snow and ice can hide the fill pipe or block the vent, so the driver can't deliver safely.

Before winter

1. Book a tune-up. Ask us to look at the outdoor tank, its legs or base, the line and the filter. When to schedule.
2. Keep the tank fuller in winter. A fuller tank leaves less air space for condensation, and you're less likely to run low in a cold snap. Order at 1/4: read your gauge.
3. Check the base. The tank should sit level on a solid base, with the fill pipe clearly marked. Waterfront homes: after a storm, check that it hasn't shifted.

During a cold snap

• Keep the fill and vent pipes clear of snow and ice, and keep a path to them.
• Watch the gauge: homes use more oil in a cold snap. See how long heating oil lasts.
• Never use a torch or open flame on a tank, line or filter.

If the burner stops

1. Check the gauge. If it's empty, see ran out of oil.
2. If there's oil, press the burner's reset button once. If it doesn't start, stop: pressing it again can flood the burner.
3. Call 631-264-8800. We have a 24/7 emergency line. More: no-heat checklist.

Rusty or leaning outdoor tank? See oil tank replacement.

Questions