Replace big oil tank in close quarters

After regular service by my heating-oil provider, I was told our tank is showing some rust on the bottom and will need to be replaced.

Aside from wishing to avoid such an expense, there also is a logistical concern. My 113-year-old home has a small stairwell with a landing-and-turn that is even more limited in size. I have no idea how they managed to get our old, 275-gallon tank down there.

One contractor suggested replacing it with a smaller 130-gallon tank, but even that may not fit. Another suggestion was to remove the old tank and convert to a gas-fired boiler, but despite potential long-term fuel savings, the upfront costs are too prohibitive.

Is there another alternative? I have seen mention on the Internet of a bladder-type insert, but is that truly feasible?

If I were you, I wouldn’t go for anything on the Internet I’ve never heard of before.

My experience with bladder fuel tanks is my Prius, and chat sites are filled with stories about problems many owners are having with them.

Although we’ve found out to our environmentally hazardous dismay that oil tanks should never be buried, there is the replacement issue for your very-large-for-the-access storage tank.

I’ve seen a “containment tub” advertised that protects oil tanks that are above ground but out of doors (probably because of problems such as yours).

There must be a solution to this. Readers always have the opportunity to offer advice based on their experiences.

(Contact Alan J. Heavens: aheavens@phillynews.com)

WHAT BREAKS?

From Consumer Reports, here are some thoughts on product longevity:

Computers break – a lot. Around one in three laptops and desktops breaks by its fourth year. Many breakdowns are due to malicious software (malware) or hard-drive failure. Installing antivirus software is the best defense against malware. Minimize damage if your computer is dropped by always shutting down the device before traveling even a short distance.

Some technologies are finicky. Refrigerators with icemakers are twice as likely to break as those without. Blame the device’s complicated design and the extreme environment in which it must operate. Among laundry appliances, front-loading washers are more repair-prone than top-loaders. The large rubber gasket that forms a watertight seal around the door is the common culprit. Mold is another issue. Manufacturers recommend periodically cleaning the gasket with a bleach solution and keeping the door ajar after each use to allow ventilation.

Extended warranties don’t deliver. Based on Consumer Reports’ survey, appliances usually don’t break during the extended-warranty period. They break within two to three years of purchase.

Brand reliability varies by product. Manufacturers often have strengths and weakness in different product categories. GE, for example, makes very reliable cooking appliances, but its refrigerators with icemakers are repair-prone. John Deere’s lawn tractors are very reliable, but its self-propelled lawn mowers are significantly more repair-prone than other brands. And LG makes reliable plasma TVs and dryers, but less reliable side-by-side refrigerators.

The 50-percent rule still stands. Consumer Reports recommends purchasing a replacement if the repair will cost more than half the price of the new product. Replacing electronics might be less costly than most people think because prices are steadily dropping in some categories. Major appliances, on the other hand, are getting more expensive and usually have long service lives, which is why Consumer Reports generally suggests holding on to them longer than electronics.

Some products are harder to repair. Consumer Reports’ survey indicates that repairs of gas cooktops, built-in refrigerators, and home-theater systems can take an inordinately long time, cost a lot, or require further service calls. Dryers, electric cooktops, and digital cameras have the highest success and satisfaction rates.