Additional Fees You Might Expect When Considering a Fuel Tank Rental

A fuel tank rental can be a good choice for homeowners who may want to stock up on propane or diesel fuel for a certain season, such as when harvesting crops and using a tractor and other equipment more often. These tanks can also be needed by production facilities who want to store fuel for short-term use, such as during busy production seasons. Whatever your reason for needing such a tank rental, if you've never rented one before, note a few important questions to ask so you know you won't face any surprising fees for its rental.

Ask if there is a pump-out fee

A pump-out fee refers to a type of restocking fee, which can be added to your rental agreement. If you stored certain greases or oils in the tank, it may then need to be cleaned with heavy-duty cleansers before it can be reused. If you used it just for diesel fuel or other petrol, there may not be a pump-out fee if the tank will be used to store the same material once it's re-rented. You may also be able to clean it out yourself if you have the right cleansers in your inventory, so ask about this fee and how to avoid it when renting a fuel tank.

Leak test fees

If you suspect the tank has a leak, the company from which you rent it may come out and conduct a leak test. However, they may also charge an additional fee for this! You may need a leak test when introducing a new substance to the chamber, when the tank has been exposed to high heat that would cause vapours to form or when you need to reconnect the tank after an interruption of power. Be sure to ask if there is such a fee rather than assuming the company will conduct this test for free.

Meter calibration fee

Over time, your tank's meter may need calibration if it has been exposed to heavy vibration, excessive amounts of dust and other such factors. As with leak testing, you may assume this calibration will be done for free, but this isn't always the case. Check the company as to the fee for calibrating the meter that is connected to the pump so you can ensure you budget for this; the company may also tell you how often you should have this done, considering how often this pump is used or exposed to such vibrations and dust.