A Fuelchief SuperVault is built to last, backed by a 30-year warranty and tested to SwRI 95-03 by the Southwest Research Institute. It's also the only tank written into NZ WorkSafe regulations by name. Getting the long service life you're paying for still comes down to a bit of regular upkeep. Here's what needs checking, how often, and why it matters.
A maintained tank means clean fuel, a longer tank lifespan, and no build-up of water or residue that could contaminate your fuel supply. Maintenance should be carried out by someone confident working with fuel systems, whether that's a trained site representative or your fuel system installer.
Quick reference
| Area | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Paint / coating | As needed, wash regularly |
| Pipework | Monthly |
| Vent | Monthly |
| Interstitial monitoring | Ongoing / as needed |
| Dewatering | Monthly checks, quarterly maintenance |
What to Check
Paint:
To keep the epoxy coating system performing as intended, wash the tank regularly with detergent and water to remove dust, dirt, and other material that could damage the coating. Touch-up paint is effective for repairing chips or areas where the coating has been affected.
Pipework:
Inspect all pipework and fittings monthly for signs of leakage. If you find minor leakage, clean off the residue and check that any fittings likely responsible are properly tightened. Your fuel system installer can help with this if needed.
Vent:
Check the free-to-air vent (if installed) monthly to make sure it's sound and free of any obstruction.
Interstitial monitoring:
The SuperVault is fitted with an interstitial monitoring tube, located at the end of the tank in a fixed position. This lets you check for any failure in the primary tank.
To check it: remove the screwed plug on top of the tube and visually inspect inside. A dry rod long enough to reach the bottom of the tube can help you check for any substance leakage.
Dewatering:
Depending on your local environment and conditions, a regular dewatering schedule (quarterly is typical) helps keep the tank in good condition. With petrol and diesel, water isn't usually a major issue as long as the tank stays static and water is given time to settle and be drawn off regularly. In diesel specifically, water can promote the growth of "diesel bug" microbial contamination, so keeping the tank as dry as possible is good practice.
For horizontal above-ground SuperVault tanks:
- Check for water monthly, or after any delivery, using water detection paste on the bottom of the dipstick (available from most fuel suppliers).
- If water is present, remove it with a hand-operated rotary pump or similar, fitted with a metal tube long enough to reach the bottom of the tank. Pump until product discharges from the pump outlet, and confirm with the dipstick that water is no longer present.
- Dispose of the water and any product via your local authority's approved method, using a leak-proof container.
- Re-dip the tank with paste to confirm all water has been removed.
- Replace the dip cap.
- Keep a log of the date and quantity of water removed each time.
Not sure if your tank is SwRI 95-03?
Not every tank on the market that claims fire-rated protection is actually certified. Here's how to check if your tank is SwRI 95-03.
Have a question about maintaining your SuperVault? Get in touch with our team — we're happy to help.
