Fuel Quality Starts in the Tank

Fuel problems rarely start with the engine. They usually start in the tank. Over time, water, sediment, microbes, and corrosion quietly build within fuel storage systems, often without any obvious warning. Contaminated fuel can clog filters, damage equipment, and disrupt operations long before anyone realizes what's happening. Knowing what to look for inside your tank can make the difference between routine maintenance and costly downtime.

According to a 2016 EPA report, 83% of randomly sampled fuel tanks showed moderate to severe corrosion, and in most cases, owners had no idea there was a problem. Left unchecked, contaminants degrade fuel quality, shorten tank life, and put business-critical equipment at risk. The good news? Your tank usually gives warning signs before serious damage occurs.

Below are the top five indicators that your fuel storage tank needs cleaning, along with insights on what to do next.

1. You're Changing Fuel Filters More Often Than You Should

Filters are designed to catch contaminants, but they can only do so much. If vehicles are taking longer to fuel or filters need replacing far more often than expected, something deeper may be going on. Frequent clogging often indicates dirty fuel caused by sediment, water, or microbial growth in the tank.

1. There's Water Sitting at the Bottom of the Tank

Water is one of the most common and damaging contaminants in fuel. It can enter tanks through condensation, leaks, or even during refueling. Once it settles at the bottom, it creates the perfect environment for microbes and speeds up corrosion.

How to spot it? Drivers can check tanks using water-finding paste during deliveries. Another option is to install automatic tank gauges (ATGs), which can directly measure water levels. Either way, the presence of water is never something to ignore.

1. The Fuel Looks Cloudy or Smells Off

Fuel should be clear and consistent. If what's coming out of the nozzle looks cloudy or hazy, it's a strong signal that contaminants - water, rust, dirt, or microbial growth - are present.

Strong or unpleasant odors are another warning sign. Microbes produce acids and gases as they grow, creating foul smells and accelerating internal tank corrosion. At this stage, fuel testing and tank cleaning or polishing are usually necessary.

1. You Can See Rust or Corrosion

Visible corrosion, inside or outside the tank, demands immediate attention. Rust weakens the tank structure and flakes off into the fuel, spreading contamination throughout your system.

If corrosion is already visible, it is likely that the fuel quality has been compromised for some time.

1. Equipment Performance Starts to Slip

Ideally, fuel quality issues are caught before they affect equipment. But when tanks go unchecked for too long, the impact eventually shows up downstream.

Poor fuel quality can lead to frequent injector replacements, reduced fuel efficiency from deposits, and increased DEF consumption due to incomplete combustion. When engines start suffering, the root cause often traces back to the storage tank.

The Solution: How to Take Control of Fuel Quality

Regular tank cleaning and proactive maintenance are essential for protecting fuel quality, extending equipment life, and avoiding costly downtime. Addressing problems early is far less expensive than dealing with damaged engines or unexpected shutdowns.

Here are three proven steps businesses use to stay ahead of fuel quality issues:

• Establish a Routine Inspection & Remediation Program
• Schedule regular tank inspections using site personnel or a professional inspection service. Look for early signs of corrosion or damage and address them quickly. Consistent filter replacement also ensures clean fuel reaches your equipment.
• Sample and Test Fuel Regularly

Many operations sample fuel on an annual, biannual, or quarterly basis. Clear samples mean no action is required. Poor samples, however, may indicate the need for deeper analysis, tank cleaning, or polishing.

Treat Problems as Soon as They're Found

If water is the only issue, removing the bottom layer may be enough. In many cases, water can lead to additional contamination, requiring a combination of fuel polishing and full tank cleaning. Working with a fuel partner helps determine the right approach.

Keeping tanks clean over time can be a challenging task. For operations struggling to stay ahead of contamination, a proactive additive such as CLEAN365 can help prevent water buildup, control microbial growth, and clean engines to restore lost power.

Innovative Fuel Quality Solutions That Work

Clean fuel systems do more than protect equipment. They help prevent environmental contamination, reduce maintenance costs, restore fuel economy, and minimize operational disruptions.

A comprehensive Fuel Quality Program brings structure and consistency to tank maintenance, lowering total fuel costs while reducing unexpected issues. Mansfield services thousands of commercial, industrial, and government fuel tanks across the U.S., combining national scale with local expertise. With a network of qualified technicians, Mansfield delivers reliable, timely service at a fair price.

If bulk fuel tanks are critical to daily operations, fuel quality can't be left to chance. Better data, better service, and better control start with the right maintenance partner. Contact us today!