Our drivers will always check your tank before we make a delivery, but if you think there might be a problem, UKIFDA have some really helpful tips to help you look after your home heating oil tank.
Position of your oil tank
- Adhere to UK building regulations.
- Tank should be a minimum of 1.8m from building openings. If this is not the case, get specialist advice.
- The tank should be placed on a level base 300mm bigger in all directions than the tank, and on either a 100mm thick concrete slab or minimum 50mm thick paving slabs.
- The foundation should be appropriate for the ground conditions.
- Allow space to get around the tank for regular checks and for the oil distributor to safely fill the tank.
Maintaining your oil tank
Conduct a visual check every six months for the following:
- Rust
- Cracks
- Splits
- Bulging
- Sun bleaching
- Subsidence on the base
- Gauges falling over or not working
- Tanks overgrown with foliage
- Unusual oil smell
- Sudden usage increase
Carrying out annual servicing
A tank inspection by an OFTEC registered technician should be performed annually. They should check:
- Pipework
- Integral bund
- Gauges
- Valves
- Oil filters
Replacing your oil tank
Oil tanks have a design life of 20 years. It is best practice to replace older tanks to avoid any tank failure.
- Ideally buy a bunded tank for extra storage security.
- Install according to building regulations and professional installer.
- Empty and remove your old tank using a licenced waste carrier.
- Remove any redundant fill pipework or securely cap and mark the old pipework with 'DO NOT FILL'.
House insurance
Ensure your house insurance covers your oil tank and covers for loss of oil to the environment.
Oil tank leaks
If you spot a leak, put a bucket to capture any leaks and call the National Pollution Incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Lines are open 24/7.
You can also give our sales team a call with any questions and we can put you in touch with a local OFTEC engineer or tank installation company.
