Top tips to consider before buying your new home heating oil tank

Purchasing a new oil tank is not an everyday expense.  The life span of a home heating oil tank is usually 15 to 20 years. However, it is a large outlay for any family and there are things to consider before choosing a new tank.

 It is wise to check your tank every year for signs of wear and tear, weak spots or weathered areas that may be an indication that the tank is coming to the end of its working life.  A new tank is less expensive than a destructive oil spill and if there are any sign of weakness or damage on your oil tank, a replacement would be advised before such a calamity occurs.   Here are some top tips for choosing a new oil tank.

What kind of tank do I need?

Most homeowners choose an above ground tank manufactured and tested to strict quality standards.  You have the option of a single skin or a bunded tank. A single skin tank is an adequate solution for domestic needs, but if you can afford the extra costs, a ‘bunded’ tank offers more protection from damage and spills.  Bunded tanks have an oil tank around the tank and are therefore stronger than the single skin.   A bunded tank would be advisable if the tank is within ten meters of an open drain, a stream, ditch, septic tank, or effluent treatment system or where a spill might enter the water system.  Or if the tank is within 50 meters of a well or spring, and or where an accidental spill could contaminate a borehole, spring, or agricultural land.  The bunded tank may cost more at the outset, but when we consider that the warranty of a single skin tank is 5yrs and on a double skin bunded tank it is  10yrs, indicating that longevity of the bunded tank.

What Size fuel tank do I need?

Oil tanks are available in a range of sizes. From around 500 litres right up to 10,000 litres and most homes opt for the 1150 litre capacity. You can install a central heating system chimney, boiler house or oil storage tank up to 3,500 litres capacity without having to get planning permission.

 Where will tank be installed?

The tank will need to be installed on top of a base of 100mm concrete or 50mm thick paving slabs. The base must be fireproof and must cover an area of at least 300mm clearance around the tank. To protect tanks from an ignition source, they need to be sited 1.8m away from the eaves of buildings, from the shed and other structures and 1.8m away from doors and windows.

Who will install the tank?

You might consider purchasing your oil storage tank from a company that can also offer specialist installation. An oil tank that is correctly installed to OFTEC’ [Oil Firing Technical Association] 600A guidelines will last for years to come and give you peace of mind. If you are replacing an existing tank, an experience technician will transfer the existing oil to a holding tank and instal the new one correctly and safely. Most importantly, ensure that the system is working correctly before they leave the site and dispose of the old tank.

 At Enviroleak, we have a proven record and a proud history in safely replacing and installing new home heating oil tanks. If you have any queries or need advice on the safe storage of home heating oil and prevention of oil spills, feel free to contact our specialist staff for friendly and practical advice and assistance.