Keep your tank in good condition
At heatingoil.co.uk we know that there is a lot to take in when it comes to heating oil tanks. That's why we have come up with this page to help with any questions you may have about them. Whether it be how to maintain your heating oil tank or where to site them, we've got all you need to know in this page.
The law regarding the siting of new oil tanks
At present in the UK there are strict regulations regarding heating oil tanks. OFTEC, the Oil Firing Technical Association, impose the following regulations to ensure that the oil is stored safely:
If your domestic heating oil tank has a larger capacity than 3,500 litres the tank is required by law to be bunded. This means that in the event of a spill or leak no oil will escape the tank and be released into the environment.
If your tank is within 10 metres of a river/ pond/ lake, 50 metres of a source of drinking water such as a well, or in close proximity to a manhole cover/drain your tank is also required to be bunded.
If you fall into any of these categories you should make sure your heating oil tank is in good condition all year round. This will minimise the risk of a leak even if you do have bunding.
What can go wrong?
A poorly maintained tank can cause major problems both for the environment and for you.
If a tank leaks, the oil can seep into the soil and contaminate the ground. This will lead to a big cleanup operation which could cost you thousands of pounds. If you are unlucky enough that the leaked oil finds its way into any water pipes underground you could also suffer health issues from water contamination.
Clearly there are many problems that can come about as a result of a lack of care being taken to keep your storage tank in good condition. At heatingoil.co.uk we have come up with a number of suggestions to help you make sure you don't experience any of these issues.
So what can you do?
There are a number of easy and inexpensive ways to make sure your oil tank lasts for years and runs as efficiently as possible:
- Ensure all lids remain firmly closed. If water gets into your heating oil tank, although you will be able to remove or siphon the water out you won't be able to use it until this has been done. This could take time and money and can be a huge inconvenience especially in Winter. Water in your tank can also lead to condensation which if not dealt with can lead to severe internal corrosion.
- Check for any drips or signs of leakage on at least a weekly basis to make sure that oil is not being lost from the tank. Check also for oil smells around the tank. If there is a smell of oil around the tank then you may have a leak and should investigate further.
- Consider installing your heating oil tank indoors in either a shed or garage. This will eradicate weather effects such as wind, rain, ice and snow and lengthen the useful life of your heating oil tank. Efficiency can be increased because the oil is kept at a constant temperature and also accidental damage and vandalism can be reduced. Before doing this you should contact OFTEC to check that siting your indoor tank complies with their regulations.
- Steel tanks rust from the inside. No matter how often you paint it, your tank could be within millimeters of its life. If you have a steel tank, you may want to consider installing a new plastic oil tank. Plastic tanks don't rust and are far more durable than metal tanks. Many new plastic tanks also have a leak-detection device which activates when there is a leak.
- Get to know how much oil on average you use per month. If you notice that the consumption increases dramatically it is a good idea to check your tank for leaks. Not only will this protect the environment but it will save you money
As well as your own checks, it is always a good idea to ask an OFTEC qualified engineer to inspect your tank when they are servicing your boiler. They will be able to point out any problems with your tank and offer a lot of helpful advice.
Regular checks help prevent any problems with your tank and you can spot potential problems before they develop into something more serious.
What to do if you do have a leak
- Find out where the leak is coming from and try and stop any further loss of oil
- Put sand down to stop oil seeping into the ground.
- Contact the environments agency on their 24 hour ‘Emergence Pollution Hotline' - 0800 807 060.
- If you notice your water tasting or smelling different to normal contact your local council.
Using a tank friendly heating oil
Using a more environmentally friendly oil such as CBK could also help keep your tank in good condition. It breaks down the sludge that has gathered in your tank, reduces fuel related service problems and lessens the build up of rust.
This means that you will need to arrange fewer services and call-outs and the useful life of your heating oil tank will be greatly increased.
