– Look for cracks, splits, rust, bulging, faults gauges & oil spills.
– Ensure your tank is securely based.
– Check for condensation.
– Prevent rain water contamination.
– Regularly inspect your tank (monthly).
– Be aware of potential damage caused by strong winds & storms.
– Clear snow build up from the top of your tank.
– Secure your tank against fuel theft.
– Replace your tank if damaged.

You should immediately stop the flow of the oil to help prevent the oil from entering water sources or soaking into the ground.

You can then use absorbent materials such as sand (or cat litter) to contain oil.

Turn off supply lines (in case the oil is leaking from a pipe).

Then you should call an oil technician to arrange a clean-up.

To help prevent the buildup of water and sludge (which can lead to leaks & corrosion) it is recommended that the inside of oil tanks should be cleaned out every 5 years.

Contact us and we can arrange for one of of team to organise this service.

If when you inspect your tank you notice any of the following: Cracks, Bulges, Corrosion or Leaks, then you should arrange a replacement tank. When organising a replacement tank you may discover that oil storage regulations have changed since your last instalment. Give us a call and we can discuss with you potential solutions for a repl;acent and it’s installation.

If your tank has discolouration of the outer shell, due to sun damage, you may also wish to consider a replacement tank.

Cracks- Check for any small / large cracks on your tank.

Discolouration – If the tank is turning white / fading due to sun exposure it may be time to replace your tank.

Bulges- Bowing, where the tank is bulging.

Corrosion- Check your tanks pipework for rust and damage.

Smell – If there is a strong smell of kerosene you may have a tank leak.

Stains – If you see stains / wet patches by your tank it could suggest there is a fuel leak.

Leaks – If you notice any fuel leaks, contact us immediately.

During the colder months it is advised to check your tank at least once a month. You should also check it after extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow fall, high winds and large down pours of rain.

By doing this your can ensure you catch any potential problems before they become irreversible.

You should always use a padlock on your tanks lid, although this doesnt ensure your tank won’t get broken into it will at least deter less prepared thieves.

During Winter fuel prices are generally higher, this makes it a prominent time for criminals to steal oil from tanks.

Condensation occurs naturally inside your oil tank and can be caused by both hot weather and a change in weather conditions. Condensation, when built up over time, can drip into the fuel, causing contamination.

It can be difficult to check for contamination using a visual assessment. Instead it is recommend that after periods of extreme hot weather, and during the change from Summer to Winter, you should test that your heating system is operating as it should. That way if it is not, you have the time needed to get it fixed before the Winter weather catches you off guard.

During your tank inspections you should ensure your heating storage tank is waterproofed. You should check the lid is securely fastened, and also check for any signs of damage where water could seep into your tank. After heavy rainfall you would be advised to make an unscedules check on your tank, just in case the weather conditions have adversely affected the integrity of your tank.

If water does get into your fuel it can cause the growth of unwanted bacteria and the formation of sludge at the bottom of your tank. These can cause many problems if they then enter your fuel lines. If this happens you will need the assistance of a Heating Engineer to flush the pipes to return the tank to working condition.

Your tank should always be centrally positioned securely on its base.  The base should be level. Signs of damage or subsidence should be rectified ASAP.

If you are unsure if yours is securely based, you should contact us immediately so we can install it safety fro you before and stormy weather hits.

As the oil tank will fluctuate in weight due to the changing levels of the fuel inside, the tank can become much lighter. Therefore if the tank is not securely based it may become loose when lighter if hit be high winds or high water levels.

If you tank has been displaced since it’s initial installation it could be subjected to uneven external forces, which over time could lead to damage to the tank potential causing accidental spills.