Call us on 01963 363555 to organise a free site survey by one of our OFTEC qualified surveyors who can discuss your options in replacing your oil tank.

Most oil tanks will need replacing when they are between 15-20 years old. Common things to look out for are:

• Splits or cracks in plastic tanks.
• Rusting of metal tanks.
• Bulging of your tank.
• ‘Leaning’ of the tank or base being otherwise unstable.
• Visible leaks or a strong smell of fuel.

To arrange a free site survey for a new tank or to organise a tank check service for your current tank, please contact us on 01963 363555.

It is important that fuel tanks are adequately supported to avoid the risk of a tank failure or spillage occurring. For plastic tanks it is important that the tank base provides continual structural support, regardless of and changes in the ground conditions throughout the year. The base supporting your tank should be:

• Adequate for the weight of the tank and its contents when full (1000lts weighs approx. one ton).
• Non-combustible, imperforate and level.
• Constructed of concrete, paving slabs or stonework.
• Large enough to extend 300mm beyond all sides of the tank.

For more information or to organise a site survey please contact us on 01963 363555.

Your oil tank should be sited within 180ft of where our delivery tank can park to make the delivery. We recommend that you consider a straight run for the vehicle hose where possible as this reduces the risk of precious flowerpots being damaged, or scuff marks being left on the edges of buildings.

There are specific rules about where you can / can’t put your oil tank and we can help by carrying out a site survey to help you decide where you would like your tank to go. The rules are in place largely for fire safety and environmental reasons, and tanks should be sited:

• 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building.
• 1.8m away from a non-fire rated buildings or structures (such as garden sheds).
• 1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire rated building (e.g. a brink house / garage).
• 1.8m away from liquid fuel appliance flue terminals.
• 760mm away from a non-fire rated boundary, such as a wooden fence.
• 600mm away from screening (e.g. trellis and foliage or fencing panels) that does not form part of the boundary.

If it is impossible to comply then an additional fire protection barrier may be required.

If your tank is located near a water source or in close proximity to a drain or bore hole, then you will require a bunded oil tank.

If you need further advice, please contact us to arrange a free no-obligation survey by one of our OFTEC qualified surveyors.

Our delivery drivers will check your delivery tank prior to filling and will point out any problems you may have. We recommend that you have your tank checked as part of your annual service which can be arranged by calling us on 01963 363555.

We can also offer a full tank check service which includes a visual check by one of our OFTEC qualified engineers, a water dip test and removal of water, and a pressure test of any underground pipe work to ensure there are no underground leaks. Please contact us for more details.

General things to look out for when checking your tank include:

• Splits or cracks in plastic tanks.
• Rusting of metal tanks.
• Bulging of your tank.
• ‘Leaning’ of the tank or base being otherwise unstable.
• Visible leaks or a strong smell of fuel.
• Gauges falling over or not working.
• Tanks overgrown with foliage.

We recommend you have your home heating oil tanks serviced at least once a year. Oil tank maintenance ensures your oil tank is safe, compliant with regulations and functioning well. You’ll receive a lifespan estimation so you can plan for the cost of a replacement.

It also demonstrates to your insurance company that you’ve been responsible in the event of a claim. If your oil tank isn’t sufficiently well maintained we may not be able to deliver your fuel safely.