FAQs

What Size Oil Tank Do I Need?

You might want to replace your existing oil tank with one of the same size, but it makes sense to give some consideration to the best size of oil tank for your home or business.

We stock new top quality bunded and single skin oil tanks from 350 to 10,000 litres. Most heating oil suppliers will deliver a minimum of 500 litres of fuel at one time. We have tanks for all budgets but we ensure only the best is fitted.

When choosing the size of your oil storage tank, as a general rule you should allow at least 500 litres of capacity per bedroom and an extra 500 litres for the living room and any other rooms you spend time in.

So, a one-bedroom flat would need a 1,000 litre tank and a three-bedroom house would need at least 2,000 litres.

But in some cases, the size of your tank may be limited by the amount of space you have available. Although tanks do come in different shapes to make the best use of the available space.

Another key consideration is the price of heating oil (kerosene), which fluctuates over the year. If you have the space, it makes sense to buy a bigger tank so you can buy oil in bulk when prices are lower. 

However it is entirely personal choice - we will make a recommendation and assist you in your final decision. Factors like entrance widths and space however may make a certain size not suitable.

An oil leak is an emergency and needs dealt with immediately.

Contact a qualified OFTEC Trained Oil Heating Engineer who specialisies in oil supply line leaks, oil tank splits/cracks causing leaks, or a company that can deal with oil spills.

Here at The Oil Tank Doc we are specialists in this.

Oil Tank Replacement Process 

When you are ready to go ahead with the purchase of a replacement oil tank, the process should be a smooth one. We aim to have a new oil tank up and running within 24 hours.

This is the replacement process:

• We will will bring your new oil tank and all the tools and materials needed to do the job.

• All the clean, usable heating oil from your current tank will be pumped into a holding tank. Any water and contaminated oil (sludge, dirt, etc.) will be removed and disposed of at a licenced site.

• The old tank will be taken away and either disposed of or prepared for recycling.

• Any base adjustments will be made (including a new base if necessary). This will be completed most likely with concrete by ourselves.

• The new oil tank will be placed, connected to the new oil supply line (if necessary) and the pressure checked. We use a sheathed oil line.

• The clean oil will be pumped from the holding tank into the new tank.

• Your new tank is ready to use!

Getting a replacement oil tank can feel like a pretty daunting prospect, particularly if you have never done it before. But there is plenty of help and advice available to make sure you make the right decisions. Get in touch with us at The Oil Tank Doc and we will be able to answer all your questions.

Where Should The Oil Tank Be Placed? 

Oil tanks are usually stored outdoors and above ground, close to your house or commercial premises. But you can also store them indoors (eg in a garage or outbuilding, not in your house) or underground. Storing the tank underground will mean the whole process of installing the tank is more expensive – taking into account factors like excavation of soil.

It is very important for an oil tank to be placed on a sturdy base. Your old base might still be fine to use, but you may need a replacement base, to ensure the oil tank is on a level surface.

Your oil tank needs to comply with the OFTEC regulations. It should be sited:

• 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building

• 1.8m away from a non-fire rated building or structure (eg garden sheds)

• 1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire-rated building or structure (eg brick house/ garage)

• 1.8m away from oil fired appliance flue terminals

• 760mm away from a non-fire rated boundary, such as a wooden fence,

• 600mm away from screening (eg trellis and foliage) that doesn’t form part of the boundary