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Look at how faded this tank is due to sun damage. The homeowner upgraded this tank before it started leaking - a very wise choice.
We've attended countless properties over the years were homeowners only care about the oil tank when a leak starts - a poor decision.
The recent increase in global oil prices following Iran launching strikes across the Middle East in response to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel have seen households rush to fill their oil tanks before any further price increases.
As we approach warmer weather and more sunlight exposure, it is very important to carefully inspect your oil tank before filling it. Old tanks can be sun faded, and the plastic very brittle.
A full oil tank can have over 1 tonne of weight in it. The pressure of this oil on an old brittle oil tank, alongside the warming and cooling effects of the sun can very quickly lead to cracks forming.
We've seen it happen a lot. Your old oil tank can very quickly become a serious problem. We recommend planning to replace your old oil tank before a split develops and an oil spill occurs.
This customer in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, developed a severe split shortly after filling their old oil tank completely. The tank was estimated to be 15-20 years old.
The customer was grateful we attended as promptly as we could, and was shocked at how quickly their 'old reliable' oil tank became a very serious problem very quickly. Do not put yourself in this scenario!
So when should I consider replacing my old oil tank in Northern Ireland?
Look at how faded this tank is due to sun damage. The homeowner upgraded this tank before it started leaking - a very wise choice.
Age is a very important factor when considering upgrading your old oil tank with a new oil tank. Increasingly, home insurance companies are asking homeowners to have an annual inspection of their oil tank by an OFTEC Trained Oil Heating Engineer (such as The Oil Tank Doc) citing it is acceptable before renewing the policy.
Why? Because old tanks have been victim to sun damage, heat, and base subsidence over time. This all adds up and an old tank that 'looks fine' or 'doesn't leak', can very quickly become a problem. We've seen it many times. Replace your oil tank before it leaks instead of replacing it when it leaks. That way you won't deal with a costly oil spill at the same time.
Poor base support resulted in strong winds blowing this oil tank over.
Poor base support results in uneven weight distrubution when your oil tank is full. An oil tank that stores 1000 litres of oil equals 1 tonne. This can result in bulging, deformation, and increased stress on the plastic. Over time with strong sunlight and warm temperatures, your oil tank's life expectancy can be halved easily.
This tank appears very white due to UV damage, the tank has lost all plasticity and a large crack has appeared.
UV rays from the sun damages your oil tank, resulting in the plastic becoming brittle as it is broken down. New tanks have UV stablisiers added to the plastic to try and prevent this, but ensuring your oil tank can still be easily inspected, but at the same time shielded from sunlight is important.
Summers in Northern Ireland and across the UK are increasing in duration, temperature, and UV ray exposure. Oil tanks when warmed during the daylight expand, and when temperatures cool they contract. When plastic is brittle and sun-damaged, it loses it's plasticity, meaning it cannot expand and contract but instead splits.
Splits can form from freezing temperatures as well, accelerated with poor base support and uneven weight distrubution.
Cold and freezing temperatures like warm temperatures, can result excess wear and tear on your old oil tank. Cracks and splits can form in extremes of both temperatures, with a 15+ year old oil tank suspectible to both.
Here at the Oil Tank Doc, we are OFTEC trained heating engineers that have a background in oil, gas, plumbing, & LPG heating services. We are fully qualified and have over 30+ years experience in the oil tank field.
Unfortunately we encounter oil tanks that have not been installed correctly in accordance with manufacturer's & OFTEC recommendations. Whilst some criteria can be difficult to meet in small properties, it is still essential to ensure you have a good solid base that will not subside, alongside ensuring the tank is supported across it's length and width, with 300mm clearance all around.
This photo was sent to us by a plumbing colleague. As can be seen the tank has not been set on a suitable base, with blocks on grass that will subside over time. The tank also does not have suitable base support with an overhang of the tank exceeding the base, it should be the base exceeding the tank.
We spend a lot of our time rectifying 'the cheaper quote'.
The Oil Tank Doc has been specialising in oil tank replacement, emergency oil spill response, and oil tank inspections across all of Northern Ireland for over 30 years. We bring our wealth of experience to your door. Contact us today for any oil tank concerns you may have across Northern Ireland.
You can trust us to carry out your oil tank replacement the right way, using only the best oil tanks
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We provide site surveys on existing and new oil tank installations to ensure your oil tank is situated safely as per the OFTEC guidance.
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