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Oil Tank Emergency or Oil Spill? Call 028 9131 4041 for a 24/7 response
The Complete Oil Tank Replacement Guide by the Oil Tank Doc
The typical single skin oil tank will last around 15-20 years, and this depends on many factors: UV ray exposure, if the oil tank is filled excessively, and support offered by the existing base.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home with a heating oil tank or your oil tank is old and damaged, it’s important to know when your tank needs to be replaced. We offer oil tank surveys to inspect all types of oil tank across Northern Ireland.
In this guide, we’ll consider when it is time to replace your old oil tank, the signs to look out for, the cost of replacing an oil tank, and more.
When is it time to replace my oil tank?
If your oil tank causes a leak or spill, it can be incredibly costly to clear up, totaling up to £30,000. So it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your tank and replace it when necessary.
Oil tanks are designed to last at least 10 years, but they can last up to 15-20 years if they are kept well maintained. If your domestic heating oil tank is approaching its tenth birthday or there are signs of damage, you may need a replacement. We recommend an annual oil tank inspection.
You should arrange an annual inspection of your oil tank by an OFTEC Trained Oil Heating Engineer, who will be able to tell you if your tank needs replacing. You may also notice signs that it could be time to replace your oil tank. This can be smell of oil, visible cracks or you feel you are using more oil than normal.
Our engineers will always give the tank a visual inspection when considering any oil tank for a replacement. We will make you aware of our findings via our survey sheet and provide you with the full run-down of your current oil tank installation to include: tank integrity, age, support offered by base, current oil level, oil line inspection, and consider OFTEC regulations to the current site and location. We may advise on a bunded or double skin oil tank when appropriate.
Time for replacement
This 1100 litre oil tank is approximately 15-20 years old and is due for a replacement. The oil tank has a substantial split on the front of the tank and cannot be repaired.
This is an oil tank emergency and should be replaced same day.
What should I look out for?
When inspecting your oil tank, look out for the following signs that it could be time to replace your oil tank:
Oil leaks
Smell of oil
Condensation
Signs of damage
Signs of corrosion
Plastic swelling
Grass or vegetation death around oil tank area
Increased fuel usage
Bulging
Time for replacement
This 2500 litre oil tank is approximately 20 years old and is due for a replacement. The oil tank is faded indicating extensive UV sun damage - it has not been adequately shielded from the sun.
The warming effect of direct sunlight will result in expansion and contraction of the plastic as it heats and cools. This further increases the risks of splitting.
Should I choose the same tank again?
In some cases, you will be able to replace your oil tank with one that is like-for-like. However, it’s important to be aware that rules and regulations may have changed since your old oil tank was installed.
Bunded oil tanks are often required today to meet the latest regulations. So, if your old tank is single-skin, you may need to replace it with a bunded tank, consisting of a tank within a tank to help protect against spillages and environmental damage. However there are situations in which a single skin tank can be fitted.
Fire protection requirements may also have changed since your current oil tank was installed. Part of the Building Regulations and Standards helps protect oil tanks from a fire at a neighbouring property or structure. Oil tanks now have to meet minimum clearance distances, which may mean that you need to re-site the tank. This is something we will be happy to advise you on when we inspect your oil tank.
How do I make sure my old tank is safe to remove?
Here at The Oil Tank Doc our team of engineers are fully OFTEC Trained and remove oil tank installations across Northern Ireland on a daily basis. We are able to take this process from start to finish.
We will check the tank carefully and measure and test the oil to see how much oil is in the tank, and how much is contaminated at the bottom of the tank. We will then pump the oil out of the tank into a holding tank. Any contaminated, waste oil will then be properly disposed of.
Once the oil has been disposed of, the tank can be disconnected, cleaned, and then taken to an appropriate recycling centre.
What can I expect when getting a new oil tank?
On the day of installation we will arrive with your new oil tank and all the materials to complete the job.
Once on site we will review the current situation and proceed to use a special pump to transfer your oil into a transfer tank.
We will only transfer the clean oil, ensuring any sludge or water is not put into the new tank, contaminating the supply.
We will then de-commission your old tank and dispose of it safely.
We will inspect the site of your old tank and determine if a new concrete base is required.
We will then site the new tank with new fittings and filters, transferring all of the oil from the transfer tank.
We will then ensure your oil boiler is bled off air and your heating system is running smoothly.
Do you have a oil tank emergency now in Northern Ireland?
Don't delay contact The Oil Tank Doc now
📞 028 9131 4041
📞 07549 211 090
24/7 emergency response for all leaking oil tanks across Northern Ireland
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