Oil Tanks - Single Skin & Bunded

Manufactured in plastic or steel, heating oil tanks are available in 2 different options:-

Single Skin Oil Tanks 

Available is sizes from 1000lt upwards these lightweight tanks are relatively cheap to buy and easy to install. Plastic tanks must be sited on a solid level base that complies with the requirements of current building regulations, steel oil tanks should be sited off the ground on suitable solid supporting pillars. The main drawback with these tanks is that there are now very few locations where they can be installed and comply with current regulations, and the consequences of installing a new tank that doesn't comply with regulations are significant - the average clean up cost for an oil spillage is currently around £40,000 and it's possible you won't be covered by your house insurance should this happen to you!

Double Skin (Bunded) Oil Tanks

Although bunded oil tanks are significantly bulkier than single skin tanks, and more expensive to buy, they virtually guarantee that the installation will comply with current regulations (assuming the tank base size is correct and the location complies with the minimum distance from non fire rated materials). Most domestic installations now use plastic bunded oil tanks and it's compulsory to use a bunded oil tank on any commercial installation.

Oil tanks can be buried in the ground but this is an expensive procedure as great care need to be taken to protect the tank from ground movement and to protect the environment from oil leaks.

All new oil tank installations, and the resiting of existing oil tanks, are covered by Building Regulations and so decisions on the sighting, size and type of oil tank appropriate for your premises is probably best left to your local Oftec registered installer.

It's important not to ignore the requirements of the current Building Regulations as the onus is now on the customer/installer to ensure that any new work has been completed correctly. If you were unfortunate enough to experience a significant oil leak from a non compliant installation that affected a water course, or contaminated the ground, the clean-up costs could run into tens of thousands of pounds and the responsibility for those costs will rest with you (or, if you're lucky, your insurers).

So if you're considering installing a new oil tank, or resiting an existing tank, and would like further help or advice then you can call us on (01686) 411121 or 07778 809002, or use the contact box provided on this web page. We're Oftec registered, have over 32 years experience in the industry, and cover all of Mid Wales including Newtown, Llanidloes, Welshpool, Rhayader, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and the surrounding areas.