Heating oil (usually kerosene) is generally used as an alternative to gas in homes or businesses which aren’t connected to the national network. If you live in a home which is off-grid – or are thinking of moving to one – you will rely on heating oil for your heating and hot water. There are around 1.5 million homes in the UK which use oil for heating.
This heating oil will need to be stored in an oil tank on your property. The tanks come in a range of shapes and sizes, but one of the biggest considerations is whether you should invest in an underground or aboveground oil tank. There are pros and cons to each of them and the right decision will be the one which suits the space you have available and your own budget.
Here are the pros, cons and considerations of underground and aboveground oil tanks…
Underground oil tanks
An underground oil tank is installed below the ground – typically underneath your garden. They are a popular option for homes with small gardens or in sensitive landscapes.
Pros of underground oil tanks
- Underground oil tanks generally have a bigger capacity than aboveground tanks. This means they need refilling less often, so you can benefit from buying in bulk when prices are lower.
- You can’t see them! Oil tanks are not the most attractive thing to look at and, with an underground tank, you don’t need to look at them. This is especially useful if you only have a small garden, so you don’t feel like the oil tank is filling your entire outdoor space.
- Better weather protection. Although aboveground tanks are made of materials designed to resist the worst of the great British weather, inevitably they can be affected by weather extremes. Underground tanks are protected from weather extremes, reducing the risk of wear and tear and even leaks.
- Accidents are less likely as you can’t accidentally reverse your car into an underground tank and a tree isn’t going to fall on it! All of this means leaks are less likely.
- Less chance of theft – theft from oil tanks is on the rise, but this isn’t going to happen if your oil tank is underground.
Cons of underground oil tanks
- Underground tanks have higher installation costs because the installation is much more complex than for an aboveground tank.
- Potential for corrosion – although they won’t be hit by extremes of weather, underground tanks can be affected by soil and water, leading to potential for corrosion over time. Corrosion can lead to leaks and expensive repairs.
- An underground tank won’t need such regular maintenance as an aboveground tank. The bad news is that, when it does need maintenance, it is much more challenging as it is difficult to maintain and will need specialised equipment to access it.
Aboveground oil tanks
An aboveground oil tank is usually kept in your garden – with easy access for an oil tanker to make deliveries.
Pros of aboveground oil tanks
- They are cheaper and quicker to install than underground tanks, as there is no requirement for digging a hole and specialised access equipment.
- You can spot any leaks and maintenance problems much earlier, as you see the tank every day and can easily inspect it yourself. Catching problems early can prolong the life of your tank and also prevent environmental leaks and expensive clean-ups.
- Maintenance is cheaper as they are much more accessible than underground tanks, and any repairs can be done without the need for excavation work.
Cons of aboveground oil tanks
- Although both aboveground and underground tanks come in a variety of sizes, an aboveground tank is likely to have a smaller capacity, which means they need refilling more often. There are delivery costs every time your tank is filled and there are also fluctuating heating oil costs throughout the year, and you may end up needing to buy oil when the price is higher.
- You can see them! Even though they are usually in a colour which will blend in with your garden, oil tanks are not the most aesthetically pleasing things, and they can spoil the look of your garden. If your garden is small, they will take up a big proportion of the space.
- They are exposed to the weather – heavy rain, snow and extremes of temperature can all lead to wear and tear of an aboveground oil tank over time. Ultimately, this could shorten the life of the tank and increase the risk of leaks.
- Aboveground tanks are more vulnerable to fuel theft – which is on the rise due to the increasing cost of fuel. Using a bunded oil tank is always a sensible choice (and is a legal requirement in Wales and in many situations elsewhere in the UK). A bunded oil tank makes theft more difficult.
There is no right or wrong answer as to whether you should choose an underground or aboveground oil tank. If you’re looking for a cheaper and more straightforward solution, an aboveground tank would be your best option. But there are also situations where an underground tank would work better.
Before making a decision, you need to weigh up your budget against the space you have available. If in doubt, talk to us at Tanks for Everything. We know all about oil tanks and can help you make the right decision for you.
