Are you thinking about having a heating oil system installed on your property? Or are you looking to upgrade your existing oil tank? If you’re considering this, then you’ll need to choose between several different storage tanks available on the market - from steel and plastic, to single-skinned and bunded. An oil tank will allow you to store your fuel safely and effectively and help you prevent leaks, save wastage, cut costs and protect the environment. The type of storage tank you choose will depend on your needs and requirements. To help you decide, we’ve put together a guide of the things you should consider when choosing an oil storage tank:
Size of your property
If you have space limitations on your property, then that determines the appropriate tank size for you. If you’re not space-limited then you can decide on the size of the tank you want, by looking at consumption versus refill. If you would prefer not to have to refill your tank frequently, then it makes sense to install a larger tank. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the bigger your tank, the more oil you can order in one go and generally, the more you order, the cheaper it will be.
Population of property
A typical British household will generally use around 2000-3000 litres of heating oil in a year. If you use heating oil to fuel appliances like an AGA cooker or oven, then you might find this quantity to be higher. The number of people living in your property will determine how much oil you use, which will affect the size and type of storage tank you require. Generally, larger households will often require storage tanks with a larger capacity.
Size of tank necessary
Domestic heating oil tanks come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. The one you choose will largely depend on the space you have available and the amount of oil you will be using. It is important to determine your average oil use before making a decision on the size of tank to purchase.
Positioning of tank
Another important consideration is when you will store your oil. Oil tanks can be stored outside or inside.
If kept outside, the tank should be positioned somewhere that minimises the risk of it being damaged, for example away from driveways. Or, you must ensure that any impact won’t damage the tank and cause a leak for instance - by placing barriers around the tank. You must not install an oil storage tank near a water source - this will help reduce the chance of environmental damage in the event of a fuel spillage or leak. You should also keep in mind the risks of fuel theft. Try to keep your oil in a secure, hidden area, and have safety and security precautions in place, such as a padlock and warning alarm system.
Inside
It is unlikely that a fire could be started by a domestic oil storage tank and its contents. However, tanks are required to comply with fire separation distances in order to adequately protect the stored fuel from any nearby fire or heat source. Oil tanks can be stored inside, so long as the appropriate regulations are followed. The main advantages of storing your oil tank indoors is that it won’t be exposed to the elements or other outdoor hazards, and it will also be more secure from theft and vandalism.
Other considerations
Building Regulations require oil tanks to be installed on a suitable base. This should be adequate for the weight of the tank, made from concrete or stone slabs, and must extend at least 300mm past the widest point of the tank in all directions. A tank that is not adequately supported with a suitable base can become weak, leading to an oil leak. This should be taken into consideration when looking at sizing and location of your tank.
Final thought
The type of oil storage tank you choose will depend largely on your needs and requirements. Keep in mind that there are several different tanks available on the current market - each with advantages and disadvantages - so it’s important to select the right one for your needs. Often, the best course of action is to seek the advice of a specialist before making a decision - the input of an expert often proves invaluable and will ensure that you choose the right oil tank for you!
