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What size bunded oil tank do you need for a home?

There is a huge variety of fuel storage options on the market today and oil tanks come in a wide range of different sizes and styles. Having a bunded oil tank installed on your property offers a number of benefits such as - protecting your fuel from leaks and theft, saving you money by allowing you to buy your fuel in bulk and also allowing you to create a home off the main grid. To get the most out of your investment, it is important that you choose an oil tank that is the most appropriate size for your property and needs (there is no point buying a 2500 litre tank if you only ever order 1000 litres). To help you determine which size is best, here is our complete guide to buying a bunded oil tank.

What is a bunded oil tank?

A bunded oil tank is designed with a secondary containment tank or outer skin. This offers a higher level of protection as it means that any oil that leaks from the inside tank will be contained within the outer tank. Oil leaks can have a serious detrimental effect on the environment, so it is vital that you do everything you can to prevent this from happening. Bunded oil tanks are considered the safest and securest way to store oil and they ensure that your fuel storage complies with all relevant environmental legislation. Bunded oil tanks also have a manufacturer’s 10 year warranty.

What are the benefits of a bunded oil tank?

A bunded oil tank offers a number of benefits over other storage solutions on the market. The main advantage of a bunded oil tank is its unique double skin tank construction. The interstitial space between the inner and outer skin will contain any leaked fuel thus preventing the risk of damage to the surrounding environment. An oil leak can lead to serious consequences including large fines for not following environmental regulations. Storing your fuel in a bunded tank means you can have peace of mind knowing that you are complying with all current legislation. This extra protection also makes it more difficult for criminals to steal your oil or vandalise your tank. Fuel theft is an increasing problem, especially in rural areas, and can prove extremely costly to property owners. A bunded oil tank is far more secure, so helps protect your fuel from theft. It is also worth noting that a bunded oil tank can help reduce your fuel costs by allowing you to buy and store large volumes of oil. This makes it possible to negotiate on prices and take advantage of deals throughout the year.

What are the relevant regulations?

Bunded oil tanks need to comply with regional Building Regulations. Under these rules, domestic oil tanks with a capacity of 3,500 litres or less must be installed a minimum of 1.8 metres away from any part of a building or structure that doesn’t have 30 minutes fire resistance and also openings in buildings such as doors and windows. Tanks should also be at least 1.8m from combustible eaves and boiler flue termination points. The tank should also not be within 760mm of a non-fire rated boundary. If this is not possible, then you must take additional protection measures by installing a 30 minute fire-resistant wall. The fire wall must extend at least 300mm beyond the height and the ends of the oil tank. An alternative to the fire wall would be to install a fire protected tank. Whether the tank is fire protected or not, all oil storage tanks must have a non-combustible base which extends 300mm beyond the perimeter of the tank.

 

In England and Wales, an OFTEC registered technician can install an oil tank without notifying Local Authority Building Control. However, if you decide to have your tank installed by someone who isn’t registered with a ‘Competent Person’ scheme like OFTEC, then you must apply for a Building Control Notice and arrange for an inspection to be carried out to ensure that your tank complies with all of the relevant regulations. If you are unsure which rules apply, then contact your local OFTEC-registered installer for advice.

How do I choose the correct size?

Domestic bunded oil tanks come in a range of sizes from 650 litres to 10,000 litres. You should take the following factors into account when deciding what size tank to buy:

  • Size of your property - The size of your property will help you determine what size oil tank you require. Generally, the larger your property the more heating oil you will require, meaning you will require a bigger tank.
  • Usage - If your property uses large quantities of oil, i.e. you live in a cold location and need the heating on more frequently, then you will need a large tank to store more fuel. If you only order 500 litres at anyone time – why buy a 2500 litre tank, when a 1000 litre tank would be adequate?
  • Available space - If you have lots of space available then you may want to consider buying a bigger oil tank, so you can get a better price from buying your fuel in bulk.
  • Location – If you are located in an area where access may be difficult during prolonged periods of bad or freezing weather you may wish to oversize your tank so that you can last between November and April without refilling.

When it comes to finding the best storage solution for your fuel needs, it goes without saying that bunded fuel tanks are the safest and securest option available. If you want any further advice on choosing the correct bunded oil tank for your property, then get in touch with our friendly team today.

The information provided in these articles is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is created to the best of our knowledge and is based on information available. We may make changes to the material on our Website, or to the products and prices described in it, at any time without prior notice. If you would like to find out more and discuss your specific application with us further, please contact us and a member of our expert team will gladly assist you.

Friday 29th March 2024
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