Whether you’re replacing an old oil tank or installing one for the first time, it’s important to choose a quality tank that will ensure your fuel is stored safely. Bunded oil tanks are widely considered to be the securest storage solution available on the market due to their unique tank-within-a-tank construction. This clever design means that any leaked fuel will be safely contained within the outer tank, where it can then be easily removed without causing any environmental harm. It’s important to be aware that even a small oil leak can cause serious damage to the surrounding environment. For that reason, it’s vital that homeowners and businesses do what they can to minimise the risk of a leak occurring. Purchasing a bunded tank is the simplest way to ensure that your fuel is stored safely, responsibly and in compliance with all current environmental legislation.
What do I need to know before buying an oil tank?
There is a huge selection of oil tanks on the market today in a variety of different sizes and designs. The two most common types of materials used to make oil tanks are plastic and steel - each of these has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, steel tanks are made from stronger, more resistant material meaning they offer better protection against fuel theft and vandalism. However, plastic bunded oil tanks benefit from the fact that they’re extremely lightweight, making them easy and convenient to install and transport to a new location if required. The best oil tank for you will depend on your individual requirements and the most appropriate size will vary due to a number of factors such as property size and average fuel usage. You need to choose the most appropriate size tank for your requirements, but keep in mind that a larger tank is often more economical as you can buy fuel in bulk and take advantage of the best deals.
Advantages of plastic bunded tanks
As already mentioned, plastic tanks have become increasingly popular over the years and for good reason! Here are some of the key benefits of choosing a plastic tank for your fuel storage needs:
Lightweight
Plastic oil tanks are extremely lightweight when compared to traditional steel tanks. This means they can be transported and installed far quicker. They can also be easily moved to a new location if needed.
Rust-resistant
It is common for steel tanks to rust over time which can cause damage and leaks, resulting in costly repairs and serious environmental damage. Plastic is far more resistant to rust, so choosing a plastic tank greatly reduces the risk of this occurring.
Seamless
The majority of plastic tanks are designed to be seamless, which reduces the likelihood of them cracking or splitting over time. Plastic also has an amazing ability to regain its natural shape, so any deformations can be corrected fairly easily without affecting the integrity of the tank.
How do I install an oil tank?
It is important to be aware that all oil tanks must comply with local Building Regulations. For instance, all domestic oil tanks must be installed at least 1.8 metres from any building or structure that is not fire resistant. If this is not possible, then a first resistant wall must be installed around your tank or a fire protected tank must be chosen, to provide an extra level of protection. The simplest way to ensure that your fuel tank is compliant, is by having your tank installed by an OFTEC registered tank installation technician. Oil tanks contain huge quantities of valuable fuel and can inflict damage to the environmental if installed incorrectly. For that reason, it’s crucial that you have an oil tank installed by a fully trained professional who has received specialist training to do the job safely.
Final thought
There is a huge range of oil tanks available on the market today and it’s important that you choose the one that best suits your needs and requirements. Plastic bunded oil tanks have become extremely popular and offer a number of fantastic benefits. This includes - being lightweight and easy to install and transport, offering protection from rust-related damage and providing the opportunity for custom designs. If you’re unsure which plastic bunded tank would be best, make sure to contact your local tank experts for advice.
