Plastic Bunded Oil Tanks

Bunded Oil Tanks

Plastic bunded oil tanks are used commercially, agriculturally, and domestically—where domestic bunded oil tanks provide a secure and compliant solution for home fuel storage. They’re a safe and cost-effective solution that you can put your trust in. Bunded oil tanks hold 110% of the primary tanks capacity. The manufacturers we use are well known and trusted brands in the industry like Atlas, Atlantis, Harlequin, Deso, Titan and Carbery.

You’ll have a 10-year manufactures warranty with our plastic bunded tanks, all of which are compliant with industry regulations like OFTEC and are CE marked by law. We also provide bunded diesel tanks, and cater to a wide range of oils including HVO fuels and kerosene. We also stock a range of accesories for tanks, consisting of guages, valves, fittings and more! Established since 2008, we know all about bunded tanks to make sure you’re met with quality and assurance. Our tank sizes range from 340 to 10,000 litres, but please get in touch for a bespoke solution, including options like double bunded oil tanks.

What to know before buying a bunded oil tank?

• Capacity: You need to consider what size tank you’ll need to hold your oil. 
• Maintenance: Make sure you know what maintenance your tank will need before you buy it. 
• Environmental: Does you tank meet the local regulations for the protection and safety of the environment? 
• Installation: If you think about how much space you need, you can start considering where your tanks will be housed. Any approvals required and logistics of installing the tank are factors to consider too. 
• Budget: What will the long term costs be? Take some time to compare different prices to stay within your budget. 

FAQ's

What is a bunded oil tank? 

A bunded oil tank has two skins. The inner one holds the fuel and the outer is there is case of any leakages, acting as a failsafe to prevent fuel loss. The outer tank or bund holds at least 110% of the primary tanks capacity.

What’s the purpose of a bunded oil tank? 

They are a safe means of storage. Fuel can be dangerous - it can cause fires and environmental problems - so avoiding leaks is important. 

Where should I Install my tank?  

Depending on the laws and available area, they are mostly installed above ground. Below ground tanks must be specifically designed for the purpose. All oil tanks must be installed by a competent person. This is in line with the OFTEC regulations, British Standards and LABC regulations. At Tank for Everything, we can provide the accessories and any fittings needed to complete the installation of your tank.  

Why are bunded oil tanks recommended?

They are useful for several reasons: 

• They stop leakages – The outer tank makes them a lot more effective than a single layered tank. This is a safe solution for the environment, so oil doesn’t escape the tank and get into water or pollute the ground. 
• They’re cost efficient – At first buying a bunded tank can be expensive, but in the long run you can find yourself saving money as their design life exceeds that of a single skin tank.

How to protect my bunded oil tank

Some people install a high fence or a cage around their bunded tank. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your fuel. Installing CCTV cameras can also be a useful deterrent. If theft is a major concern bunded steel oil tanks are a more secure option.

Can tanks be located near to a boundary?

760mm is the closest it can be. If you have put a screen around your tank to stop thieves, then your tank can’t be closer than 600mm from this. 

How far away should my tank be from any buildings?

1.8 meters. This counts for non-fire rated structures, buildings, and their eaves. It should also be this distance away from liquid fuel appliance flue terminals. 

What materials are used to make bunded tanks?

They’re usually made from a durable plastic, medium density polyethylene. This is a hard-wearing material which makes it reliable for holding oil. They’re also pliable so are unlikely to split due to changes in temperature. 
Steel tanks are also popular. The material is long lasting and resilient from factors like the weather and UV rays. They are also more secure. At Tanks For Everything, we have both materials with a range of sizes, designs and features. 

What are the base requirements for bunded oil tanks?

The tank’s base should extend at least 300mm more than its widest points. The base of the tank should be fully supported. 

What to do if my oil tank spills?

Insurance policies don’t always cover oil spills, which is why avoiding them is top priority. However, if this does end up happening and you’re able to stop the leak to any extent, do this first if you can do so safely. For example, as long as the oil can’t get on your skin, you might put a bucket underneath or close relevant valves. Then use sand to cover the spill (earth and cat litter work well too). Make sure none of it has gone down any drains or into any other water sources like rivers. If it has, this needs to be reported. Contact the UK incident hotline at 0800 80 70 60 to report any sort of oil spillage. 

What to do if I find water in my oil tank?

Your best option is to contact an OFTEC registered engineer who can perform a full tank clean. Pumping out the water yourself can be tricky because it’s difficult to remove every single bit of the liquid. If you did do this, you then wouldn’t be able to pour the contaminated water down the sink. That’s why calling in a professional is best as they’ll know exactly what to do to fix the problem. 

How often should I service my tank?

Yearly by an OFTEC qualified engineer. However, you can regularly carry out visual inspections yourself by looking for things like cracks, bulging and debris. Many people do this at least once a month. 

Should my bunded oil tank smell of oil on sunny days?

Check for any leakages by looking for wet patches around the tank as it could be this. Warm weather in rare circumstances can cause plastic to expand, split and then cause leakages. However, this smell can also be normal in warm weather as you may just be smelling oil from the vents. Call in a professional if you’re unsure. 

Can you store adblue in bunded tanks?

This diesel exhaust fluid can be stored in a bunded tank, depending on its material. Polyethylene is an example of a material which is okay, as long as they don’t include any additives. Stainless steel is okay too. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and stored between 0 and 30 degrees Celsius. We offer adblue storage tanks that are more suited for this application.

Are Tanks For Everything's tanks OFTEC licensed?

Yes, they are! This means the tank has been checked over accordingly and maintained to industry standards. Our tanks provide a number of other regulations like BS799, 2002 PPG2 & PPG26 as well as following the Oil Pollution Prevention Guidelines. They are also CE marked by law. You can find out more about regulations surrounding bunded tanks on GOV.UK.

Are bunded oil tanks compulsory? 

Non-Domestic Tanks: For any non-domestic oil storage over 200 litres, bunded tanks are a legal requirement. This ensures secondary containment to prevent any potential oil spills from affecting the environment.

Domestic Tanks: While not always mandatory, bunded oil tanks are often required in the following situations:

- If you are storing more than 2,500 litres of oil.

- If your tank is situated near open drains, loose manholes, or within 10 metres of controlled water sources.

- If your tank is within 50 metres of a borehole, spring, or well.

- If the oil is being stored for a building that is not a single-family dwelling.

What are the regulations for bunded oil tanks​?

Any non-domestic oil storage tank with a capacity greater than 200 litres must be bunded. For domestic use, an oil storage risk assessment will need to be completed if:

- You’re storing over 2,500 litres of oil.

- Your tank is near an open drain, loose manhole, or within 10 metres of controlled water (e.g., rivers, streams).

- Your tank is at risk of spilling onto hard ground that could lead to water contamination.

- Your tank is within 50 metres of a borehole, spring, or well.

- The vent on your tank isn’t visible from the fill point.

- Your oil is used for a building other than a single-family home.

For more information, visit Oftec, who are the trade association for liquid fuel heating equipment manufacturers, and will be able to answer more complex questions.