Around 23% of homes across Huddersfield, Halifax and Oldham aren’t connected to the National Gas Grid. If you’re thinking of upgrading your heating system and want to stay off the national grid an oil tank can be a cost effective way to start. With many more homes being built in rural West Yorkshire locations we’ve put together the ultimate guide to oil tank installation.
What you need to know before installing your oil tank
Oil tanks come in many shapes, sizes and capacities so choosing the right one for your home can be tricky. At MS Cookers and Boilers we want to demystify the process and help you choose the best oil tank for your home.
choosing the right oil tank for your needs
Single skinned vs Bunded Oil Tanks: A single skinned tank doesn’t have a bund or area to hold oil in case of a spill or damage to the tank. They are often subject to much stricter regulations. A bunded tank has a dual layer the outer layer (bund) acts as an extra layer of protection – both against the elements and in case of a leak or damage to the containing layer. As company committed to our local environment and looking towards the future of heating we wouldn’t fit a single skin tank.
Size, Capacity and Shape: Oil tanks vary in size from 500 to 10,000 litres. The size you need will be influenced by your fuel consumption. So if you are heating a number of buildings, using an oil-fired Aga or have a larger number of people in your home you may need a larger oil tank. A general rule of thumb is that you should 500 litre capacity for each bedroom plus an additional 500 to cover additional rooms. The shape of your oil tank really is personal preference, some people prefer a shorter tank, some prefer horizontal, some prefer tall and narrow. The shape of your tank may be influenced by the material you choose your tank to be made of.
Plastic Bunded Oil Tank
Metal Bunded Oil Tank
Steel vs Plastic Tanks: Steel tanks are durable and less prone to accidental damage – particularly around heavy machinery and farming equipment. However, they are more prone to rust and require maintenance to ensure they stay rust free. Plastic tanks do not rust and require less maintenance. Their seamless design also means they are less prone to leaks or cracking. Plastic is also an excellent insulator which means your oil can maintain a consistent temperature.
Oil Tanks, Oil Storage & Legal Regulations
Domestic oil tank storage covers a capacity up to 3,500 litres anything above this is considered commercial and is subject to different regulations to the ones we discuss below. The regulations surrounding oil storage are in place to protect your home, surrounding homes and the environment from fire or fuel spillage. It is important you use a qualified professional to install your new oil tank. At MS Cookers and Boilers our team is OFTEC registered.
OFTEC’s health and Safety regulations state that all fuel tanks should be placed:
- 1.8m away from non-fire rated eaves of a building
- 1.8m away from a non-fire rated building or structure (e.g. garden sheds)
- 1.8m away from openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire rated building or structure (e.g. brick-built house/garage)
- 1.8m away from liquid fuel appliance flue terminals
- 760mm away from a non-fire rated boundary, such as a wooden boundary fence
- 600mm away from screening (e.g. trellis and foliage) that does not form part of the boundary.
If it is impossible to comply with the separation distances, then a fire protection barrier (with a minimum 30 minutes fire rating) should be provided. The separation distance required between the tank and the fire barrier should be a minimal 300mm unless a greater distance is specified by the tank manufacturer. It is possible to site a fuel storage tank inside a garage or out-house; however, they need to be self-contained within a 60-minute fire rated chamber.
Step-by-Step Guide to Oil Tank Installation
Here at MS Cookers and Boilers we believe in empowering you with the knowledge you need to make the best choice for your new oil tank installation. We promise to always give you clear honest advice at every step.
- Site Survey: Before your new or replacement oil tank is installed an engineer will visit to complete a survey. They will assess your old tank, the base of the tank, the oil line and give you some clear guidance on suitable replacement oil tanks. A quote will be emailed to you and upon acceptance our friendly office team will give you a call to arrange an installation date.
- Tank Removal and Positioning: On the day your engineer will begin by emptying the fuel from the old tank. This fuel will be moved into a transfer tank until it is ready to go into the new tank. The old tank will be removed from the base and a full inspection and clearing of the base will be completed. Alterations will be made to the base where needed or a new base will be created and the old oil tank can be disposed of.
- Installation and Connection: Once the base is clear the new tank can be lifted into position and transfer of any good fuel or new fuel can be made into the new tank. Your engineer will then test the pressure in the oil lines to ensure there are no leaks underground and that the oil line is sound. The oil line can then be connected to the new oil tank, and bled so the oil flows through the line. Your engineer can then recommission any appliances connected to your oil tank, in line with OFTEC regulations.
Oil Tank Maintenance
Oil tanks are relatively easy to care for. However, that doesn’t mean you should let them sit with no care or attention. To keep your oil tank in the best condition there are a number of things you can do.
Visual Checks: Checking your oil tank every few weeks for signs of wear and tear is the most simple thing you can do. During a check you should pay close attention to the the body of the tank, the pipework and supporting structure for any signs of rust, leaks or cracking. In a steel oil tank assessing for rust is particularly important as the earlier it is found the sooner it can be treated. Checking for water or condensation inside your oil tank is important especially after times of hard frost and snow. If water reaches your boiler it can cause problems for your heating and hot water. If you do find water in your oil tank contact an OFTEC registered professional to seek advice.
Professional Maintenance: During your annual oil boiler service your OFTEC registered engineer should perform a visual check of your oil tank. It is recommended to have your oil tank cleaned annually as over time sludge and sediment can collect in your tank and cause block filters, clog fuel lines and impact the performance of your heating system.
Top Tips for Long Lasting Oil Tanks:
- Keeping at least 12 inches of oil in your tank prevents disturbing the sediment that settles at the bottom of the tank.
- An oil spill kit for emergencies can help in case of the an oil leak or spill.
- Ensuring the control mechanisms such as the oil gauge and vent whistle are working correctly will help you keep your oil tank in the best possible condition.
- Having an oil care sticker on the side of your tank is a great way of remembering the key ways to keep your new oil tank in excellent condition.
Cost Breakdown for Oil Tank Installation
How much does an oil tank installation cost?
The cost of an oil tank installation can vary according to a number of different factors, including the size, material and need for supporting structures. Generally speaking a simple installation of a smaller oil tank could start at £1,800 for more complex installations prices can start from £2,500.
Hidden Costs
There are a number of elements that can bump up the cost of a new oil tank installation. Starting with the complexity of installation, if access is tricky, trenches need to be dug or a new base needs to be laid this can add to the cost. If a new oil pipeline needs to be run or parts of the pipeline need extending or replaced this can also increase the price. The material you have chosen for your new oil tank can also influence the price – steel tanks tend to cost more as they are often specially made.
At MS Cookers and Boilers we pride ourselves on offering professional advice and guidance so if our Oil Tank guide doesn’t answer your question why not give us a call on 01484 941003 and speak to our team today. If you’re interested in a new oil tank installation and in the West Yorkshire area visit our oil tank installation page to find out more.