If you own a plastic oil tank, keeping your tank maintained and having your tank serviced regularly is essential to control the condensation within your tank and to help prevent any other costly problems. Just as you would with a car or a boiler, your tank needs to be well maintained and routinely checked.

Unfortunately, plastic oil tanks are non-repairable, read on to find out more information on what to do if you have a leak and some simple steps you can take to help prevent it.

Why Buy A Plastic Oil Tank?

Most Commonly, people favour plastic oil tanks over steel tanks as they are less prone to corrosion/rust than a steel tank. When buying an oil tank it’s sensible to check whether you need a bunded tank or not. It is a legal requirement for tanks storing over 3,500 litres to be bunded. A Bunded tank is made up of an inside tank that stores the fuel and an outside tank that provides protection against weather, contamination, leaks, and theft.

What Causes Damage To An Oil Tank?

Cold Weather

A drop in temperature can cause the plastic on your tank to become brittle which can leave it more prone to physical damage causing cracks and split. During the winter we suggest visually inspecting your tank once every fortnight and keep an eye on your fuel levels for any sudden drops. If there is snow sitting on top of your tank we also suggest clearing this as any extra weight may strain on parts of the tank.

Sun Exposure

This is more common for singles skinned tanks where there is no outer tank to protect them. Tanks positioned in direct sunlight can become discoloured/whitened, causing the tank to expand and deform.

This then eventually weakens the points on the tank that take the most weight. Over time cracks may develop where fuel can escape and water can enter the tank, this can lead to fuel contamination, costly oil spills, and boiler breakdowns.

To avoid this we suggest keeping your tank away from direct sunlight or placing fencing around your tank in accordance with the OFTEC Regulations.

Rain

It’s important to check that your tank is completely watertight, ensuring that the lids are securely closed and that there are no cracks or damage where water can enter.

Once water enters a fuel tank this can lead to sludge formation and bacterial growth which leads to clogged fuel filters, injectors and lines.

Badly Fitted Tank Base

A base that is uneven can cause the fuel tank to go under pressure in certain areas, especially once filled. This can then cause the plastic to stretch, eventually splitting/ cracking the tank. To avoid this from happening it is important to have It installed by an OFTEC Registered company that will ensure that the base is fit for purpose.

VISUAL INSPECTION

it’s a good idea to check your tank on a monthly basis. Just like servicing a car your tank can become unsafe between services. Our drivers will always carry out a visual inspection before a delivery which you can do too. Some things to check for:

• Cracks- Check for any small or large cracks in the Body of your tank.

• Discolouration - if the tank is turning white or fading due to sun exposure it may be time to replace your tank

• Bulges- check for any bowing where the tank is bulging.

• Smell - If you are able to smell kerosene strongly you may have a tank leak.

• Stains - If there is any stains or wet patches around your tank this would suggest a leak.

• Corrosion- Check all pipework for any rust or damage.

My Oil Tank Is Cracked, What Can I Do?

If you notice a crack in your tank that is above the oil level, it’s crucial that you have it replaced as soon as possible. Our experienced OFTEC registered engineers will identify and assess any damages you may have on your tank and offer additional solutions, or if needed, we can replace your oil tank and transfer your oil over to the replacement.

A quick fix that you can do to stop oil from leaking into the environment and water from entering is to rub a bar of soap into the splits/cracks. Duct tape can also be used however, these are quick and temporary fixes so it is important to replace your tank as soon as you can.

Fuel Spills are not only an inconvenience but can be extremely expensive to clean up. It is against the law to cause pollution and you will have to take action immediately to clean it up which may void your insurance.If you find that there is a leak from your tank contact the national Incident/pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60 which is available 24/7. Collect any oil drips in a bucket and stop oil from entering drains by using absorbent materials or soil.

How Can I Prevent This From Happening?

Fuel tanks cannot be repaired once damaged. Having your tank checked regularly just as you would with your boiler is important so you can notice any signs early on to avoid any spillage. Our registered OFTEC Technician can conduct a Tank Health Check in which he will review the overall condition of the tank and provide advice and tips of when you should replace it or how you can maintain your tank to extend its life.

Purchasing a bunded oil tank is a great investment that helps you avoid damage from weather, spills and contamination whilst protecting the environment and providing the safest way to store your Oil.

At James D Bilsland We can supply and install a vast range of tanks. For more information on our fuel storage solutions give us a phone on 01360 660264.

If you need your tank serviced from our registered OFTEC engineer, book today by phone on 01360 660264 or for more information visit our page on tank health here.