Steel v plastic domestic oil tank
Discussion
We’re looking to move our oil tank and as it’s 20+ years old and unbunded it seems prudent to buy a new bunded one.
The down side of going bunded seems to be the physical size v capacity. To be discrete we either need to drop the capacity quote a lot or steel tanks which seem to much more efficient in size (because they’re rectangles not curved).
Ones we’ve looked at suggest there’s not much in price, guarantee for the steel is only 1 year whereas plastic seem to get 10 year guarantee, so is that a warning sign?, whereas various websites suggest steel have better life expectancy.
A mates also suggested the steel ones can rust from within due to condensation, and one website suggest getting them checked twice a year.. that all sounds like a long term liability
Are plastic just better, cheaper but wasteful on space or is a good steel tank going to fine as (in 20 years I’m likely to not care much and/or we’ll all probably have our own Farage inspired nuclear power plant
TIA
The down side of going bunded seems to be the physical size v capacity. To be discrete we either need to drop the capacity quote a lot or steel tanks which seem to much more efficient in size (because they’re rectangles not curved).
Ones we’ve looked at suggest there’s not much in price, guarantee for the steel is only 1 year whereas plastic seem to get 10 year guarantee, so is that a warning sign?, whereas various websites suggest steel have better life expectancy.
A mates also suggested the steel ones can rust from within due to condensation, and one website suggest getting them checked twice a year.. that all sounds like a long term liability
Are plastic just better, cheaper but wasteful on space or is a good steel tank going to fine as (in 20 years I’m likely to not care much and/or we’ll all probably have our own Farage inspired nuclear power plant
TIA
We replaced our metal tank that we inherited with the house about 20 years after it was installed for a bunded plastic one when we needed to move it due to an extension.
We did have to fill it more often which was a pain, but not having to paint it every other year and the worry of it leaking was a relief.
We did have to fill it more often which was a pain, but not having to paint it every other year and the worry of it leaking was a relief.
Just had a 1200 litre bunded tank installed to replace a smaller single skin thingy. A Titan ES1225. Was also supplied with a wireless tank gauge. The installers advised against steel for the reasons you mentioned. Make sure whoever installs the new one also takes the old one away. Can be a pain trying to dispose of them
Avoid steel like the plague.
Way way back before there was not a lot of choice I went through a succession of steel tanks that rusted through in places very difficult to either see or get at.
Greta would have a fit if she knew how much fuel oil disappeared into the ground each year.
Go plastic.
Way way back before there was not a lot of choice I went through a succession of steel tanks that rusted through in places very difficult to either see or get at.
Greta would have a fit if she knew how much fuel oil disappeared into the ground each year.
Go plastic.
I could be wrong but I recall that the single skin tanks need installing with an external bund (with a minimum capacity).
There are also various requirements for tank bases and distance from combustible materials. Can’t remember what they were, but I do remember builder at a place we built a few years ago getting rather frustrated by them.
There are also various requirements for tank bases and distance from combustible materials. Can’t remember what they were, but I do remember builder at a place we built a few years ago getting rather frustrated by them.
LooneyTunes said:
I could be wrong but I recall that the single skin tanks need installing with an external bund (with a minimum capacity).
There are also various requirements for tank bases and distance from combustible materials. Can’t remember what they were, but I do remember builder at a place we built a few years ago getting rather frustrated by them.
The bund needs to be the capacity of the tank + 10 %.There are also various requirements for tank bases and distance from combustible materials. Can’t remember what they were, but I do remember builder at a place we built a few years ago getting rather frustrated by them.
Our plastic, single skin, unbunded, tank us showing signs of surface degradation. Will need replacing soon before it starts leaking.
Problem is, we really can't go any bigger, and the current location no longer complies with the regs because the neighbour built an extension right up to the boundary just before I bought the house.
Seriously considering ditching oil and switching to a heat pump. Looks like it wouldn't be that much more expensive than buying/installing a new tank - if we qualify for the government grant.
Problem is, we really can't go any bigger, and the current location no longer complies with the regs because the neighbour built an extension right up to the boundary just before I bought the house.
Seriously considering ditching oil and switching to a heat pump. Looks like it wouldn't be that much more expensive than buying/installing a new tank - if we qualify for the government grant.
clockworks said:
Our plastic, single skin, unbunded, tank us showing signs of surface degradation. Will need replacing soon before it starts leaking.
Problem is, we really can't go any bigger, and the current location no longer complies with the regs because the neighbour built an extension right up to the boundary just before I bought the house.
Seriously considering ditching oil and switching to a heat pump. Looks like it wouldn't be that much more expensive than buying/installing a new tank - if we qualify for the government grant.
You can buy fire rated tanks, that wouldn't have such installation limitations.Problem is, we really can't go any bigger, and the current location no longer complies with the regs because the neighbour built an extension right up to the boundary just before I bought the house.
Seriously considering ditching oil and switching to a heat pump. Looks like it wouldn't be that much more expensive than buying/installing a new tank - if we qualify for the government grant.
Pretty sure that you are not required to have a bunded tank in a domestic property unless over 2500 litres.
A quick Google reveals you only need a bunded tank if:
You are storing over 2500 litres.
Your tank is near an open drain or loose fitting manhole.
Your tank is within 10m of controlled water such as a river, stream etc.
Your tank is located where any spillage could travel over hard ground to reach controlled water.
Your tank is located within 50m of a borehole, spring or well.
Your tank vent is not visible from the fill point. (Such as an extended fill point)
Your oil use is for a building other than a single family dwelling.
Any other unique hazards to your site.
A bunded tank of course will give you that extra safety and reassurance in case of a leak, but as you mention they are absolutely massive compared the equivalent non-bunded version so you need to make the choice whether the additional size/cost is worth it to you.
A quick Google reveals you only need a bunded tank if:
You are storing over 2500 litres.
Your tank is near an open drain or loose fitting manhole.
Your tank is within 10m of controlled water such as a river, stream etc.
Your tank is located where any spillage could travel over hard ground to reach controlled water.
Your tank is located within 50m of a borehole, spring or well.
Your tank vent is not visible from the fill point. (Such as an extended fill point)
Your oil use is for a building other than a single family dwelling.
Any other unique hazards to your site.
A bunded tank of course will give you that extra safety and reassurance in case of a leak, but as you mention they are absolutely massive compared the equivalent non-bunded version so you need to make the choice whether the additional size/cost is worth it to you.
JD said:
You can buy fire rated tanks, that wouldn't have such installation limitations.
That could work, although for the same capacity (1150) and similar depth, it would be a metre wider.Also nearly 3 times the cost of a direct replacement - getting on for 3 grand, plus the cost of building a new, bigger, base.
The boiler will probably need replacing in a few years too as it's over 20 years old.
At current prices, an ASHP shouldn't cost that much more to run I think, as long as everything else is up to scratch.
OFTEC guidance for domestic fuel oil tanks > https://www.oftec.org/consumers/off-gas-grid-guide...
Any replacement proposed should be risk assessed by the supplier, using OFTEC form TI/133D > https://www.devonoiltankspecialists.co.uk/ORIGINAL...
Clockworks, if a 30 minute fire barrier is placed along the fence between your tank and your neighbour, then that will suffice.
Any replacement proposed should be risk assessed by the supplier, using OFTEC form TI/133D > https://www.devonoiltankspecialists.co.uk/ORIGINAL...
Clockworks, if a 30 minute fire barrier is placed along the fence between your tank and your neighbour, then that will suffice.
Regbuser said:
OFTEC guidance for domestic fuel oil tanks > https://www.oftec.org/consumers/off-gas-grid-guide...
Any replacement proposed should be risk assessed by the supplier, using OFTEC form TI/133D > https://www.devonoiltankspecialists.co.uk/ORIGINAL...
Clockworks, if a 30 minute fire barrier is placed along the fence between your tank and your neighbour, then that will suffice.
My tank actually backs up to the neighbour's side wall, as they extended the dining room right up to the boundary. It's a 1960's detached bungalow, and the eaves overhang the boundary - no idea how they got planning/building regs, or why the previous owner of my house didn't object at the time.Any replacement proposed should be risk assessed by the supplier, using OFTEC form TI/133D > https://www.devonoiltankspecialists.co.uk/ORIGINAL...
Clockworks, if a 30 minute fire barrier is placed along the fence between your tank and your neighbour, then that will suffice.
I got the house at a "bargain" price, so wasn't overly concerned at the time. Now the oil tank regs have changed, it's an issue.
When a I bought my last house it had a 2500 liter steel
tank that had been in place for about 10 years and was still in the same place when we left 22 years later. The tank seemed fine but the railway sleepers that were being used to support it up off the ground were beginning to rot a bit and I was delighted that the surveyor didn’t notice or mention it.
tank that had been in place for about 10 years and was still in the same place when we left 22 years later. The tank seemed fine but the railway sleepers that were being used to support it up off the ground were beginning to rot a bit and I was delighted that the surveyor didn’t notice or mention it.
clockworks said:
My tank actually backs up to the neighbour's side wall, as they extended the dining room right up to the boundary. It's a 1960's detached bungalow, and the eaves overhang the boundary - no idea how they got planning/building regs, or why the previous owner of my house didn't object at the time.
I got the house at a "bargain" price, so wasn't overly concerned at the time. Now the oil tank regs have changed, it's an issue.
You're going to require some competent advice on the ground then, so that the least worst position for the replacement tank can be established, with attendant costs.I got the house at a "bargain" price, so wasn't overly concerned at the time. Now the oil tank regs have changed, it's an issue.
bimsb6 said:
The bund needs to be the capacity of the tank + 10 %.
Can you clarify if you mean the area for the tank to leak into is 10% of the tank capacity, so the whole thing is tank+10% or a bundled tank in total comprises space that can take the whole tank capacity and 10% in addition to the tank capacity (ie over twice the size?). I’m feeling steel now isn’t the way to go, and everyone tells me unbounded is a crazy idea, but size is an issue
Regbuser said:
You're going to require some competent advice on the ground then, so that the least worst position for the replacement tank can be established, with attendant costs.
Chap who serviced the boiler, and pointed out the tank deterioration, reckoned it would basically have to go in the middle of the garden to be 100% compliant to current regs. Only alternative position would be in the front garden, at the opposite end of the house.Hence me thinking about ditching oil.
Looking at the new properties in the area, most have the tanks to the front. Easy to make compliant, but very ugly. Million pound high-spec houses with sea views, with a green plastic monstrosity plonked in full view.
Every property on the development of around 30 bungalows is in a similar position.
Both my neighbours' tanks are tight up against a wall or fence.
chrismoose91 said:
Get an ashp quote from Octopus energy. Our install, radiator changes, pipework modifications, all in was £2k. I had quotes of around £6k to convert our system to a combi. Seriously impressed with it.
Got a local guy (personal recommendation) coming next week for a look, but I'll try Octopus as well. Thanks for the tipEdit:
Octopus won't quote, presumably not covering West Cornwall.
Edited by clockworks on Sunday 30th June 15:07
Edit:
Email from Octopus saying they can't quote because I ticked the " I am renovating my home" box. Well, I'm having a couple of rooms gutted, but that doesn't count - roof, windows, plumbing, electrics are all in place and fine. Bathroom refurb ongoing, main bedroom yet to be done.
Tried again, £4100 after the grant.
Looks like I'd need a new EPC first, as I've lived here 13 years.
Edited by clockworks on Sunday 30th June 15:18
clockworks said:
Got a local guy (personal recommendation) coming next week for a look, but I'll try Octopus as well. Thanks for the tip
Edit:
Octopus won't quote, presumably not covering West Cornwall.
Edit:
Email from Octopus saying they can't quote because I ticked the " I am renovating my home" box. Well, I'm having a couple of rooms gutted, but that doesn't count - roof, windows, plumbing, electrics are all in place and fine. Bathroom refurb ongoing, main bedroom yet to be done.
Tried again, £4100 after the grant.
Looks like I'd need a new EPC first, as I've lived here 13 years.
Feel free to PM me any questions. Our install on a 3 bed detached was quite intense. Every radiator was replaced bar the kitchen. With an almost blank canvas, you can make the install much easier and tidier. Edit:
Octopus won't quote, presumably not covering West Cornwall.
Edited by clockworks on Sunday 30th June 15:07
Edit:
Email from Octopus saying they can't quote because I ticked the " I am renovating my home" box. Well, I'm having a couple of rooms gutted, but that doesn't count - roof, windows, plumbing, electrics are all in place and fine. Bathroom refurb ongoing, main bedroom yet to be done.
Tried again, £4100 after the grant.
Looks like I'd need a new EPC first, as I've lived here 13 years.
Edited by clockworks on Sunday 30th June 15:18
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