Tank Installation

Heating Oil Tank Installation

At Craggs Energy, we can provide, replace and install a wide range of both plastic and metal bunded Heating Oil tanks to residential and commercial customers across the UK.

Almost all of the tanks we replace fit into one (or multiple) of the categories below:

Single skinned tanks – Almost half of all UK tanks are still single skinned.
Rust and corrosion (metal tanks).
Sun bleaching (plastic tanks) – Typically the tank fades from dark green to pale green and is sign that the plastic has become brittle.
Inappropriate location – This can include proximity to buildings and watercourses.
Unstable base – Tanks should be positioned on a solid level base (most commonly manufactured of concrete or flags).
Damaged site gauges/fittings
Persistent smell of fuel
Visible cracks (regardless of size)

Why should you carry out an annual tank check?

1. Changes in temperature

During the months between Summer ending and Winter starting changes in temperature can greatly affect your Heating Oil tank. The rapid temperature changes cause the tank to shrink and swell which can stretch the tank and make the plastic membrane thinner. This increases the risk of the tank splitting when new loads of Heating Oil are pumped into the tank.

2. Changes in the Weather

Plastic tanks are susceptible to sun damage. The sun’s rays will heat the top of the tank and cause it to split. This becomes a major problem as the weather changes and rainwater starts to enter the tank and cause damage to the fuel. The other main cause of fuel contamination is water entering the fuel tank through the lid. Craggs Energy suggests you check the condition of your lid after every fuel delivery.

3. OFTEC Regulations

Over 400,000 tanks in the UK are still single skin. Single Skin means you have no protective bund inside your Heating Oil tank. Simply put, any external damage to the fuel tank will most likely result in a major spill.
The effects of this could be astronomical as the fuel could contaminate your land and worse the foundations of your building. Not only can this be a huge financial burden, but can have huge environmental effects too.
If your Heating Oil tank is also out of OFTEC specification this can result in your insurance being voided.

What is involved in replacing an Oil Tank?

If you have any of the problems above and need to replace your Heating Oil tank it can be difficult to understand the process around replacing your existing tank. Craggs Energy aims to make this service as simple and hassle free as possible.

Replacing a Heating Oil tank with Craggs Energy involves:

The removal of the existing tank and storage of any fuel

The Oil tank is removed and disposed of in accordance with Environmental regulations

Preparation of the foundations in line with OFTEC regulations

Installation of new tank by an OFTEC registered technician

Return oil to new tank in preparation to restart the boiler

A new delivery of oil can be arranged if preferred

Removal and disposal of waste oil, sludge, water and old oil tank

This process usually only takes around half a day but there can be a number of varying factors.