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Although Oil tanks are not the most attractive things to have in your garden, we always recommend seeking the advice of your local OFTEC registered liquid fuel tank installer as to the best place to position and how to screen your tank, if needed. The regulations for oil tank installation vary according to which region of the UK or Ireland you live in and there are also other environmental factors that need to be taken into account.  For more information, please check out - OFTEC

Some ways customers have screened their tanks are below, however please check with your local OFTEC installer first.

Walls

One of the most common ways to hide an oil tank is to build a false wall around it. Whether you use bricks, stone or fencing, make sure you leave space to get in and around the tank for maintenance and replacement.

Landscaping

Probably the most effective and aesthetic ways to hide an oil tank is to surround it with shrubs, trees, or potted plants that can help to camouflage the tank from view. Make sure you the plants are properly maintained, as they can become a fire hazard if not cared for properly.

Whatever option you choose, your tank will be out of sight – but it should not remain out of mind! Remember to keep on top of oil levels and have your tank regularly inspected by a qualified engineer to prevent any potential problems.

The lifespan of a domestic oil tank depends on several critical factors, including material quality, installation environment, and maintenance practices. Typically, a well-maintained bunded oil storage tank can last between 15-20 years, while single-skin tanks might have a shorter operational life of 10-15 years. External factors such as soil conditions, exposure to harsh weather, and potential chemical interactions can significantly impact tank durability.

Regular professional inspections are crucial to extending tank life. These assessments help identify early signs of corrosion, structural weakening, or potential leak risks. Homeowners should look for warning signs like rust patches, paint bubbling, dents, or slight deformations in the tank's structure. Annual maintenance checks and proactive replacement of worn components can dramatically increase the operational lifespan of your domestic oil storage system.

Single skin domestic oil tanks constructed from high-quality polyethylene or steel with protective coatings tend to offer superior resistance to environmental degradation. Bunded tanks provide an additional layer of protection with their double-wall design, which not only extends tank life but also offers enhanced environmental safety by containing potential leaks.

Tanks installed in sheltered locations, away from direct ground moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations, typically experience less structural stress. Proper drainage, elevation, and protection from physical impacts can help maintain tank integrity and extend its serviceable life well beyond average expectations.

Winter oil consumption varies significantly based on home size, insulation quality, heating system efficiency, and local climate conditions. For an average three-bedroom home with moderate insulation in the UK, 500 litres of heating oil might last approximately 4-6 weeks during peak winter months. Homes with older heating systems or poor insulation could deplete this volume more rapidly, potentially within 3-4 weeks.

The age and efficiency of your boiler, home's thermal envelope, number of occupants, and typical thermostat settings all influence oil consumption. Modern condensing boilers with high efficiency ratings can extract more heat per litre of oil, potentially extending your fuel supply. Older systems might consume fuel more quickly and less effectively. Improving home insulation, using programmable thermostats, sealing drafts, and maintaining your heating system can significantly reduce oil usage. Strategic temperature management (lowering settings when the house is unoccupied or during sleeping hours) can yield substantial savings without compromising comfort.

Unusually cold spells or extended periods of low temperatures can dramatically increase heating requirements. Homeowners are advised to monitor oil levels closely during winter, consider pre-emptive top-ups, and maintain a buffer stock to prevent unexpected fuel shortages during critical periods.

Installation costs for domestic oil tanks vary widely, depending on multiple technical and logistical considerations. For a standard bunded oil storage tank, homeowners might expect installation costs ranging from £500 to £2,500. This price range encompasses tank supply, professional installation, necessary groundwork, and compliance with current safety regulations. Key cost determinants include tank size, material, location complexity, and specific site requirements. Underground installations typically command higher prices due to excavation and additional safety measures. Above-ground single skin domestic oil tanks generally offer more economical installation options, with costs potentially starting from £350-£1,500 depending on specific configurations and accessibility.

Professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure compliance with UK building regulations and safety standards. Certified installers will assess ground conditions, provide appropriate base construction, ensure correct positioning, and implement necessary safety features like overflow protection and secure bunding. While DIY might seem cost-effective, improper installation can lead to significant long-term expenses and potential environmental hazards. Additional cost factors include site accessibility, potential groundwork requirements, and any necessary modifications to existing infrastructure. Rural or challenging locations might incur additional transportation and installation expenses. Homeowners should obtain multiple quotes, ensuring each includes a comprehensive breakdown of materials, labour, and potential additional costs to avoid unexpected financial surprises.

*updated March 25

Planning permission requirements for domestic oil tank installations depend on specific circumstances, property characteristics, and local authority regulations. In many cases, installing a bunded oil storage tank or single skin domestic oil tank falls under permitted development rights, potentially exempting homeowners from formal planning applications. Typical scenarios not requiring planning permission include replacing an existing tank in the same location, installing a tank within the curtilage of a domestic property, and maintaining similar dimensions to the previous installation. However, specific conditions apply, such as the tank's proximity to property boundaries, its visual impact, and the property's classification (listed building, conservation area etc.). Exceptions necessitating planning permission include installations in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, conservation areas, or for listed buildings. Tanks exceeding certain size thresholds or positioned prominently might also require formal approval. Additionally, properties with specific restrictive covenants or located in areas with additional planning constraints could face more stringent requirements. To definitively determine planning permission needs, homeowners should consult their local planning authority directly. Many councils offer pre-application advice services to clarify specific requirements. Professional tank installers can also provide guidance based on local regulations and help navigate potential planning complexities, ensuring a smooth and compliant installation process.

All non-domestic oil storage tanks over 200 litres need to be bunded.

For domestic premises you need to carry out an oil storage risk assessment (this can be obtained from OFTEC - form TI/133D). In brief a Bund is required in domestic situations 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 Single Skin Oil Tank consists of a single container in which fuel is stored. Unlike Bunded Oil Tanks and Bunded Fuel Tanks, Single Skin Oil Tanks incorporate no secondary containment whatsoever and in the event of a spill, a pollution incident will occur.

Single Skin Oil Tanks are not suitable for the storage of fuel at commercial, industrial or institutional premises; or at domestic installations with an installed capacity of over 2,500 litres - unless installed within a suitably bunded area. For all other installations, an Oil Tank Risk Assessment must be undertaken by a competent person prior to installation and in accordance with the requirements of OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3.

In anticipation of future possible regulations, serious consideration should be given to fitting a Bunded Tank, even where a single skin tank may currently suffice.

A Bunded Oil Tank is simply a tank within a tank. The fuel is stored in the inner tank and the outer tank acts as a failsafe so that in the event of a spillage, excess fuel will collect in the bund. They are a requirement at commercial, industrial and institutional premises.  In some circumstances in domestic situations it is still possible to use a single skin tank (see below).

If the oil tank has a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres, it should not be placed any closer than 760mm to a boundary. This assumes that there are no flue outlets or buildings between the tank and the boundary. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30-minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank. For oil tanks with a nominal capacity of 3,500 litres or greater please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres should not be placed within 1.8 metres of a flue outlet. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30-minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank. For oil tanks with a nominal capacity of 3,500 litres or greater please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity not exceeding 3,500 litres should not be fitted any closer than 1.8 metres to a non fire-rated (30-minute minimum fire resistance) wall or eaves. Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the measures noted in British Standard BS5410 and OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 must be provided i.e. the provision of a 30 minutes (minimum) fire resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank. It will be necessary to protect exposed eaves forming part of a roof within 1.8 metres of the top of an oil tank to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance. Cladding can be applied to the eaves in order to prevent fire from spreading to the roof. For oil tanks with a capacity of 3,500 litres or greater, please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

Internal oil storage tanks should never be installed in a habitable area and if installed internally, should always be contained within an enclosed chamber. Detailed requirements exist for internal oil storage installations. For more information contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

All oil tanks supplied by Fuel Tank Shop are manufactured from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) - a material that displays excellent chemical and impact resistance properties, making it ideal for external fuel storage. Fittings vary according to tank type and supplier. However, in general, fill points are made from either coated mild or stainless steel, outlets from coated mild steel, and vent points are manufactured from plastic. All materials used in the manufacture of oil tanks supplied by Fuel Tank Shop are resistant to the potentially damaging long-term effects of fuel.

All oil tanks must be installed on a flat, level and fire resistant base capable of supporting the weight of the tank when fully laden. If concrete slabs are used they should be a minimum of 50mm thick. The base should extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the tank and fully support the base of the tank in its entirety. Piers or pillars are not suitable for this purpose and can cause irreparable damage to the tank.

Yes. Every tank sold by Tanks.ie is manufactured from a material which incorporated UV inhibitors. These prevent UV rays from permeating the structure of the tank, thus preventing fuel degradation.

No.

No. Openings (other than the tank outlet) are not permitted below the maximum level of fuel in the tank. This reduces the risk of accidental spillage. In the event that contaminants (e.g. water) need to be removed from the tank, they should be removed by an appropriately licensed contractor via the inspection aperture fitted to each tank.

Here at Fuel Tank Shop we offer a range of water soakers which can help remove water from your oil tank, however if these do not suit then, please contact your local fuel distributor who will be able to provide advice on how best to remove it.

Yes.

This is perfectly normal and is simply the fuel venting through the weatherproof vent fitted to the oil tank.

No. For advice on how to dispose of petrol and any other similarly dangerous liquids, please contact your local authority.

No - not as separate items. However, dipsticks are supplied as standard on all Harlequin tanks with a capacity between 650 litres and 2700 litres as standard.

No.

Here at Fuel Tank Shop, we can provide you with an easy step-by-step guide, helping you to correctly install your Watchman Sonic on to your tank. Read our complete installation guide here.

There are plenty of different things that you can do to keep your heating oil safe, including using a bunded oil tank to store it, fitting a tank alarm and setting up CCTV. Read our complete heating oil safety guide here.

You can find out how much oil is left in your oil tank by checking the oil tank gauge.

How you do this will depend on the type of oil tank gauge you have.

If you have a smart oil tank gauge, you’ll be able to read a more precise tank level by simply opening the app. You can usually set up notifications that will alert you when your tank is starting to run low. Or perhaps you’re using a visual oil gauge.

As oil is consumed, the float level drops and the disc inside the float gauge dial indicates the approximate level of oil in the tank – shown either as a percentage or full, ¾-full, ½-full, ¼-full etc. If you’re using a float gauge, it's a good idea to set a regular day to check your tank's oil level to avoid running out of oil. Set a reminder on your calendar or phone marking specific days to check your oil tank. It is also important to check that your gauge is in good working order.

If you’ve had your heating on but the dial hasn’t moved in a while, there's a good chance it's not reading the level correctly.

Some people get confused when taking a reading on their oil tank gauge – whether they should use the top or the bottom as the indicator. Read the gauge on the top of the tank. It will tell you if your tank is full, three-quarters full, half-full, a quarter-full or near empty. The levels may also be presented as a percentage.

Because of the rounded bottom of an oil tank, you may notice that the gauge goes from a quarter-full to empty quicker than it goes from half-full to a quarter. For this reason, you should only use float gauges as an estimation of how much fuel is left in the tank and it is advisable to reorder oil when the gauge is reading ¼ full to avoid running out.

This will depend on the type of oil tank gauge you have. Heating oil tanks that sit above the ground typically have a float gauge up top, which have an arm with a floating end on it. As oil is consumed, the float falls accordingly. The disc or needle on the indicator will move up and down as the float inside the tank moves, indicating the approximate level of oil in the tank. If your tank holds 1250 litres of oil, ½ a tank means approximately 625 litres remain. If the disc is showing ¼ of a tank, there’s 312 litres remaining and if it’s showing ¾ of a tank, there’s about 938 litres remaining. The levels may also be displayed as a percentage. 

If your oil tank gauge uses an ultrasonic sensor, like our range of smart oil tank gauges, you’ll be able to read a much more precise tank level by simply opening the app. Except for the top 8 inches of your tank, smart oil gauges will provide readings within a few litres in your tank.

Just like in your car, oil tank gauges measure the level of fuel remaining by using a float. With visual oil tank gauges, you will see a dial or clock that tell you whether your tank is full, ¾-full, ½-full, ¼-full or near empty. Levels may also be displayed as a percentage. These provide a good estimate of how much oil you have left in your tank and are useful for letting you know when you may need more. Oil tank gauges usually have a rigid metal rod attached to a float inside the oil tank. As the oil is consumed, the float falls accordingly and the gauge reading drops. However, because the bottom of a fuel oil tank is usually rounded, the gauge will go from a quarter-full to empty quicker than it goes from half-full to a quarter. This means they are not completely accurate and should only be used as a guide as to how much oil remains in the tank.

For more precise oil tank readings, a smart oil tank gauge uses an ultrasonic sensor that can provide accurate readings to within a few litres.

The 3 main products that we sell in the Watchman range is the Sonic, Sensit & Sonic Advanced

Watchman Sonic:

The Watchman Sonic is the base level telemetry system we offer. This system works with a transmitter that will sit onto the top of your tank and will communicate with a 3 pin reciever plug inside your property to give you a ‘out of 10’ bar reading.

Watchman Sensit:

The Watchman Sensit is the upgraded version of the Watchman sonic.

This unit gives you up to date oil readings on your mobile phone thought the use of Wi-Fi.

Attach the transmitter onto the top of your tank, then plug the USB receiver into any USB port in the property (e.g. the back of the internet router or a 3 pin UK socket with USB port) within the WI-FI radius.

Once this is up and running you will then need to download the Kingspan app and go through the steps to get your tank linked. You will receive oil level readings and over time the app will work out your predicted run out date.

Watchman Sonic Advanced:

The watchman sonic advanced is the upgraded version of the Watchman Sensit.

This device can be purchased as just the transmitter and plug or a complete package of the transmitter, plug and USB dongle.

The transmitter and plug option gives you the option purchase the USB dongle later. (Please note. These 2 units do not need each other to work)

The Watchman Sonic Advanced Is installed using the same method as the Sensit and Sonic - The advanced unit allows you to have both options of oil level monitoring (In the property and via app).

If you would like to find out more on these until please visit their pages here: Sonic, Sensit, Sonic Advanced. Or pop into a chat, email or call us on 01643704328.

If your tank has an orange stcker, saying Watchman SENSiT ready. This means you should have the grey tranmitter Watchan Sonic Advacned pre-installed on your tank

Yes you can. If your tank does not have the orange sticker and a grey Watchman Advanced transmitter, the SENSiT USB receiver will work not on its own. You will need to purchase the full SENSiT smart WiFi tank level monitoring kit, which contacins everything you need.

Technically, sight-gauges can still be fitted to a single skin oil tank - subject to prevailing statutory requirements. However, it should be noted that a sight-gauge is a potential leak point and as an environmentally responsible supplier we do not supply them and do not recommend them. Preference should instead be demonstrated to fitting an electronic oil tank contents gauge, which, unlike a sight gauge, is positioned above the maximum level of fuel in the tank, thereby dramatically reducing the likelihood of an environmental pollution incident. An Apollo type electronic oil tank gauging system is fitted as standard to all Harlequin Advance Single-Skin Oil tanks supplied by Tanks.ie - eliminating the requirement to fit a sight-gauge.

No. Please note however that all Harlequin Bunded Tanks (except 350BND/ENV), Harlequin Polyrock Bunded Oil Tanks, Harlequin BioBund Bunded tanks, and Harlequin Fuel Stations are pre-supplied with an electronic oil tank contents gauge, which removes the requirement for a sight-gauge to be fitted.

This permits an LRC enabled delivery driver to plug in his overfill prevention equipment and is not for consumer use.

The Tiger Loop is a de-aeration device which removes air from the fuel prior to combustion. The result is a cleaner, more-efficient burn, with reduced emissions and enhanced cold weather performance. Additionally, the Tiger Loop can permit the tank to be positioned lower than the burner and up to 30 metres away. Therefore when connected to a pressure jet burner, it is ideal for Top Outlet Bunded Tank installations and eliminates the need for an undesirable return line. Please note that Tiger Loops are unsuitable for use with installations incorporating a vaporising burner.

Kerosene (C1/C2), Agricultural Fuel Oil (A2), Diesel (D) and Water.

No.

The Tiger Loop is self priming.

No.

No – not as separate items. However, dipsticks are supplied as standard on all Harlequin tanks with a capacity between 650 litres and 2700 litres as standard.

No, as an environmentally responsible supplier we do not supply these kits, due to the high risk of accidental damage / discharge associated with their use. Additionally, at many installations today their continued use is illegal. If you require a tank to store diesel fuel for vehicular use, we would advise you consider a Harlequin Fuel Station, or Fuel Point.