Central Heating Oil Tank Replacement

[woodrascal]

My Mum's old 1200 litre steel oil tank has started to leak and we need to sort out a replacement. The current tank is only supported on two block piers.

I've been told that to simply remove the old tank and use the existing pier arrangement, we would have to use a bunded steel tank - is that correct or could we use a plastic tank in this situation? We really don't want to have to re-build the base...

We're currently looking at a 1150 litre tank from SG Tanks
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111521090180?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Are these tanks OK or can anyone recommend an alternative?

Many thanks for any help.

 

[coopersim]

I replaced an old single skin rotten metal tank with a bunded metal tank made by FuelProof - I heard there were issues with plastic (theft and UV damage) so opted for metal again, and it's great!

http://www.commercialfuelsolutions.co.uk/fuel-proof-2200L-bunded-oil-tank.html

In terms of the piers etc, you might be best consulting with an Oftec registered installer, or at least reading these guidelines:

http://www.oftec.org/Media/Default/.../OFTEC_HomeGuide_DomesticOilStorage_PUB19.pdf

 

[woodrascal]

Thanks for the info coopersim. I'll check out the FuelProof tanks.

I've read the guidelines you linked to but there doesn't seem to be any specific detail about the way they want the base of the tank supported and the subsequent limitations of plastic and steel tanks.

This Oftec document has more info but still doesn't seem to specify whether a plastic tank needs full support or if it can survive on piers only. http://www.moorlandfuels.com/webeasycms/hold/uploads/web_pages/documents/Oil-tank-Installation.pdf

Thanks again

 

[Nige F]

T
This Oftec document has more info but still doesn't seem to specify whether a plastic tank needs full support or if it can survive on piers only. [

Thanks again

Without a doubt - full support for plastic

 

[muggles]

You certainly can't put a plastic tank on piers only - it'll split in no time. It must be fully supported across the base, and installed in accordance with modern regulations also (which might mean that it can't go where your existing one is)

Be aware that the steel tanks that have been linked to do not appear to have been tested to British or European Standards and therefore may not be suitable for use in a domestic situation in the UK

 

[Corgigrouch]

OFTEC are very clear about supporting any form of plastic tank...Full support and nothing less

 

[woodrascal]

Thanks very much for all the replies.

So we must use a metal tank on pier supports. Any other recommendations for manufacturers of bunded steel tanks?

 

[muggles]

You might find that it's cheaper and easier to create a full base on the existing piers than it is to buy a metal tank

Metal tanks should comply to OFS-T200 (BS799-5) standards and carry an OFCERT certificate in order to prove compliance. Purchasing an uncertified tank could invalidate your home insurance. Be aware of manufacturers who claim that their tanks 'meet or exceed the standard of.....' - this invariably means that it's their opinion and doesn't carry a certificate. Unless they say 'certified to..... standard', assume it's not certified or ask them whether it is

 

[woodrascal]

Thanks Andrew.

If we went down the bunded plastic tank route, which manufacturers would you recommend?

 

[muggles]

Either Harlequin, DESO or Titan/Kingspan...they're all much of a muchness. All three have a ten year warranty, Harlequin tend to be slightly cheaper but beware their HQi range which don't come with a fitting kit, overfill prevention or a level gauge - you want the ITE range. If you want a slimline job then DESO are your lot as they have more choice of tanks that are just 640mm wide but again you need to be sure you're ordering one with a fitting kit as they will also supply sans kit. Titan/Kingspan tanks are good and generally come with the fitting kit as standard, but their prices tend to be the highest of the three

 

[woodrascal]

Many thanks for all your help Andrew.