Base for oil tank

gears

I need to move my oil tank so at the moment I’m digging out a foundation for a base. Access is a bit tight so I’m doing it by hand, and having gone through a thin layer of top soil what I’ve found is a lot of very sandy ground. I could keep digging down but I’m down 300-400mm at this stage and it’s only for an oil tank not a house so I’m wondering what would be recommended at this stage. I’m thinking of just putting filling (2” down) into the hole compacting this and then a thick layer of concrete but how thick?? It’s just a standard domestic tank (1000l) and the base will measure 1.5M X 2.5M any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

jmcc99_98

I think that is plenty, I moved my oil tank a few years ago, dug down about 3-4 inches, packed it with hardcore and then just used the tank on top of blocks, I didnt cement underneath it at all, but then it is out of view behind a garden shed, I suppose if it will be in view then cement base will be a less of an eye sore.

This is probably a pointless comment, but make sure that when you move the tank that the tap releasing the oil is at least good few inches higher than the boiler the oil is being sent to.

gears

I thought it should be fine ok just wanted a second opinion and it will be probably 12" higher than it is now so flow should be ok aswell. Thanks

tedimc

It might be worth considering what you can strap it too also if it's located somewhere exposed.

Our tank was plonked in the middle of our back garden and had a habit of going for a little wander if we were low on oil and it was a little windy.

I've seen metal strapping used just screwed to the concrete base and it seems a good enough job.

mickdw

Concrete 4 hooks into the base to allow tank to be tied down would be my first comment.
Also, in relation to the design of the base, I would make the base a bit bigger than the tank. I've seen far too many tanks starting to settle at one end or other and once they start to move, it gets worse very quickly. Extending the base maybe half metre past the end of the tank would make a dramatic difference in this regard.

gears

Exposure won't be an issue as it will be going between a garage and a hedge, trying to hide it from prying eyes adn my own as it' sin an awful spot at the moment. And yeah making it bigger is a good idea, the foot print of the tank is about 1M X 2M and the base I'm planing on is going to be 1.5M X 2.5M, maybe I'll make it a bit bigger.

engineermike

Hi OP,
not sure where your situating the tank as you said space is restrictive and your digging it by hand. But just in case you should have it located no less than 2 metres from the house for spread of fire reasons.
The base should also be non combustible material and extend 300mm out from the tank on all sides.
Just fyi in case your hiding it between the garage and the house or something of that nature.
mf

gears

No, I'm actually moving it away from the house its against a wall at the moment