Replacing Oil Tank

Neames

Afternoon all,

Just got a delivery of kerosene and the delivery guy noticed a small bulge in the oil tank, he said nothing to be too concerned about but to look into replacing it over the next few months if it got worse. I've had another plumber look at it and he suggested just using up the remaining kerosene and when the tank is completely empty, replace it for peace of mind.

I got a quote of €400 for a 950 litre tank, any thoughts on this or should I be looking at a "bunded" tank?

All advice welcome.

Wearb

In lots of instances you need a bunded tank, especially if near drains, wells or waterways. Installer will/should know the regulations.

A bunded tank is always a good idea in any case.

jimf

the only advice i ever give when i see a problem oil tank is pump out and replace asap

its bad to loose oil in your own property but it can go next door

the last people you need in your house are the epa

anyway its a job that needs doing in the near future why not do it now

MoonMotorway

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121306926#Comment_121306926

Who are the EPA?

I have a similar situation. Was told the tank needs replacing (over 25 years old).

MoonMotorway

With the talk of retrofitting old homes, should I be looking into biofuel instead of regular oil when replacing the tank. I have no idea what's involved.

jimf

environmental protection agency

jimf

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121308089#Comment_121308089

biofuel is on the way in the not too distant future

most boilers will be easily converted when the time comes

edunne2010

Earlier in the year I got my oil tank replaced.

New Oil Tank fitted and supplied.

Kerosene removed (pumped from OLD TANK to HOLDING TANK

OLD TANK removed. cracks visible

New Tank fitted onto exsisting base.

OIL tank connected to fuel supply to burner.

KEROSENE transferred from holding tank to my new tank

Job took about 1hr

Price depends on size of tank,

Transfer of kerosene to new tank.

Around 850 Euros

Tank Size 1000L

Asdfgh2020

In a domestic situation is there a regulation/law saying you need to ‘bund’ or install a ‘double skin’ oil tank…?

The additional cost ( about double) is would seem hard to justify given the low risk of a tank failing/leaking…most last 20 years plus

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121322975#Comment_121322975

It’s a grey area. You have OFTEC, a trade body firmly advocating for bunded tanks to be used in practically all cases and issuing their own guidelines accordingly, but for the most part these aren’t on a statutory footing.

The regulatory position in Ireland is a little more relaxed. The technical guidance document for part J of building regulations states;

”An oil storage tank not exceeding 2,500 litres capacity, which serves a dwelling house, does not generally require a bund. However, where an oil leak would present a significant risk of water pollution, a bund should be provided.”

Significant risk of water pollution arises when the tank is in close proximity to streams, rivers and water sources. There is some degree of interpretation around what gives rise to significant risk and some installers (perhaps correctly) will propose a bund in practically every case.

My own view would be that more timely replacement of domestic tanks would be as effective for pollution control in the case of domestic installations. The full value of a bund is only realised when they are being regularly inspected.

The majority of bunded tanks do nothing to reduce the risk of leakage from pipework, filters, fittings etc. and these probably represent a higher risk of pollution than failure of the tank.

Asdfgh2020

Hard to justify the doubling of cost of a replacement tank given the very low risk of a tank completely failing and spilling its entire 700/800 litres into a watercourse/drain/well etc……I doubt many people go for the ‘belt and braces’ replacement bunded/double skinned tank…..?

Wearb

You don't want to put yourself in a position where the epa will find you at fault or partially at fault. That will give insurers the possibility of refusing full cover.

You've also got to be aware that your service/repair person will/should highlight any installation problems. This document might be looked for in the event of a major claim.