10/04/2024

Everything you need to know about finding a crack in your oil tank

Finding a crack in your oil tank can seem like a disaster, as they often lead to bigger issues such as leakages or spillages. Nonetheless, oil tank cracks are typically an early indication of damage, and quick measures can be taken to avoid devastating consequences. This being said, there are several things to understand about oil tank cracks to ensure that you respond to them efficiently, resulting in the best possible outcome.

How and why do cracks occur in oil tanks?

Damage to oil tanks, including cracks, can occur for a variety of reasons.

• Age: If your oil tank is slightly older, aged around 10-15 years old, physical damage is natural, and cracks are very likely to occur.

 

• Debris: Falling branches from surrounding trees or bushes can cause damage to the exterior of your oil tank.

 

• Sun: Direct sunlight and UV exposure can cause areas of the plastic to expand and stretch. In turn, parts of your tank can twist and bow, which will eventually turn into cracks.

 

• Bases: Improperly installed or uneven tank bases can cause cracks and leaks due to pressure on weak spots.

 

• Cold Weather: Drops in temperature can cause the oil tank to become brittle and more likely to crack or split.

 

• Rain: For metal tanks, rain can create water damage, cracks and splits.

What should I do if I find a crack in my oil tank?

If you discover a crack in your oil tank, you must take immediate action to prevent the situation from escalating and causing a costly oil spill.

• Step 1: Immediately turn off the valve and any appliances attached to your oil tank

 

• Step 2: Get a repair kit. If you notice a crack in your oil tank, you need to get hold of a repair kit to temporarily fix it until a professional can properly repair or replace it. If you cannot get hold of a repair kit, rub a bar of soap across the crack to seal it; if the split is in the outer bund, using duct or electrical tape can also work.

 

• Step 3: Collecting spilling oil. If your split or crack is below the oil level line, causing a leak, you must act quickly to avoid a big spillage. Use a bucket or container to collect any of the spilling oil.

 

• Step 4: Clear the area of anything that you don’t want to get spoilt by the leaking oil. Laydown absorbent material such as sand, cat litter or sawdust to stop any spillages from spreading and harming the environment.

 

• Step 5: Contact a professional technician to help. Schedule an appointment to have your oil tank Inspected and work out the best action to take.

 

• Step 6: If your oil tank has leaked, you need to contact the local authorities to organise a clean-up. Clean-ups can be costly, so be prepared.

Safety Measures

• Wear gloves or protective clothing while clearing the area and gathering the oil.
• Don’t rinse or wash down the oil tank – this will cause lots of contamination.
• Switch off the valve and any appliances that are connected to the oil tanks.
• Ventilate the surrounding areas if your oil tank is in an outbuilding or underground.

What can I do to prevent cracks from occurring in my oil tank?

It is essential to get annual inspections on your oil tank; the OFTEC technician can check for splits or cracks. There are several other steps you can take before installing a tank and throughout the year to try and prevent major cracks or splits from occurring.

Install a properly fitted base for your oil tank

If your oil tank is not flat on the ground, it can cause pressure on the surface of the tank, causing stretches, splits and cracks, which lead to leakages. Oil tank bases have several requirements to follow; this is to ensure your tank is safe and secure. Some restrictions are as follows:

• A compact, hard, and level surface
• Made from non-combustible materials
• A minimum of 300mm from each side of the tank
• At least 50mm thick minimum, though some materials must be thicker.

Position your oil tank in shade

Sunlight is a large cause of splits and cracks in an oil tank; therefore, positioning your oil tank in a shaded area on initial installation is an easy way to prevent it from occurring.

If your tank is already installed and is often sitting in a direct skylight, erecting a fence or planting dense shrubs or bushes is a great way to create shade for your tank. Be sure to stay within regulations to make sure the shelter doesn’t cause any issues.
 

Practice good oil tank maintenance

If you have trees or shrubbery around your oil tank, you must clear the area or cut back any overhanging branches, as these can cause damage when falling down.

Regular inspections by an OFTEC technician can help you monitor your tank and address any tips that may help increase its longevity or prevent physical damage.

Questions about Oil Tank Cracks Answered

• Is a crack in my oil tank considered an emergency?

A cracked oil tank is not always considered an emergency. If the damage is to the outer bund or above the oil level, you will need to get it fixed, but time will be on your side. If your crack is causing leakages, then it is considered an emergency. Oil Tank Change offers a 24/7 emergency service with experienced engineers and technicians available to help you out.

 

• How much will an oil tank replacement cost?

Oil tank replacement costs vary depending on the size of the tank for removal, the amount of oil still in that tank, the size of the new oil tank and whether you need to fill the new tank with oil. Additionally, if your tank has leaked, you may need to pay clean-up fees which can be expensive.

 

Unfortunately, most house insurance doesn’t cover oil tank spillages or replacements. We recommend taking out additional oil tank coverage to help you out in the event of an oil tank spillage or leak.

 

If you have spotted a crack in your oil tank, we recommend contacting us on 01638 781710, where one of our technicians will advise you on your options. If you know it is not an emergency, you can schedule an appointment to have your oil tank replaced.