10/01/2024
Is Relocating your oil tank a good idea? Here is everything you need to know.
Relocating your oil tank to another area of your garden might seem like a good idea to solve issues quickly; however, it could end up causing more problems later on and costing you more money. Let’s look at why you might want to relocate your oil tank, the disadvantages of doing so, and any alternatives.
Is it even possible to relocate your oil tank?
Yes! You can relocate your oil tank within the same property or to a new location. However, a technician must conduct an inspection of your oil tank and the surrounding area before relocation can be confirmed and carried out.
What is the process?
- Firstly, the contents of your oil tank need to be drained and put into temporary storage until it has been safely moved.
- Disconnect and dismantle the current fuel pipelines that go from the house to the oil tank outside.
- Fit the tank on the new base in the new location, reconnect and adjust any required pipelines.
- Transfer oil from the holding tank to the relocated oil tank and conduct a pressure test to ensure everything works correctly.
- Finally, the old tank base needs to be dismantled.
An OFTEC Technician or professional must be the one to carry out the oil tank relocation. If not, it could cause several regulatory, environmental and safety hazards.
Why do people relocate their oil tanks?
There are several reasons that people might want to relocate their oil tanks:
- For aesthetic reasons
- To create more space
- To prevent damage from occurring or getting worse
- For convenience reasons
Safety and Environmental risks
There are safety precautions to consider if you relocate your tank. Relocating can weaken already weak spots or even cause new damage and splits. This, in turn, can lead to leaks or possible deterioration in the future.
Old oil tanks may contain residual fuel or sediment buildup that can leak and disturb the soil and groundwater when they get moved. Even if your tank is only moving a minimal amount of space within your garden, it can still cause and get damaged.
Professional services and OFTEC technicians minimise the chances of safety risks, but it is still there.
Cost Considerations and Efficiency
Relocating your oil tank may seem like a time and cost-efficient option in the short term, but it can cause several long-lasting problems that can be very expensive.
The process of relocating is already quite expensive as it includes disconnecting, moving and altering fuel lines, removing oil and storing it, etc.
Any cosmetic damage such as splits, holes or cracks getting worse due to the move and causing leakages. If these go undiscovered, you may cause damage to the environment, be paying for oil that gets wasted or create potential fire hazards on your property.
If your tank is in the final ¼ of its life span, it might be worth considering a new tank altogether. The cost and risk of moving an old oil tank do not necessarily outweigh those of getting a new one.
Regulations
If you’re relocating an older tank, you must check that it complies with up-to-date regulations; many older tanks do not comply with restrictions and rules that newer ones follow. The position of your oil tank also still needs to comply with regulations.
OFTEC Certified Technicians will ensure that all compulsory safety regulations are adhered to, reducing the risk of environmental implications or potential property damage.
What are my other options?
If you are relocating your oil tank for aesthetic purposes, consider ways to disguise your oil tank. You can install fences, walls or shrubbery to hide your oil tank and help it to blend into your garden. Decorative covers and paint are also a cheaper alternative to relocating or building around your oil tank. In some cases, if your garden space allows it, you can install a small shed around your tank. Bear in mind that domestic oil tank rules and regulations must be followed to ensure maximum safety.
Unless your oil tank is still quite new, we recommend removing your old oil tank and replacing it with a new one, especially if you are moving to a new property.
Removing and replacing your oil tank will allow for maximum cost and time efficiency and ensure the safety of the environment and your property. You also reduce the risk of encountering more severe issues that can cost more money later on.
Next Steps…
Before getting a tank relocation, you must request an inspection with an OFTEC technician to ensure it is possible. We also offer removal and replacement services. Contact us today at 01638 781710 for any Oil Tank enquiries or questions!
