24/10/2025
Oil Tank Replacements in East Anglia: A Complete Guide
If your home relies on heating oil, your tank is one of the most important pieces of equipment on your property. Over time, however, wear and tear can affect its safety and efficiency. For homeowners in East Anglia, including Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge, oil tank replacements are sometimes necessary to maintain reliable heating and avoid costly damage.
What you’ll learn in this blog
To help you understand the full picture, we’ve broken this guide into key sections:
- Step-by-step process of an oil tank replacement – so you know exactly what to expect on installation day.
- When to replace your oil tank – how to spot the warning signs before issues escalate.
- Regulations and safety requirements – the rules that ensure your tank is safe and compliant.
- Why you should choose us for your oil tank replacements.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether your tank needs replacing and what’s involved in the process.
What happens during an Oil Tank Replacement?
Replacing an oil tank is a careful, methodical process carried out by qualified engineers. Here’s how it usually happens:
- Drain and Transfer – Remaining oil is pumped into a temporary holding tank. It’s filtered to remove water and debris, ensuring only clean fuel is reused.
- Remove Old Tank – The old unit is disconnected and removed from site, before being prepared for disposal or recycling under environmental regulations.
- Prepare Base – The base is checked for stability, level ground, and non-combustible material. If adjustments are needed, they’re carried out at this stage.
- Install New Tank – The replacement tank is positioned and secured onto the prepared base.
- Reconnect Pipework – Engineers link the new tank to your existing heating system.
- Return the Fuel – Usable oil from the holding tank is pumped into the new system.
- Test the System – The pipework is bled to remove air bubbles, and the boiler and connected appliances are tested.
- Final Clean-Up – The old tank is taken away, the site is cleared, and the installation is signed off.
This process ensures your system is fully functional, safe, and ready to provide heating for years to come. Get in touch with a member of our team today for Oil Tank Replacement guidance.
When is it time to replace your oil tank?
Not sure if your oil tank is ready for replacement? Here are some of the key indicators:
- Leaks or physical damage – a sure sign your tank is no longer safe.
- Age – most tanks last around 20–25 years before replacement is needed.
- Corrosion or rust patches – often visible on steel tanks.
- Bulging or swelling plastic – a warning of structural weakness.
- Increased fuel usage – which may signal undetected leaks or inefficiency.
- Hairline cracks – in an oil tank signal an urgent need for replacement to prevent costly environmental cleanup, potential fuel theft, and to avoid pollution laws
In Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and the wider East Anglia region, tanks are often exposed to harsh coastal winds, damp conditions, and fluctuating temperatures, all of which can shorten their lifespan. Regular inspections are key to spotting issues early.
Regulations and Safety Considerations
Oil storage comes with strict rules designed to protect homeowners, neighbours, and the environment. When replacing a tank, you’ll need to consider:
- Qualified Installers – Work must be carried out by an OFTEC-registered engineer or equivalent competent person.
Current Standards – The new tank must comply with all up-to-date building regulations and oil storage laws. - Safe Placement – Tanks must be positioned at a safe distance from property boundaries, outbuildings, fire hazards, and water sources such as rivers and wells.
- Environmental Safeguards – Proper installation helps prevent leaks and contamination of soil and groundwater.
By using a professional installer, you’ll ensure every aspect of your installation is safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible. Use Oil Tank Change today for your Oil Tank Replacement.
Why Choose us for your Oil Tank Relocation
- East Anglia’s leading supplier of domestic & commercial oil tanks.
- Over 30 years of experience
- Expertise covers: emergency callouts, installations, replacements, removals and annual inspections.
Discover what our customers are saying in their reviews
Whether you’re in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, or elsewhere across East Anglia, professional oil tank replacement offers peace of mind, efficiency, and safety. With expert guidance, you’ll know when it’s time to replace, how the process works, and how to stay compliant with UK regulations. Ready to replace your oil tank? Contact Oil Tank Change today for OFTEC-approved oil tank replacements across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and the wider East Anglia region.
