10/11/2025
Should I upgrade to a double-bunded tank? The best choices to make as an oil tank owner in 2025
If you currently rely on heating oil, choosing the right type of storage tank is a crucial decision, not just for efficiency, but also for safety and compliance. Many homeowners across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge and Essex are asking: ‘Should I upgrade to a double bunded oil tank?’
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between single-skin and double-bunded oil tanks, the benefits of each and when an upgrade is worth considering.
Ready to upgrade your tank? Explore our range of Bunded Oil Tanks
Understanding the two types of oil tanks
Single-Skin Oil Tanks
A single-skinned oil tank is made from one layer of material, usually plastic or steel, and stores oil directly within that single container. These tanks are typically:
- Cheaper to buy and easier to install
- Suitable for smaller capacities of up to 2,500 litres
- Used in areas where the risk of environmental damage from a spill is low and where additional containment can be installed.
However, single-skin tanks also have some limitations:
- They are more prone to leaks and damage from UV rays, frost or general wear and tear.
- They cannot be installed near drains, watercourses, or boundaries without additional bunding.
- If a leak occurs, there is no secondary containment, which increases the risk of environmental damage and costly clean-ups.
Double-Bunded Oil Tanks
Double-bunded, or just bunded tanks, are essentially a tank within a tank. The outer layer acts as a catchment area, designed to hold any oil that might escape from the inner tank.
Bunded oil tanks offer several key advantages:
- Superior Spill Protection: The outer bund safely contains any leaks, preventing oil from seeping into the ground.
- Longer Lifespan: Built from UV-stabilised steel or plastic, they are more resistant to corrosion, frost, and impact.
- Larger Capacity: Double-bunded tanks can safely hold over 2,500 litres, allowing for bulk oil purchases when prices are low.
- Regulatory Compliance: Depending on your property type and location, it may be a legal requirement to have a bunded tank.
- Environmental Protection: Bunded tanks help to prevent oil pollution and protect local soil and groundwater.
Chat with a member of our team or browse our range of bunded tanks.
When should you upgrade to a bunded oil tank?
You should seriously consider upgrading your oil tank if any of the following apply to you:
- Your current tank is over 15 years old
- You’ve noticed signs of wear, corrosion or bulging
- Your tank is near a drain, watercourse, or property boundary
- You want to store more than 2,500 litres of oil
- You’re upgrading your heating system or relocating your tank
Wet and cold conditions, especially during the winter, can accelerate tank wear. Upgrading to a bunded tank helps to future-proof your system against the elements and ensures compliance with the latest OFTEC regulations.
Discuss upgrading your tank with a member of our team today.
Is the upgrade worth the investment?
While a bunded oil tank costs more initially, it’s an investment in safety, compliance and peace of mind, you will:
- Reduce the risk of environmental damage and clean-up costs
- Extend the lifespan of your oil storage system
- Be better protected from leaks, spills, and regulatory issues
- Potentially increase your property’s resale appeal by ensuring a compliant set-up
For most homeowners, upgrading to a double-bunded tank is not just worthwhile; it is a smart and long-term choice.
Talk with the experts
If you’re unsure whether your current tank meets the safety requirements, or if you are ready to upgrade to a double-bunded tank, Oil Tank Change can help! Email [email protected], call 01638 781710 or fill out our form.
We provide expert advice, full installation services, and safe removal of your old tank across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and East Anglia, ensuring your oil storage is compliant, efficient, and built to last.
