05/12/2024

The Ultimate Oil Tank Replacement Guide 2025

You might consider replacing your oil tank for a few reasons, like it’s getting old or damaged or you’re using more oil than it can hold. Before you decide to replace it, remember there are maintenance tips that can help it last longer. When it’s time to replace your tank, be ready for the costs involved. Keep reading to learn more about all areas of oil tank replacement.

The lifespan of an oil tank 

On average, oil tanks last 15-20 years with good maintenance practices. An oil tank inspection is recommended after 15 years to ensure your tank is still working properly. Oil tanks can last much longer with proper care and maintenance. Steel-bunded oil tanks can last up to 30 years with good maintenance, as they are the most robust tank options. Plastic tanks, whether bunded or single-skinned, usually last between 10-20 years, performing at maximum capacity. Underground tanks, either plastic or steel, can last up to 25 years due to the fact they are sheltered away from weather conditions, but regular checkups can be slightly more difficult.  While your tank may look fine on the outside, an OFTEC-registered engineer can determine whether it has any internal damage and is working to its full capacity.

Signs your oil tank needs replacing

There are several ways to monitor your oil tank to ensure it is performing at optimum capacity and doesn’t need replacing. These include a mixture of physical scans and general performance.

Physical damage signs

There are several signs to look out for in your oil tank that suggest it might need replacing or at least inspecting by an OFTEC technician.

• Look out for dents on the physical tank, whether these are on the side or top of the tank needs to be noted – damage such as dents can occur from falling debris or as a result of bad weather and can lead to bigger issues with your tank.
• Any rust or corrosion that might have formed on your steel oil tank or on the fixtures and fastenings of the pipework. Rust occurs on oil tanks due to wet weather, usually after a long period of time, and can indicate that your tank is getting older.
•  Splits, cracks, or bulges are all signs that your oil tank may need to be replaced. This type of cosmetic damage is usually associated with oil tank spillages or leaks and needs to be addressed quickly. 

Poor performance

When your oil tank is not performing well, it could be a sign of a problem within the system or a failing part. If you notice a reduction in the heating system’s effectiveness or an increase in your oil consumption without a related increase in heat, it might suggest that the system is not functioning optimally.

Even new oil tanks can have faults that cause corrosion, leaks, and inefficient heating ability that cannot be repaired and require tank replacement. If your oil tank has a warranty, you might be eligible for a discount on a new tank.

Uneven or wonky positioning

If your oil tank is uneven, it could be due to broken legs or a damaged base. This doesn’t mean that you need to replace the entire oil tank, but the exterior might have sustained physical damage from being on an unstable base. If just the legs or base have weakened, it is possible to replace them, but depending on the specific circumstances, it might be simpler to replace the entire tank. If the oil tank sits on a platform that needs replacement, it can be logistically tricky due to how the oil tank is affixed or how the pipework is connected

Wet patches on the floor 

A leaking oil tank can cause significant environmental damage, contaminating soil and groundwater and harming humans and wildlife. Detecting leaks early on can help you prevent damage, but replacing the leaking tank is the most effective way to avoid future issues. 

If you notice that the surrounding area or any land underneath your oil tank appears wet, oily, stained, or has dark patches, it may indicate a leak, and therefore a tank replacement. Besides being an environmental hazard, oil tank leaks can also cost you a lot of money in wasted fuel oil.

At Oil Tank Change, we offer a full replacement service that decommissions, removes, and reinstalls oil tanks for you. With qualified OFTEC Technicians, you can rest assured that the whole process will be smooth and efficient. If you recognise any of the above issues with your oil tank, contact a member of our team today by phone or email.  

Reasons other than damage for replacing

Sometimes, you may not need to replace your oil tank due to issues, but simply because you are outgrowing it. If you find that you are refilling your tank frequently not because oil is leaking out or its effectiveness has declined, but because you are using more for heating, this could be a sign that you need to upgrade to a bigger tank. Remember, any oil tank over 2,500 litres has to be bunded.

You might also need to upgrade your oil tank to ensure it complies with any new laws. Rules and regulations regarding oil tanks change from time to time, and often, older tanks no longer follow regulations. It is important to keep up to date with these rules and replace your tank accordingly. 

Upgrading to a newer model can provide better insulation, reduced fuel loss, and advanced monitoring systems, leading to long-term cost savings on heating oil, as modern oil tanks have improved technology and materials. Newer tanks also often come with extended warranties and require less maintenance.

Maintenance tip to making your tank last longer

Along with scheduling annual oil tank inspections by an OFTEC technician, performing good maintenance practices is an easy way to promote a longer life for your oil tank. The following areas of maintenance are not all timely or expensive, and many of them can be done when you have a spare few minutes:

• Physical Scan: Checking your oil tank for physical damage such as splits, cracks, or bulges is an easy way to keep an eye on the performance of your tank. If you notice any cosmetic abnormalities, contact an OFTEC technician for advice.
• Protect from elements: This is a more high-maintenance technique, but putting a cover, roof, or shelter over your oil tank can protect it from the elements. Doing this can slow down or reduce the amount of cosmetic damage, rust, and water damage to your oil tank.
• Install a gauge: Gauges measure the amount of oil in your tank. If your oil level gets too low, sludge and water can enter the piping. This sludge mixture can clog pipes and break your heating system. A gauge will help you monitor your oil levels and inform you when to refill.
• Install CCTV: Installing CCTV can help you monitor your oil tank, predominately protecting it from oil theft, and therefore reducing the risk of your oil tank being severely damaged.  
• Clean your tank: Cleaning the outside of your oil tank to remove debris and rainwater is a free and quick way to maintain your tank and prevent problems later on due to oil tank water contamination.

How much does a replacement cost?

Oil tank replacements can vary in cost depending on several different elements. Factors that can affect the cost of replacing an oil tank include:

• The type of tank you are looking to remove and install (single-skinned or bunded)
• The material of your oil tank (steel or plastic)
• The size of both the oil tank you are looking to remove and install
• The location of the old and new oil tank
• The complexity of the replacement 

Breakdown of costs

Considering the costs of your oil tank replacement based on the process from start to finish is the best way to get an estimate. Each area of a replacement will have its own associated costs, check out our blog that explores the price of oil tank replacement in the following steps in the process:

1. Cost of the tank itself 
2. Installation costs
3. Removal and disposal
4. Overall average cost

Considering all these factors, the total cost of replacing an oil tank can vary significantly. A basic replacement for a small, plastic, single-skinned tank with straightforward installation can cost between £1,000 to £2,000. Complete replacement of a larger, steel, double-skinned tank with complex installation and additional features can set you back between £3,000 and £5,000 or more.

Always have an accredited technician install, inspect, and remove your tank for optimal functioning and longevity. OFTEC Technicians follow strict regulations and ensure all paperwork is completed, providing peace of mind. If you think your oil tank needs to be replaced, contact a member of our team via phone or email to schedule an appointment.