Oil tank safety tips to protect your home and the environment

Looking after your oil tank

Plastic oil tanks can provide safe and sound storage for home heating oil but owners may not be aware that these tanks have a finite lifespan. Metal tanks can rust through, often at their bases. As they get older, there is a risk of leaks from tanks and associated pipework, which can cause significant damage to the environment and wildlife, and can pollute local waterways. There is also a risk of oil spills when oil is being delivered. 

Clean-up costs from an oil spillage can be very high and these costs are not always covered by household insurance policies so it is advisable to check this. There are some simple steps householders can take to reduce the risk of oil spillages:

• Regularly check your oil tank and its base carefully for signs of damage or wear and tear before arranging an oil delivery.
• Check feed pipes from and to the boiler, valves and filters for damage and signs of leaks, such as drips, dampness or staining, especially around joints. Underground feedpipes should be checked and pressure tested by a qualified person. 
• Try to be at home when your delivery arrives, to make sure your tank isn’t overfilled and to be on hand if there is a problem.

More information on checking your oil tank is available on NI Direct at Check your oil tank | nidirect. 

If you see any signs of damage, or notice any changes from your last inspection, you should get advice from a qualified oil heating professional. A plastic oil tank can’t be repaired so if it’s showing signs of deterioration, you will likely need a replacement tank. You should never buy a second-hand oil tank. 

Remember, if your oil use suddenly increases unexpectedly, this could be an indication that your tank is leaking. A tank monitoring device will give an early warning of a rapid drop in oil level. 

It’s a good idea to get your oil tank and pipework checked by an accredited professional when you’re getting your annual boiler service. 

Dealing with an oil spill

If you are unfortunate enough to have an oil spillage, please follow the advice on NI Direct and also report it to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency via the Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Early reporting may help to minimise the impact on the environment and potentially your pocket.

Note: If your domestic tank is over 3,500 litres or at a non-exempt property then you’ll need to comply with the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations NI 2010. More information on this, and other key pieces of environmental legislation relating to oil storage is available from NetRegs.