FTS helping you prepare for Winter
As winter approaches, ensuring your fuel tank is ready to handle the cold months ahead is essential for maintaining a warm and comfortable home. Proper preparation can help you avoid unexpected issues and ensure that your heating system runs efficiently all season long. Here's a friendly guide to help you prepare your heating oil tank for winter.
Check the Liquid Level
Start by checking the fuel level in your tank. Ideally, you should keep your tank at least one-quarter full to prevent sediment from clogging your system (oil tanks) or condensation from forming inside (diesel tanks) which can lead to water contamination and to ensure you have enough fuel to last through the winter. If your tanks are nearing empty, it's a good time to schedule a refill. Many suppliers offer automatic delivery services, which can be a convenient option to ensure you never run out of fuel, whether it be oil or diesel.
Inspect the Tank for Damage
Take a moment to visually inspect your tank for any signs of damage. Look for rust, leaks, or dents that could indicate a problem. If you notice any issues, it's essential to contact a professional to assess and fix the damage before winter sets in. Regular maintenance checks can prolong the life of your tank and prevent costly repairs down the line.
Clean the Tank
Regular cleaning of your fuel tank is crucial for optimal performance. Over time, sludge and sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank, which can affect the quality of the fuel and the efficiency of your system's performance. Consider scheduling a professional cleaning service to remove any accumulated sludge and ensure that your tank is in top condition.
Check the Fuel Lines and Filter
Inspect the fuel lines leading from your tank to your heating system for any cracks or leaks. Ensure that the connections are tight and secure. Additionally, check the filters and replace them if necessary. A clean filter helps ensure that your heating system operates smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdown or operational issues during the colder months.
Protecting the tank from the elements
If your tank is situated outdoors, consider making it, where possible, protected from the elements. This can be achieved by either insulating the tank, which helps maintain the fuel's temperature and prevents the liquid from thickening, which in turn can clog the system, or by creating a barrier around the tank. Always consult a professional for tailored recommendations based on your specific tank and location.
Install a Tank Alarm
Consider installing a tank alarm that alerts you when your fuel level is low or if there are any leaks. This additional accessory can provide peace of mind, allowing you to address any issues before they escalate. Here at Fuel Tank Shop, we offer alarm systems which can send notifications via your smartphone, making it easier to monitor your tank from anywhere.
Keep the area around the tank clear
Ensure that the area surrounding your tank is free of debris, snow, and ice. Keeping this area clear will allow for easy access during refills and maintenance checks. It also helps prevent any accidents or damage to the tank during heavy snowfalls.
Schedule an inspection
Finally, consider scheduling a comprehensive inspection of your system (the same way you would get your boiler serviced, etc) with a qualified technician. A professional can identify potential issues, perform necessary repairs, and ensure that your system is operating at peak efficiency. Regular inspections not only enhance safety but can also extend the lifespan of your heating system.
Preparing your tank for winter is an essential step in ensuring that your equipment operates reliably during the colder months. By checking your fuel level, inspecting the tank, cleaning it, and considering additional accessories, you can enhance the efficiency and longevity of your system. Don't wait until the first frost hits - take the time now to prepare, and enjoy a worry-free winter!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Oil Tanks
General
Are plastic oil tanks suitable for the storage of fuel for aviation use?
No.
Can you screen an oil tank?
Although Oil tanks are not the most attractive things to have in your garden, we always recommend seeking the advice of your local OFTEC registered liquid fuel tank installer as to the best place to position and how to screen your tank, if needed. The regulations for oil tank installation vary according to which region of the UK or Ireland you live in and there are also other environmental factors that need to be taken into account. For more information, please check out - OFTEC
Some ways customers have screened their tanks are below, however please check with your local OFTEC installer first.
Walls
One of the most common ways to hide an oil tank is to build a false wall around it. Whether you use bricks, stone or fencing, make sure you leave space to get in and around the tank for maintenance and replacement.
Landscaping
Probably the most effective and aesthetic ways to hide an oil tank is to surround it with shrubs, trees, or potted plants that can help to camouflage the tank from view. Make sure you the plants are properly maintained, as they can become a fire hazard if not cared for properly.
Whatever option you choose, your tank will be out of sight – but it should not remain out of mind! Remember to keep on top of oil levels and have your tank regularly inspected by a qualified engineer to prevent any potential problems.
Do I need a bunded tank, and how do I know?
All non-domestic oil storage tanks over 200 litres need to be bunded.
For domestic premises you need to carry out an oil storage risk assessment (this can be obtained from OFTEC - form TI/133D). In brief a Bund is required in domestic situations if...
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- You are storing over 2500 litres.
- Your tank is near an open drain or loose fitting manhole.
- Your tank is within 10m of controlled water such as a river, stream etc.
- Your tank is located where any spillage could travel over hard ground to reach controlled water.
- Your tank is located within 50m of a borehole, spring or well.
- Your tank vent is not visible from the fill point. (Such as an extended fill point)
- Your oil use is for a building other than a single family dwelling.
- Any other unique hazards to your site
Are Single Skin Oil Tanks or standard Bunded Tanks suitable for storing 'Adblue'?
No.
Do you supply dip-sticks?
No - not as separate items. However, dipsticks are supplied as standard on all Harlequin tanks with a capacity between 650 litres and 2700 litres as standard.
Are plastic Oil Recycling Banks / Waste Oil Tanks suitable for the disposal of petrol or any other highly flammable liquid?
No. For advice on how to dispose of petrol and any other similarly dangerous liquids, please contact your local authority.
On warm days there is a slight smell of oil from my oil tank. Why?
This is perfectly normal and is simply the fuel venting through the weatherproof vent fitted to the oil tank.
Are plastic oil tanks suitable for use with oil fired cookers?
Yes.
I have discovered the presence of water in my oil. How do I get this removed?
Here at Fuel Tank Shop we offer a range of water soakers which can help remove water from your oil tank, however if these do not suit then, please contact your local fuel distributor who will be able to provide advice on how best to remove it.
Are plastic oil tanks fitted with sludge-valves / ball-cocks?
No. Openings (other than the tank outlet) are not permitted below the maximum level of fuel in the tank. This reduces the risk of accidental spillage. In the event that contaminants (e.g. water) need to be removed from the tank, they should be removed by an appropriately licensed contractor via the inspection aperture fitted to each tank.
What is a Single Skin Tank?
A Single Skin Oil Tank consists of a single container in which fuel is stored. Unlike Bunded Oil Tanks and Bunded Fuel Tanks, Single Skin Oil Tanks incorporate no secondary containment whatsoever and in the event of a spill, a pollution incident will occur.
Single Skin Oil Tanks are not suitable for the storage of fuel at commercial, industrial or institutional premises; or at domestic installations with an installed capacity of over 2,500 litres - unless installed within a suitably bunded area. For all other installations, an Oil Tank Risk Assessment must be undertaken by a competent person prior to installation and in accordance with the requirements of OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3.
In anticipation of future possible regulations, serious consideration should be given to fitting a Bunded Tank, even where a single skin tank may currently suffice.
Are plastic oil tanks designed to protect from the damaging effects of sunlight?
Yes. Every tank sold by Tanks.ie is manufactured from a material which incorporated UV inhibitors. These prevent UV rays from permeating the structure of the tank, thus preventing fuel degradation.
What are the base requirements for plastic oil tanks?
All oil tanks must be installed on a flat, level and fire resistant base capable of supporting the weight of the tank when fully laden. If concrete slabs are used they should be a minimum of 50mm thick. The base should extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the tank and fully support the base of the tank in its entirety. Piers or pillars are not suitable for this purpose and can cause irreparable damage to the tank.
From what materials are plastic oil tanks manufactured?
All oil tanks supplied by Fuel Tank Shop are manufactured from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) - a material that displays excellent chemical and impact resistance properties, making it ideal for external fuel storage. Fittings vary according to tank type and supplier. However, in general, fill points are made from either coated mild or stainless steel, outlets from coated mild steel, and vent points are manufactured from plastic. All materials used in the manufacture of oil tanks supplied by Fuel Tank Shop are resistant to the potentially damaging long-term effects of fuel.
Can I place an oil tank inside a domestic garage or building?
Internal oil storage tanks should never be installed in a habitable area and if installed internally, should always be contained within an enclosed chamber. Detailed requirements exist for internal oil storage installations. For more information contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.
How close to a building can I place an oil tank?
Oil tanks with a nominal capacity not exceeding 3,500 litres should not be fitted any closer than 1.8 metres to a non fire-rated (30-minute minimum fire resistance) wall or eaves. Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the measures noted in British Standard BS5410 and OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 must be provided i.e. the provision of a 30 minutes (minimum) fire resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank. It will be necessary to protect exposed eaves forming part of a roof within 1.8 metres of the top of an oil tank to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance. Cladding can be applied to the eaves in order to prevent fire from spreading to the roof. For oil tanks with a capacity of 3,500 litres or greater, please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.
How close to a flue outlet can I place an oil tank?
Oil tanks with a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres should not be placed within 1.8 metres of a flue outlet. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30-minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank. For oil tanks with a nominal capacity of 3,500 litres or greater please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.
How close to a boundary can I place an oil storage tank?
If the oil tank has a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres, it should not be placed any closer than 760mm to a boundary. This assumes that there are no flue outlets or buildings between the tank and the boundary. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30-minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank. For oil tanks with a nominal capacity of 3,500 litres or greater please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.
What is a Bunded Tank?
A Bunded Oil Tank is simply a tank within a tank. The fuel is stored in the inner tank and the outer tank acts as a failsafe so that in the event of a spillage, excess fuel will collect in the bund. They are a requirement at commercial, industrial and institutional premises. In some circumstances in domestic situations it is still possible to use a single skin tank (see below).