A bunded heating oil tank is essentially a tank within a tank. The inner layer holds the heating oil and the second outer layer surrounds and protects the inner layer, acting as a fail-safe and reducing the risk of leaking or spillage.
Not all properties in the UK are connected to the national gas network and, many of those that aren’t, rely on oil to heat their homes and provide hot water.
If you’re thinking of installing an oil tank or replacing your current one, the first, and most important, decision you’ll need to make is whether you install a single-skin or bunded oil tank.
A single skin tank has one layer, while a bunded fuel tank is built with an extra layer, known as a bund layer, which protects the inner tank where the fuel is stored.
Functioning as a tank within a tank, bunded designs are far safer than single-skin tanks. The inner layer holds the oil and is enclosed in the second layer. This reduces the risk of spillages if there are any issues with the inner tank.
Do I need a bunded oil tank?
Bunded oil tanks are not only safer, but they are also a legal requirement in some scenarios, including domestic settings. For example, you will be required to store your oil in a bunded tank if:
• The tank holds over 2,500 litres of oil
• The tank vent pipes aren’t visible when the tank is being filled
• It is located within 10 meters of coastal waters or inland fresh waters, such as rivers, ponds, lakes, or streams
• It is located within 50 meters of a drinking water source
• An oil spill could run into an open drain or loose manhole cover
• An oil spill could run over hard ground and reach coastal waters, inland fresh waters, or a drinking water source
• The tank is supplying heating oil to a building other than a single-family home
• The tank is located within an Environment Agency groundwater protection zone 1
• The tank is located in close proximity to an environmental hazard.
If you use oil for heating as well as cooking, then you may need a bunded tank. Range cookers such as AGAs use around 7 litres of fuel per day, meaning you’ll need at least 2,500 litres per year on top of fuel for heating and hot water.
How do I install a bunded oil tank?
It’s important that your bunded oil tank is installed by a certified, experienced engineer, who is familiar with the latest regulations surrounding the installation of oil and fuel tanks.
If your bunded oil tank is connected to a boiler, the installation must comply with OFTEC fire regulations, including:
• The tank must be located on a non-combustible base extending at least 300mm around the exterior of the tank
• It must be a specified distance away from non-fire-rated areas of the property
• Must not be installed within 1.8m of doors, windows, or other openings
• Must be located at least 1.8m away from the flue terminals of oil-fired appliances
• Must be at least 600mm away from any trellis work or screening.
What sizes do bunded tanks come in?
Bunded oil tanks are available in a wide range of sizes. Domestic bunded tanks typically range from 650 litres to 10,000 litres. The size of the tank you need will depend on several factors, including your oil usage, the size of the property, and the space available.
What are the prices of bunded oil tanks?
The price of bunded oil tanks depends on a number of factors, including the size and manufacturer. Prices typically range from around £1,250 to £5,000 depending on your requirements.
More reasons why you need a bunded oil tank
Aside from being a legal requirement in certain scenarios, a bunded oil tank also offers many other benefits, including:
Longer warranty
Bunded tanks typically offer significantly longer warranties than single-skin tanks, generally having 10-year warranty.
Increased safety
The oil stored inside domestic heating oil tanks is valuable and, as a result, it’s not uncommon for tanks to be targeted by thieves. In fact, in 2018, there were over 25,000 fuel thefts in the UK – and the threat continues to rise as fuel costs increase.
In order to mitigate this risk, bunded oil tanks are equipped with a number of safety features, including a lockable fill point, a tank gauge, a fuel inspection hatch, and an overfill protection device.
Oil recovery
If the inner oil tank fails, the oil can be recovered from the bund layer and reused, saving money on lost fuel as well as clean-up.
Lower risk of environmental damage
Oil spills are hugely problematic for the environment, so it is crucial to minimise the risk of a spill occurring. Bunded takes offer significantly more protection against oil spills than single-skin tanks.
Cost savings
Having a bunded oil tank can allow you to enjoy significant savings on the cost of oil. The price of oil varies significantly throughout the year, so it is advisable to buy as much as possible when the price is low. Bunded tanks allow you to bulk buy and store more oil than single-skin tanks, which must be under 2,500 litres.
Rainwater protection
If water enters your oil tank, it can cause damage. And it can be difficult to detect until it causes a costly problem with your boiler or AGA.
Bunded oil tanks have been designed to keep rainwater out, as well as leaves and insects, which can block the pipes feeding your boiler.
With over 40 years of experience delivering oil for household and commercial use, we are one of the country’s leading distributors. Explore our range of bunded oil tanks here and get in touch to find out more and discuss your needs.
Related Articles