Oil Tank Installation in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

If your oil tank is getting on in years, showing signs of wear, or you’re switching to oil heating for the first time, getting the installation right matters – both for safety and for staying on the right side of building regulations. At Rix Services, our engineers handle everything from the site survey to the commissioning certificate. OFTEC registration means we can self-certify the installation to building regulations without you needing to involve building control separately – which saves time and hassle. And with 60 years of heating expertise behind us, you’re in safe hands.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Oil Tank

Oil tanks don’t last forever. Plastic tanks typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years; steel tanks can last 30 years or more, but only with proper care. Here are the signs it’s time to think about a replacement.

  • Visible rust, cracks, or distortion – any structural damage is a red flag.
  • Oil smell or damp patches near the tank – even a slow weep is a problem worth acting on quickly.
  • The tank is single-skin – most new domestic installations now require a bunded tank, so an older single-skin tank may not meet current regulations.
  • It’s failed an inspection – if an engineer or insurer has flagged concerns, don’t put it off.
  • Your insurer is asking questions – many home insurers now require a bunded tank as a condition of cover.

If any of these sound familiar, give us a call and we’ll talk you through your options.

What to Look for During a Heating Oil Tank Inspection

Bunded or Single-Skin – What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been looking into oil tanks at all, you’ll have come across the word ‘bunded.’ Here’s what it actually means.

A single-skin tank is exactly that – one layer of plastic or steel between your oil and the ground. For many years, these were standard. They’re now largely obsolete for new domestic installations.

A bunded tank is a tank within a tank. The inner tank holds your heating oil; the outer tank – the bund – acts as a second line of defence, designed to hold at least 110% of the inner tank’s capacity. So if the inner tank were to fail completely, nothing escapes.

For most new domestic installations in England, a bunded tank is now a requirement rather than an optional upgrade. It’s better for the environment, better for your property, and increasingly required by insurers. When you’re having a new tank installed, a bunded tank is simply the right choice – and it’s what our engineers will recommend in the majority of cases.

Oil Tank Regulations – What You Need to Know

Oil storage is regulated, but don’t let that put you off. A competent engineer handles all of this for you – you just need to know the broad picture.

OFTEC certification

Any oil tank installation must be carried out by an OFTEC-registered technician, or separately notified to your local building control authority. Using an OFTEC engineer (like ours) means the installation is self-certified – no need to apply to building control yourself.

Siting distances

Your tank needs to be positioned carefully. The key minimum distances are:

  • 760mm from any boundary (fence, wall, or neighbouring property)
  • 8m from any non-fire-rated building or structure
  • 10m from any watercourse, such as a ditch, stream, or drain

The base

The tank must sit on a solid, stable base – typically concrete or paving slabs – extending at least 300mm beyond the tank’s footprint on all sides.

On completion

Once the installation is done, your engineer issues an OFTEC CD/10 commissioning certificate. Keep this safe – you’ll need it for insurance purposes, and it’s proof the job was done to regulation.

IMG-20240619-WA0000
Summer Tank

What Happens During an Oil Tank Installation?

Most domestic oil tank installations are completed within a single day. Here’s what to expect.

  1. Site survey – we visit to assess the location, check siting regulations are met, and confirm the right tank size for your property. Most domestic tanks are between 1,000 and 2,500 litres.
  2. Choosing your tank – we’ll recommend the right size and specification for your home and oil usage, based on what we find on site.
  3. Base preparation – if a new concrete or paved base is needed, this may need to be done in advance of the installation day.
  4. Old tank decommissioning – if we’re replacing an existing tank, we’ll safely decommission and remove it, including any remaining oil.
  5. New tank installation – the tank is positioned, secured, and connected to your pipework.
  6. Inspection and certification – we carry out a full inspection and issue your OFTEC CD/10 commissioning certificate on completion.

 

We’ll talk you through everything on the day so there are no surprises.

Areas We Cover

We carry out domestic oil tank installations across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Shropshire, or we can offer a supply only option nationwide. Our engineers are based in Hull and cover East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call and we’ll let you know.

Ready to Arrange Your Oil Tank Installation?

Get in touch and we’ll organise a site survey at a time that suits you – no obligation, just a straightforward conversation about what you need. Our engineers are OFTEC-qualified and cover Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Shropshire.

Call us: 01482 822822

Enquiry Form

    FAQs

    What is a bunded oil tank?

    A bunded oil tank is a tank within a tank. The inner tank holds your heating oil; the outer bund is designed to contain at least 110% of the inner tank’s capacity in the event of a failure or leak. Bunded tanks are now the standard for new domestic oil tank installations in the UK, offering significantly better protection for your property and the surrounding environment.

    Are bunded oil tanks a legal requirement?

    For most new domestic installations in England, yes. A bunded tank is required in any situation where a spill could reasonably reach a watercourse, drain, or other environmentally sensitive area – which covers the majority of residential properties. Your OFTEC engineer will assess your specific site and confirm what’s required before any work begins.

    How long do domestic oil tanks last?

    Plastic oil tanks typically last 15 to 20 years; steel tanks can last 30 years or more with proper maintenance. Having your tank inspected annually helps identify any early signs of wear and can meaningfully extend its useful life. If your tank is approaching or past these ages, it’s worth having it assessed.

    How close can an oil tank be to a house?

    Current regulations require a minimum of 1.8m between an oil tank and any non-fire-rated building or structure. There should also be at least 1.8m between the tank and any door or window in a fire-rated building. Additionally, the tank must sit at least 760mm from any boundary. These distances exist to reduce fire risk and allow safe access for deliveries and maintenance.

    Get in Touch

    T 01482 822822
    E gasservices@rix.co.uk

    Rix Gas Services Ltd
    Company Number – 15912343
    Registered Address – Two Humber Quays, Wellington Street West, Hull, HU1 2BN
    Gas Safe No – 957852