BLOGS

In 2021, oil was the most widely used fuel in off-grid homes. It is however one of the most common reports of pollution every year. 

Small domestic oil tanks can normally be installed at domestic houses without planning permission (but are subject to building regulations). For instance, if the oil tank could hold a capacity in excess of 3,500 litres, would have a height over 3 metres or is within the curtilage of listed buildings. 

The permitted development regime includes liquid petroleum gas tanks as well as oil storage tanks.

If you live in a listed building, you should always check with your local authority as to whether permission is required. Usually, oil tanks being installed at a listed building will require planning permission. In addition, those tanks will also require a protective fire guard and a fire valve fitted where the pipe enters the building.

Oil tanks should meet the necessary building regulation requirements to ensure that your home (and you) are protected from the risk of fires and damage to the environment. This is the case for above ground oil tanks with a storage capacity of 3,500 litres. If your tank holds in excess of 3,500 litres, you must also follow the commercial oil storage regulations. Whether you are installing a new tank, relocating an existing one or replacing an old one, you should always check the building regulations and oil tank requirements as they can change.

If the installation is above ground, the requirements will ensure that the tank is shielded from any surrounding fire and containment of oil leaks so that ground water is not contaminated.

If you are installing a tank and/or connecting pipework and you use an installer registered under one of the competent person schemes, you will not need to involve a building control service as they will be able to self-certify the tank complies with the relevant building regulations.

You need to think about the base for your oil tank – you need a base that can support your oil tank (as some domestic tanks can hold up to 3,500 litres 3.5 tonnes). If your base is inadequate, this can result in leakages, damage to the environment or to the tank or pipes. The base also needs to be impermeable to protect the soil from any leakages and be made of non-combustible material such as concrete or stones. The base should be situated where there is minimal risk of fire spreading to the tank from nearby structures and extend 300mm beyond all sides of the tank,

It is important to note that fuel tanks have a life expectancy of around 20 years, with the risk of failure increasing with age. The warning signs to look out for are rust, splits or cracks, bulging, gauges falling over or not working, subsidence on the base, sudden increase in usage of fuel, tanks overgrown with foliage and a strong smell of fuel.

You should also have your oil tank checked annually to ensure it still meets its requirements as part of your annual heating system service. Fuel delivery contractors can also advise as to any issues with your tank. In some cases, if the issues are severe, the contractor may refuse to deliver. When you come to sell your property, solicitors will check for things such as the age of the tank, access to the tank for filling purposes and the state of repair of the tank.

Even if not legally required, it is a good idea to have secondary containment around oil storage tanks for protection.

You should also be cautious and check your home insurance covers any spills or leaks relating to your oil tank and if there are any limitations to your policy.

Without building regulations approval (whether applied for through the local council or self-certified by a competent person), you may not have the requisite certificates when you come to sell your home. In addition, the person installing the tank could be fined if they do not comply with the building regulations at the time.