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Bunded Oil Tanks: Essential Winter Maintenance
Winter weather in the UK can cause problems for your oil tanks if they’re not maintained properly. Find out how to keep them fully operational throughout the winter months
According to recent reports such as one in the Express, the UK may soon face one of its coldest winters on record. Experts warn that a particularly strong El Niño, combined with unusual Arctic air pressure changes, could severely impact Britain’s weather patterns.
This rare combination could bring the harshest winter conditions in more than fifty years, making preparation absolutely essential for households and businesses. Everything is aligning to create what many describe as the perfect storm, with early snowfall expected across much of the UK from November onwards. Preparing ahead of time, before the first icy blast arrives, is more important than ever to avoid unexpected disruption and costly emergencies.
Now is the ideal moment to check your oil tank thoroughly and ensure it is ready to perform throughout the challenging months ahead.
Check Stability of the Oil Tank
The first step when inspecting your oil tank is confirming it is stable and secure against weather or flooding risks. When the tank runs low, it becomes lighter and easier to dislodge, especially during flooding or harsh winter storms. Examine the ground below the tank and check the supporting structure carefully to ensure it is firmly anchored and stable.
Look for Signs of Leaks
Leaks are always a major priority during tank maintenance because oil is poisonous to plants, wildlife, and the surrounding environment. Even a relatively small leak can spread contamination quickly, polluting the local area and causing a costly, complex cleanup process. Inspect the tank weekly by walking around it and looking for visible leaks or other signs of oil escaping.
Black stains near the tank on grass or soil are a classic warning sign that should never be ignored. Also pay attention to strange odours coming from the tank, especially solvent-like smells, since these could also indicate dangerous leaks.
Another thing to be aware of is the amount of oil your tank is using. If you become aware that you are using more oil than normal for no particular reason, this could indicate a problem.
Look for Cracks and Other Problems
As well as looking for signs of leaks, also look out for cracks in the tank. Cracks can be caused by changes in temperature and they can allow water to seep into the tank, which can affect the oil’s quality and corrode the pipes.
Also look out for unusual bulges and check the fuel line for signs of damage such as crimps. Make sure the connections are tight and check that the fittings are not dripping, which could indicate that the piping is wearing out.
Check for Water in the Bund After Heavy Rain
If you have a bunded oil tank, this will contain any spillages – as long as you make sure it is well maintained. In addition, these tanks are very durable, making them a great option over the cold winter months (just make sure yours is a high-quality model compliant with PPG regulations).
The bund must be able to contain 110 per cent of the oil capacity of the tank, so it is essential that you check it after heavy rain to ensure there is no water inside. If the space is taken up by water, the bund will not be able to hold all the oil in the event of a spill, so remove any rainwater that has seeped into it.
What to Do if You Find a Problem
If you suspect a leak or you find any other problematic signs in your oil tank, don’t delay in seeking professional assistance. Switch off the oil supply and call a specialist to take a look over your tank. They may have to empty the tank, or they may even recommend replacing it.
Get Your Oil Tank Professionally Serviced Once a Year
To avoid potentially costly and disruptive damage occurring to your oil tank, you may want to get in the habit of arranging an annual service for the tank by a professional. An SPA-trained engineer can check over the tank and spot potential problems while they are small, which can help to keep your oil tank in better condition and avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Make Sure You Stay Warm this Winter
The best time to maintain oil tanks is before the winter arrives. That way you can enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your tank is unlikely to cause any problems when the coldest weather hits, which is going to be even more important this year.
So check over your oil tank, or get a professional technician to look over it for you and get into the habit of checking it every week to spot signs of any problems. Bunded fuel tanks last a long time if you maintain them properly, so take all the precautions you can to ensure you stay warm when the cold weather hits.
