Oil tank replacement
Oil tanks typically last about 20 years. If yours is getting on, leaking or in the wrong place, we'll replace it with a new plastic or steel tank, sited to the safety distances and set on a proper base. We're OFTEC registered, so we certify the work under Building Regulations ourselves, and we move your usable oil across and take the old tank away.
- OFTEC registered 103867
- We certify the work ourselves, so there's no Building Control visit
What’s included
What you get
- A survey and pollution risk assessment
- New bunded plastic or steel tanks
- A proper base, sited to OFTEC's safety distances
- Your usable oil moved across to the new tank
- The old tank removed and disposed of
- Self-certified under Building Regulations, with a completion certificate
As OFTEC registered technicians, we certify new tanks under Building Regulations ourselves.
The safety distances
Where can my tank go?
A tank has to sit a safe distance from your house, outbuildings, the boundary and plants. Pick a rule to see it on the plan.
Drawn to scale. Distances from Approved Document J (opens in a new tab) and OFTEC’s home guide to oil storage, for tanks of up to 3,500 litres at a home.
1.8 m · From the house and its eaves
Building Regulations want the tank at least 1.8m from any part of a building. Any closer, and the wall must be fire-rated with no openings and the eaves fire-protected, or a fire wall goes in between.
Can’t meet a distance? A fire wall or fire-rated construction can often solve it. We work it out at the survey.
- 1.8 m: From the house and its eaves
- Building Regulations want the tank at least 1.8m from any part of a building. Any closer, and the wall must be fire-rated with no openings and the eaves fire-protected, or a fire wall goes in between.
- 1.8 m: From doors, windows and flues
- Even next to a fire-rated wall, OFTEC's guidance keeps the tank 1.8m from doors, windows and the outlet of an oil boiler's flue.
- 1.8 m: From sheds and outbuildings
- The same 1.8m applies to garden buildings and structures that aren't fire-rated, such as a timber shed.
- 760 mm: From the boundary
- At least 760mm from a boundary such as a wooden fence. Closer than that needs a fire wall, or a boundary wall with 30 minutes' fire resistance.
- 600 mm: From trellis and plants
- OFTEC's guidance keeps trellis, plants and other screening at least 600mm from the tank.
- 300 mm: The base, all round
- The tank stands on a level, non-combustible base of concrete or paving slabs at least 42mm thick, reaching at least 300mm beyond the tank on every side.
Quick check
Does my tank need a bund?
A bund is an outer skin or wall that catches the oil if the tank leaks. Building Regulations say when one is needed. Seven questions tell you.
0 of 7 answered
Does my tank need a bund?
Answer the questions and you’ll see straight away. A single “yes” is enough to need one.
Either way, we confirm it with a risk assessment at the survey.
Based on paragraph 5.8 of Approved Document J(opens in a new tab), for tanks of up to 3,500 litres at a home in England. Checked 21 October 2026.
When to replace it
Signs it’s time for a new tank
We check your tank at every oil boiler service and tell you honestly when it needs replacing. Between services, these are the things to look out for.
It's around 20 years old
OFTEC gives tanks an expected working life of around 20 years. Past that, it's time to ask about replacing it.
Cracks, splits or bulging
On a plastic tank, look for cracks, splits, bulges or discoloured patches.
Rust or corrosion
On a steel tank, look for rust and corrosion.
A sinking or cracked base
If the base has subsided or cracked, the tank isn't properly supported.
Using more oil than usual
A sudden jump in how much oil you use can mean it's leaking somewhere.
A gauge that's failed, or a strong smell
A broken or fallen gauge, or a strong smell of oil around the tank.
Fuel suppliers can also refuse to deliver to a tank they’re worried about.
Leaking tank? Do this first
- 1If it’s safe to, stop the oil spreading and keep it away from drains and water.
- 2Call us on 07729 521 183.
- 3If oil reaches a drain, a ditch, a stream or the ground, call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
- 4Let your home insurer know.
How a replacement runs
Old tank out, new tank in
- 1
Survey and risk assessment
Where the tank can go, and whether it needs a bund.
- 2
The base
A level, non-combustible base, sited to the safety distances.
- 3
The new tank
Plastic or steel, with the label saying what to do if it ever leaks.
- 4
Your oil moved across
Usable oil goes from the old tank into the new one.
- 5
The old tank removed
Taken away and disposed of properly.
- 6
Certified
OFTEC's completion report, and a certificate that it meets Building Regulations.
Thinking of leaving oil?
Up to £9,000 off a heat pump
Until March 2027, homes heated by oil or LPG with no mains gas can get £9,000 off an air or ground source heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, taken straight off the quote.
FAQs
Common questions
OFTEC gives oil tanks an expected working life of around 20 years. Your tank should be checked at the yearly boiler service, and we'll tell you honestly when it's time to replace it. Cracks, bulges, rust, a sinking base or using more oil than usual are all signs to call us sooner.
Let's get it sorted.
Tell us what's going on and we'll get back to you, usually the same day. Quotes are free and there's no obligation.