Homeowners Urged To Check Their Oil Tank Is Ready For Winter

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued some important advice for anyone who is responsible for a domestic oil tank. Deeside.com reports that the agency is urging owners to carry out maintenance checks ahead of the winter, to avoid leaks which will damage the environment and result in costly repairs and replacement of lost fuel.

Despite legal obligations to maintain fuel tanks, leaks from domestic tanks occur on a regular basis, particularly in winter. The leaked fuel can potentially cause great damage to the environment, and contaminate rivers and groundwater supplies.

Huw Jones, Environment Team Leader with NRW, said: “As we enter the wet and wintry season, it is particularly important that homeowners regularly check tanks and their pipework to make sure they are well maintained. When water enters an oil tank it accumulates below the heating oil at the base of the tank.”

“This may not immediately cause a problem, but once the volume of water increases it can also enter the fuel supply pipework. Water in a steel tank can lead to corrosion and in very cold weather it can expand and freeze. This can rupture pipes and fittings, leading to potential fuel loss and unfortunately, in many cases, a significant environmental incident.”

OFTEC advises owners to regularly inspect the tank for signs of rust, cracks, or small leaks, particularly just before and after a fuel delivery. Ideally, an annual inspection should be carried out by an OFTEC registered technician.

The technician will also be able to tell if water has entered the tank, which can lead to corrosion, and might affect the quality of your fuel supply. They may be able to remove smaller amounts of water themselves, but larger quantities will require the assistance of a specialist contractor.