Oil Tank Maintenance this Autumn – 7 Essential Checks by UK Homeowners
Why autumn is the right time to check your oil tank
More than 1.5 million UK householders with oil-fired heating systems generally check their oil tank levels when autumn brings cooler weather, and order more fuel in preparation for winter. This is a good time – particularly when the oil level is at its lowest – to carry out a simple tank inspection.
Not all oil tanks are in the same condition as the one pictured. A cracked or corroded tank will lead to leaks, contamination of soil and watercourses, and expensive emergency call-outs. If your oil tank has been almost empty for six months or more, refilling it could put extra strain on areas that have degraded during that time. Detecting faults before a new oil delivery will reduce the risks of tank or system failure during delivery and through the winter months, and extend the working life of your tank.
Page 14 of our EasyTank Installation & Maintenance Guide recommends that an annual inspection of your tank takes place by an OFTEC-registered technician. This can occur when your oil boiler is serviced annually.
7 Simple Oil Tank Maintenance Checks this Autumn
Aside from the annual, professional service, homeowners should carry out a visual inspection at least once a season, with autumn being the most important time before heavy winter use.
The following pre-winter checklist doesn’t require specialist tools, will help to extend the life of your plastic or metal tank and also reduce problems in winter:
1. Walk around your tank
Look for signs of trouble such as bulging, surface cracks, rust patches or damp marks. Even a slight weep of oil can quickly worsen when the tank is filled.
2. Treat and paint rusted areas
Self-priming, green metal tank paint.
If you see patches of surface rust on your steel tank, remove the rust with steel wool or a wire brush and paint the affected area. We have special self-priming tank paint in green, black or grey available for sale.
3. Check the base
The platform on which your tank sits is just as important as the tank body. If the foundation looks uneven, sunken or unstable, this can compromise the tank’s structure.
4. Remove vegetation
Autumn is also the right time to clear away encroaching plants, weeds and debris that has grown around your tank during the summer.
5. Remove fallen leaves
Sweep away leaves from the top of your tank and around the base during the autumnal fall period. Keeping the area clear makes deliveries safer and reduces fire risk.
6. Check gauges, connections and vents
Make sure the oil fill point, vent and gauge are easy to access, and nothing has been stored on or around the tank that could impede this or compromise fire safety. If you rely on a sight gauge, confirm it is still giving an accurate reading. These practical steps will ensure your oil delivery driver can fill safely and without delay.
7. Check your tank’s security
Autumn and winter is the favourite time of the year for heating oil thieves; it’s getting darker and oil tanks are usually nice and full. Deterrence helps reduce involuntary ‘leaks’ from your oil tank. So consider:
Lockable oil tank filler cap
– Fitting a lockable fill point cap. Choose from this selection: https://atlantistanks.co.uk/?show=products&s=tank+locking+cap
– Fitting a Lockable Top Box if you have one of our new, steel bunded Imperium® oil tanks: https://atlantistanks.co.uk/product/accessories/lockable-top-box-for-imperium-steel-bunded-tanks-small/
– Check out other simple measures you can take to prevent theft from your oil tank in our advice piece from last October.
What should I do if I notice a small oil leak?
Don’t attempt to repair it yourself. Stop using the tank, avoid adding more oil, and contact a qualified oil heating engineer immediately. Even small leaks can cause serious damage if ignored.
Why should I also call in a professional?
Homeowners can cover the basics, but the expertise of a professional heating engineer is also vital. During an annual boiler service, most heating engineers will check the oil tank, connections, filters, gauges and pipework. They are trained to spot issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.
Think of DIY checks and professional servicing as complementary. Your inspection provides early warning, while an engineer gives reassurance that the system is safe and compliant.
