To bund or not to bund - that is the question.

[dudders]

Got to replace the oil tank for the farmhouse, as it's split. I was warned that though plastic tanks never rust, they do split, which can be a bigger problem.

As it's only 12 years old, which is half the age of the steel tank for the tractor-fuel, I'm thinking of going back to steel this time, also for the following reasons:

1. A steel tank will never split. If I don't check the rust and it rots through, there'll be a visible oil-damp patch and a strong smell - plenty of notice, therefore;
2. A steel tank can be recycled when finished with, and is actually worth something as scrap metal. I'll have to pay to get rid of a plastic one, (one company quotes a minimum of £500) which may or may not be recycled in the end.

As it's domestic and only 2000 litres, it doesn't have to be bunded. Leaving aside the extra cost, I'm thinking bunding's not worth it anyway, for the above reason No.1.

I guess the other option is a bunded plastic tank, but I don't see the point really. If the inner tank splits, how do I know? There'll be oil sitting between the two tanks, but I won't see it. Could smell it, maybe? Then when the outer tank splits too, that's the same as having a single-skin tank in the first place. I'm guessing that it's sunlight that makes a plastic tank split, not the oil inside, so if the outer tank splits first I'm left with a single-skin again. Seems pointless to me.

Have I missed something? What would you get? It's making my head spin - I hate having options, makes life so complicated.

 

[Mur Huwcun]

Are you sure it doesn’t need to be bunded? Rules are bit different here maybe but suppliers wont fill unbunded tanks if part of a business now for few years and now they wont fill domestic ones. To future proof it I would suggest you either get it bunded or stick it in another tank.

 

[76masseyman]

Bunded Tank should have a float guage fitted, registering zero on the bund, to show any internal leak.
Best option is a steel tank on a concrete base, brick wall around to bund it, tin roof to keep rain water out.
As you said with the steel, you do get a warning.

 

[spin cycle]

you can get metal bunded tanks

 

[defender]

Sunlight is bad for plastic tanks , the bound keeps the sun off and prevents splitting

 

[Brisel]

Don't cut up an old metal kero tank unless you've filled it with water first - the fumes will blow if you use oxyacetylene or an angle grinder.

 

[Tha Ulsterscot]

Don't pay £500 , keep the tank and when you need a big manhole for a drainage scheme cut one end out and set it in. I've used a couple this way and it works great. A suitable sized hole cut in the top and screw on a lid, hey presto good job and save money.

 

[Andrew]

Bunded steel tank all the way.

 

[dudders]

Don't cut up an old metal kero tank unless you've filled it with water first - the fumes will blow if you use oxyacetylene or an angle grinder.

Mmm - don't know about that. I cut the top off the last steel one with an angle-grinder no problem. Maybe helped that it had been left open and upside down for a while?

 

[dudders]

Sunlight is bad for plastic tanks , the bound keeps the sun off and prevents splitting

But then doesn't the bund split instead? I guess it doesn't matter, because it's still keeping the sun off the tank.

 

[defender]

Never seen a bund split, the bottom section that holds any spill is usually on one piece with no pressure on it
Balmoral tanks of a certain vintage split at the seam

 

[Highland Mule]

Don't pay £500 , keep the tank and when you need a big manhole for a drainage scheme cut one end out and set it in. I've used a couple this way and it works great. A suitable sized hole cut in the top and screw on a lid, hey presto good job and save money.

absolutely don’t pay to get it taken away. It’s domestic, so if you really want it gone, just cut it up with a jigsaw and put it into your wheeliebin.

 

[Lincsman]

For domestic heating oil on a farm the standard 600 gal steel unbunded tank is fine, if in doubt ask building control.

here direct from makers

domestic oil tanks

 

[18 wheeler]

I was about to buy a bunded steel tank and then came across a stainless steel oil tank on eBay for sensible money. Were they ever a thing or is it a one off?

 

[Spuddler]

If I remember correctly
If your oil tank is situated closer than 10 meters to a ditch or water course or 50 meters from river, borehole it has to be bunded
Pays to get it done proper and signed off.

 

[Grouse]

For domestic heating oil on a farm the standard 600 gal steel unbunded tank is fine, if in doubt ask building control.

here direct from makers

domestic oil tanks

England yes, but Wales unfortunately not. Any tanks in Wales either business or domestic must be bunded and Natural Resources Wales will hunt you down if not. Apparently it’s coming in in England as well - better to get a bunded tank imo as it’s only extra cost to change at a later date.

 

[Gedd]

And which are the best bunded steel or even plastic tanks then 3500 litre fuel station type