Central Heating

How to make sure a used oil/fuel tank is sound?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.28 PM

We bought a new home and first thing we did was have the boiler serviced. The OFTEC engineer was concerned with how close the (condensing) boiler is to the fuel tank and then, how close the fuel tank is to the house itself and a side fence. He suggests moving the tank further down into the garden away from the house. He pointed out how bleached the tank itself is and the beginnings of a few superficial cracks, and says that it would be best to replace the tank itself as long as we are going to be moving it. We will not be moving into the house for 6-8 weeks, as there are other upgrades needed. We just did not expect immediate boiler/fuel tank issues to add to our costs. I find that we can buy a bunded, new-looking USED tank for the same price or less than a NEW single-skin tank in the same size. Is there some way to ensure the second-hand tank would be safe? Are there rules about what can be sold used, or is it a matter of "buyer beware?" I am not familiar with this type of central heating and have no idea what to look for. There are several firms here in Northern Ireland that sell used tanks which look to be fairly new and had been removed as part of a change to gas heating. Any advice would be appreciated! How common is it to buy a used oil tank, and is it prudent? Otherwise, we will have to go with a single-skin tank, as we are low on funds at this point. Would simply moving the tank down the garden but not replacing it (until we can afford it next summer) likely stress it further and hasten any breakdown? And yes, we did have the home surveyed before buying it, which did not mention these issues... SIGH.