Not just your house or your car, but tanks need a bit of ‘TLC’ as well! Now is a good time to check your tanks and replace filters, etc., as needed.
We’ve provided some information below to guide you on what to check; and what you might need to replace, on existing tanks.
Water tanks
Rainwater harvest tanks should be visually inspected regularly to check:
- Outside of tank for any splits, cracks or leaks – include the top inlet section
- Outlet fittings – no leakage and not loose
- Taps – not dripping, firmly attached
- Hoses or pipework – no leaks, especially on pipe joints
- Filters – rainwater harvest primary filters may need cleaning, or if worn, may need replacing
- Any level gauges fitted – are they still working properly?
Underground water tanks may need professional cleaning, and this is especially important where they are for drinking water. But even rainwater or ‘greywater’ recycling tanks will need cleaning periodically to prevent sludge or bacteria build up causing pipe blockages. This is a professional task, so you would need to employ a contractor who can sample and analyse the water first, to best advise what treatment or cleaning is needed.
Oil tanks
Domestic heating oil tanks need to be serviced by an OFTEC approved contractor, ideally annually along with the boiler service.
Commercial heating oil tanks will almost certainly be required to be inspected and serviced annually, with certification. A professional inspection will help to find and deal with water ingress and/or sludge build up as well, to save you money in the long term. Often this may be a requirement of the commercial premises insurance.
But there are checks you can do visually as well, and these should be more frequent, for instance 6-monthly.
- Check there is no water in the bund
- Steel tanks – check for rust, dents, weld cracks
- Plastic tanks – check for bulging, splits or cracks
- Check that the fill point lid is securely on and undamaged (replacement lids available)
- Filters – may need replacing
- Fittings – no leakage and not loose
- Hoses or pipework – no leaks or signs of cracking
- Gauges – are they still working correctly?
- Base – check it is still level (no subsidence) and not cracked or crumbling
Fuel tanks (i.e. diesel, HVO)
Dispensing tanks take a lot of strain, and they do need regular inspection and maintenance, even if they are inside a building or under cover. Many of the checks are the same as those listed above, but in addition check:
- Nozzles – still working correctly? (e.g. auto nozzles do click off when the tank is full)
- No leaks at joint of hose and nozzle?
- Flowmeters – check they are still working
- Fill point lid or cabinet door – still closes properly
- Filter integrity
- Pumps – no leaks or damaged, and runs smoothy
- Level gauges work correctly (manual and digital)
Replacement parts and spares
Tanks-UK can supply you with the spares and replacements you may need for tank maintenance:
- Nozzles
- Hoses
- Pumps
- Outlet fittings
- Flowmeters
- Gauges
- Filters
- Lids
Give us a call on 01953 665940 or email info@tanks-uk.com with your requirements and we’ll send you a quote.