Should I Buy a Second Hand Oil Tank | Say NO to Cheap Oil Tanks

If you are on a budget and need to replace your old oil tank due to damage or an oil leak, you might be considering purchasing a second-hand tank from platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. While the potential savings may be significant, and with interest rates and inflation continuing to rise, buying a used oil tank as a replacement may seem like a tempting option. However, in my professional opinion, I advise against purchasing used oil tanks for several reasons, which I will explain in more detail below.

Second Hand Oil Tanks Don’t Have a Warranty

When purchasing a new oil tank, you can rely on the manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Single oil tanks come with a standard 2-year warranty, while bunded oil tanks have a longer 10-year warranty. If the tank fails within the warranty period, the manufacturer will repair or replace it at no cost to the customer.

When buying a second-hand oil tank, the warranty is usually no longer valid. This means there is no manufacturer warranty or guarantee on the tank’s lifespan. Additionally, the heating engineer or plumber hired to install the tank will not stand over their work due to the uncertainty surrounding the second-hand tank.

Typically, a single skin heating oil tank can last up to 10 years before needing replacement. Bunded tanks have a longer lifespan, lasting up to 20 years. Purchasing and installing a second-hand tank carries inherent risks, and customers may need to sign a waiver acknowledging that the tank is installed at their own risk and that the heating engineer or plumber is not liable for any defects.

Second hand oil tanks for sale

Should I Buy a Second Hand Oil Tank?

According to OFTEC, the Oil Firing Technical Association, approximately 3,000 oil spill pollution incidents are reported to environmental regulators in the UK each year. However, this figure only represents the reported cases, and the actual number of oil spills may be higher. It is worth noting that rectifying a serious oil spill from an oil tank can incur costs ranging from £10,000 to £20,000 on average.

When considering if you should buy a second hand oil tank, the answer is generally a NO. The initials savings from buying a use oil tank are considerable where you can pick up a tank for £50, but with no manufacture warranty and the increased risk of a possible oil spill, the risks are simply to great. The potential consequences of an oil spill, both in terms of the financial expenses and risk to the environmental, make purchasing a second hand oil tank a bad investment.

Second Hand Bunded Oil Tanks

If you are on a budget and looking to replace an oil tank, it is advisable to avoid purchasing a used single skin oil tank. Instead, consider buying a second-hand bunded oil tank. While this may not be a perfect solution, it offers some advantages. A bunded oil tank has an inner skin that holds the oil, should there be an oil leak, the oil will be contained within the outer container.

Bunded oil tanks are designed to safeguard the environment in the event of an oil leak. They provide an extra layer of protection and reduce the risk of oil escaping. The cost of a new 1000 litre bunded oil tank can range from £850 to £1150 on average. However, you can find second-hand bunded oil tanks for a lower price range of £300 to £450.

Before purchasing a second-hand oil tank, it is advisable to check with your home insurance to see if you are covered in the case of an oil leak.

Oil Tank Services Northern Ireland

Removerr offer a range of oil tank services across Northern Ireland to include, oil tank removal, oil tank replacement, oil spill clean up and more. If you have any questions contact andrew@removerr.co.uk or call 07434 691 809. Popular areas we cover, North Down, Belfast, Newry, Portadown, Carrickfergus, Armagh.