OFTEC’s technical team is receiving an increasing number of queries around the sale, installation and notification of second-hand storage tanks. This blog is written to help you explain to your customers the implications of using these types of installations.
OFTEC does NOT recommend installing a second-hand tank over a new bunded tank. Here’s four reasons why:
1. Verification of condition
When correctly positioned and installed, a new tank has an estimated lifespan of 20 years.
However, when a second-hand tank is installed the tank’s quality is much more difficult to determine due to the unknowns involved, such as:
Was the tank filled with the same fuel you plan to use?
Was it regularly inspected for signs of damage?
How old is the tank?
Could the material be more worn than it appears?
Because of these unknowns, second hand tanks are not considered reliable and can often lead to customers having to pay high costs for early replacement. It can also cause distrust and damage relationships between customers and technicians.
2. Manufacturer’s warranty
New liquid fuel tanks come with manufacturer’s guarantees, this gives the customer peace of mind over the quality of the product, as well as protection should the new tank be faulty or damaged.
Warranty periods for new tanks are usually:
2 years for single skinned tanks
10 years for bunded tanks
However, even when proof of the date of manufacture and purchase can be obtained, the sale of a secondary tank immediately voids a manufacturer’s warranty and the protection this offers. It may also void home insurance, and in the event that the tank fails, may ultimately lead to expensive clean-up costs of anywhere up to £50,000.
3. Damage in transit
While homeowners and other relevant buyers may feel confident in the appearance of the tank they want to purchase, the likelihood of the tank becoming damaged in transit causes another serious concern.
When a tank is moved, this may stress the tank walls or base. An example would be if large amounts of fuel are left in the tank during transit, the weight inside shifts, putting pressure on areas of the tank that have not had this pressure before.
As a result, the condition of the tank when it arrives with the purchaser may differ from the condition when it left the seller. This increases the risk of faults occurring, and leaves consumers without the same level of protection that a new tank would provide.
4. Environmental risks
Finally, it is worth noting that only certain types of tanks can be installed in certain areas in the UK. For example, in Wales new tanks must be bunded, so the fitting of any new single skin system is not permitted.
As homeowners and customers may not be aware of these requirements, there is a risk of buying a tank that does not comply with local regulations. This could result in fines or high costs for rectification.
This also applies more generally to individual homes where houses on the same street may require bunded or single skin tanks based on their specific property features but instead have bought an incorrect second-hand tank by mistake.
OFTEC recommends where a new tank is to be installed that tank risk assessments should always be completed and copies given to the relevant persons to be clear on this issue.
Overall, when deciding on a new tank installation, it is always best practice to get a new bunded tank of either steel or plastic construction, and for the installation to be carried out by an OFTEC technician to ensure it’s completed to the highest standards. This helps make sure both you and your customers remain protected from unforeseen issues, especially given the significant cost of replacing a tank. Do it once, do it right.