Homeowners warned maintain oil tanks

2 December 2008

Home heating oil users need to carry out regular maintenance checks on their tanks to protect them from damage and to prevent leaks, the Environment Agency has warned.

It has therefore recommended householders get an accredited Oil Firing Technical Association registered serviceman to inspect tanks, sight-gauges, valves and pipes annually.

Gary Edwards of the agency said: "The cost of cleaning up leaks from vandalised or substandard tanks can run into tens of thousands of pounds and insurance does not always cover home and business owners for these costs."

Households have also been warned that drinking water may be affected as a result of faulty pipes or oil leakages, the cost of which to repair could exceed £1 million.

With the level of home heating oil theft rising around the country as temperatures drop and money becomes increasingly tight, customers have been advised to properly secure their tanks from thieves.

Residents of rural Fenland were urged by police last week to step up their oil tank security measures following a spate of thefts in the area.

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