SG Tanks are oil tank removal specialists, having served clients throughout Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and the South East over the past 20 years.
With more than two decades’ worth of experience in oil tank removal, our team have developed an unrivalled reputation across the local area.
Oil Tank Removals
Here at SG Tanks, we offer a wide range of oil tank-related services and have helped a substantial number of customers with a variety of needs over the years.
From Surrey to Hampshire to Sussex, we understand how cumbersome and frustrating having an oil tank removed from a residential property or commercial building can be, so we make it our aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Our team of specialists are equipped with the experience, skills and training required to remove oil tanks in a highly professional manner, keeping clients well-informed all along the way, from start to finish.
What’s more, we will ensure your property is left in fantastic condition once the work has been completed. We will then dispose of the oil tank in an economically and environmentally-friendly manner possible.
Tailored Removals
Wherever your oil tank may be on your property – whether it be in an underground basement or outside in the garden – our team will be able to remove it with ease.
Thanks to the 20 years’ worth of experience we have amassed since our inception, our team have seen it all – from challenging underground tank excavations to lifting and transporting above-ground tanks.
And now, because of this level of experience, we are also able to offer some of the best oil tank removal prices in the UK, helping to keep oil tank removal costs as low as possible.
If you would like to receive a tailored quote for the work required to remove an oil tank at your property, simply contact our team at your earliest convenience.
Oil Tank Removal FAQs
How do I get rid of an old oil tank?
Removing an old oil tank should be carried out by a qualified professional. The process includes safely draining the remaining oil, cleaning the inside of the tank to remove residue, disconnecting it in accordance with Building Regulations, and disposing of it at a licensed waste facility. You may also need to inform your local Environmental Health department, depending on your local authority’s requirements. We offer oil tank removals in West Sussex and Surrey – contact us for more information.
Can I remove an oil tank myself?
While it is not strictly illegal to remove a domestic oil tank yourself, it is strongly discouraged. Oil tanks can contain hazardous materials, and incorrect removal can lead to environmental contamination or breaches of environmental protection laws. To ensure safety and compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Building Regulations, it’s best to hire a professional who can decommission the tank correctly and dispose of the waste in a legal and environmentally sound manner.
Why should an oil tank be removed?
An oil tank should be removed from your premises if it’s no longer in use, outdated, or at risk of leaking. Old tanks can corrode over time and cause soil or groundwater contamination, posing serious environmental and legal risks. Removal also reduces fire hazards and helps maintain compliance with current regulations.
Do I need planning permission to move an oil tank?
Planning permission is not usually required to move a domestic oil tank in the UK, as long as it falls within permitted development rights and is not located in a conservation area or attached to a listed building. However, any oil tank installation or relocation has to comply with Building Regulations, particularly Approved Document J, which covers the safe storage of fuel. It is always advisable to consult your local planning authority before making changes.
Does an oil tank have to be off the ground?
Oil tanks in the UK don’t legally have to be elevated, but it is often recommended for practical and safety reasons. Installing the tank on a solid, non-combustible, level base that raises it slightly off the ground helps prevent corrosion from moisture, allows for easier visual inspections, and may be necessary if the system is gravity-fed. OFTEC guidelines also recommend leaving sufficient clearance around the tank for maintenance.
What do you put around an oil tank?
It’s important to keep the area around an oil tank clear of vegetation, combustible materials, and debris. The tank should be positioned to maintain proper fire separation distances—typically 1.8 metres from buildings or boundaries if unprotected—and located away from drains or watercourses to reduce the risk of pollution. Depending on the environment, physical barriers might be required to protect the tank from impact, particularly if it is situated near driveways or farm machinery.
