Help Centre

As a leading storage tank supplier, tanks.ie receives enquiries about safe, secure and environmentally responsible fuel storage. To find answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions... just click the relevant category to your need. If however, you have a question we haven't answered then please do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Every effort is made to keep this area of the site up to date. However, Tanks.ie cannot be held liable for errors or omissions. Compliance with statutory requirements is the responsibility of the person(s) who install, use and maintain products supplied by Tanks.ie. If you have concerns over compliance, you must seek professional advice, contact your local Building Control Officer, your local environmental authority or OFTEC. Tanks.ie strongly advises that all oil storage installations should be installed and maintained only by an OFTEC Registered Technician. Tanks.ie will not be responsible for installations which do not comply with prevailing statutory requirements.

Oil
Nozzles & Hoses
What different types of fuel hoses are there?

Three main types: suction hoses draw diesel from a source below the receiving tank; gravity hoses are used where fuel flows downhill; dispensing hoses are used in refuelling stations with specialist fittings and anti-static properties.

Which type of diesel hose lasts the longest?

Hoses made from reinforced rubber or synthetic compounds with abrasion-resistant coatings and UV protection. Regular inspection and following manufacturer guidelines extends service life.

How do I know what size fuel hose I need?

Consider your required flow rate, transfer distance, elevation changes, fuel viscosity, and the inlet/outlet diameters on your tank, pump, and nozzle. Thicker fuels may need larger diameter hoses in cold temperatures.

Oil Tanks
What is a Bunded Tank?

A bunded tank is an oil tank within an oil tank. Any spillage from the inner tank is contained by the outer tank, preventing environmental pollution. Required at most commercial, industrial, and domestic premises.

What is a Single Skin Tank?

A single container with no secondary containment. Not suitable for commercial, industrial, or institutional premises, or domestic installations over 2,500 litres, unless within a bunded area. An Oil Tank Risk Assessment must be carried out by a competent person (OFTEC TIB3).

How close to a boundary can I place an oil storage tank?

Tanks under 3,500L must be at least 760mm from a boundary. Where not achievable, a 30-minute fire-resistant wall extending 300mm above and beyond the tank ends is required (OFTEC TIB3 / BS5410). For 3,500L+, contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

How close to a flue outlet or building can I place an oil tank?

Tanks under 3,500L should not be within 1.8 metres of a flue outlet or non-fire-rated wall/eaves. Where not achievable, a 30-minute fire-resistant wall is required. For 3,500L+, contact your Building Control Officer.

Can I place an oil tank inside a domestic garage?

Never in a habitable area. If installed internally, the tank must be in an enclosed chamber. Contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC for detailed requirements.

Are plastic oil tanks suitable for direct burial underground?

No.

What materials are plastic oil tanks made from?

All tanks supplied by Tanks.ie are manufactured from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) — excellent chemical and impact resistance, resistant to the long-term effects of fuel.

What are the base requirements for plastic oil tanks?

A flat, level, fire-resistant base. Concrete slabs must be at least 50mm thick and extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the tank. Piers or pillars are not suitable.

Are plastic oil tanks protected against UV damage?

Yes. All tanks sold by Tanks.ie incorporate UV inhibitors, preventing UV rays from permeating the tank and degrading the fuel.

Can you screen an oil tank?

Yes — consult an OFTEC registered installer first. Common methods: false walls (leave access for maintenance) or landscaping with shrubs. Keep plants well-maintained to avoid fire hazards.

Do you supply dipsticks or sell gravity feed kits?

Dipsticks are not sold separately but are standard on Harlequin tanks between 650 and 2,700 litres. We do not sell gravity feed kits due to the high risk of accidental discharge and because their use is illegal at many installations.

AdBlue
What is AdBlue?

A 32.5% aqueous urea solution used in SCR systems to reduce NOx emissions from diesel engines. Converts NOx into harmless nitrogen and water vapour. Non-toxic and biodegradable.

Can I store AdBlue in a fuel tank?

No. AdBlue is corrosive and must never be added to a fuel tank. If accidentally added, seek professional help immediately to drain and flush.

Can AdBlue tanks be used outdoors?

Yes, but protect from direct sunlight, extreme weather, and impact damage.

Are Single Skin or Bunded Tanks suitable for storing AdBlue?

No.

Diesel Tanks
How secure are the diesel dispensing tanks?

All diesel dispensing tanks are bunded. Doors can be locked with a key or padlock. Advanced models include fuel management systems with key fob authorisation.

What liquids are diesel dispensing tanks suitable for?

Diesel (D) to British Standard BS2869, and Bio-Diesel up to 5% bio-element concentration.

Can I store and dispense Kerosene from a diesel dispensing tank?

No. Dispensing a non-approved fuel could result in serious injury or death.

How long does diesel last in a transfer tank?

Generally 6-12 months, depending on fuel quality, storage environment, and tank seal quality.

Can I have a flow meter or auto shut-off nozzle on a hand pump or gravity-fed tank?

No. Neither can work without pump pressure, which a hand pump or gravity-fed tank cannot provide.

What are the power requirements for mains powered diesel dispensing tanks?

Single phase 240v mains connected to an RCD. All mains installations must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Steel Diesel Tanks
What are the advantages of steel diesel tanks?
  • Durable — strong, hard-wearing, repairable. Plastic tanks are often unusable once damaged.
  • Robust — very hard to damage, reducing leak risk.
  • Secure — harder to break into.
  • Customisable — made to specific shape, capacity, and dispensing requirements.

Minimum lifespan target is 10 years. Coastal environments accelerate corrosion.

Oil Tank Accessories
What are the advantages of a Tiger Loop?

De-aerates fuel before combustion — cleaner burn, reduced emissions, better cold weather performance. Allows the tank to be positioned lower than the burner and up to 30 metres away. Note: unsuitable for vaporising burner installations. Self-priming. No batteries or mains power required.

Oil Tank Gauges
How accurate are oil tank gauges?

Float gauges provide approximate readings (full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4) — not precise due to the rounded base of most tanks. Smart ultrasonic gauges like the SENSiT provide readings accurate to within a few litres via a smartphone app.

How much oil should be in my tank at minimum?

We recommend keeping at least 12 inches of oil in the tank at all times. Running too low risks disturbing sediment which can clog filters and pipes.

Will the SENSiT prevent runouts or overfills?

No. The SENSiT provides indicative level data (approximately plus or minus 5% accuracy) to assist with monitoring. It does not actively prevent run-outs or overfills and is not a fail-safe device.

What liquids do the Apollo remote electronic gauges monitor?

Kerosene (C1/C2), Agricultural Fuel Oil (A2), Diesel (D), and Water.

How do I install a Watchman Sonic?

Confirm the tank is flat, level, within 200 metres of the receiver, and no taller than 3 metres. For pre-drilled tanks remove the existing tube; for undrilled tanks drill a 32mm hole at a flat level point. Fit transmitter base with two screws. Measure tank height and set receiver switches using the tank height chart. Pair by holding transmitter white dot to receiver black dot for 20 seconds until all 10 bars flash. Screw in transmitter. Allow up to 2 hours for first accurate reading. Support: warranty@sensor-systems.com

Fuel Dispensing Tanks
What are the power requirements for Harlequin Fuel Stations?

13 amp single-phase mains with an RCD. All mains installations must be carried out by a qualified electrician and inspected regularly.

What liquids are Harlequin Fuel Stations suitable for?

Diesel (D) to BS2869, and Bio-Diesel up to 5% concentration. Harlequin BioFuel Stations support BioDiesel blends up to B100.

Are Harlequin Fuel Stations suitable for AdBlue or Kerosene?

No. Diesel only. Dispensing a non-approved fuel could result in serious injury or death.

Waste Oil Tanks
Are waste oil tanks suitable for disposing of petrol?

No. Contact your local authority for advice on disposing of petrol and similarly hazardous liquids.

HVO Biofuel Tanks
What is HVO fuel?

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable fuel derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. Compatible with existing diesel infrastructure, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, reduces NOx by up to 27%, particulate matter by up to 84%, and has a shelf life of up to 10 years.

Is HVO as efficient as diesel? How long can I store it?

Yes — HVO has a higher cetane number (70+) vs diesel (around 50), meaning better combustion and greater efficiency. Can be stored up to 10 years or more when stored correctly.

Can I use HVO fuel in my existing boiler?

Many newer appliances support both heating oil and HVO. Existing boilers may need modifications including replacing the burner, changing nozzles, and checking all fuel-carrying components and seals. Check with your appliance manufacturer.

Generator Diesel Tanks
Can I store diesel in a transportable tank?

A transportable diesel tank should be stored in a secondary containment area as most are single skin. They are designed for transporting fuel to a worksite to be fully discharged.

Water
Water Tanks
What type of water tank do I need?

Potable tanks store water safe for human consumption (WRAS approved). Non-potable tanks store water for toilets, gardens, and industrial use. IBC containers suit hazardous liquids. Rainwater harvesting tanks collect rainwater for non-potable reuse. Contact our team for help choosing.

How long should a water storage tank last?

A good quality polyethylene tank should last 10-20 years. A steel tank should last over 30 years. Regular inspection and siting on a solid base away from direct UV exposure all extend lifespan.

What is the difference between potable and non-potable water tanks?

Potable tanks are WRAS approved with food-grade polyethylene lining — safe for human consumption. Non-potable tanks store water for toilets, washing machines, gardening, and commercial use. The key difference is the type of plastic lining used.

Should I insulate my cold water storage tank?

Yes — prevents freezing in Irish winters, reduces heat loss, saves energy, and helps ensure regulatory compliance.

Water Softeners
How do I know if I need a water softener?

Signs of hard water: staining on sinks and baths, limescale on shower heads and kettles, clogged pipes and radiators, soap being less effective. Hard water is very common in Ireland.

What are the benefits of installing a water softener?
  • 100% limescale removed
  • Washing machines work better with less detergent
  • Softer hair and skin
  • Longer appliance life (kettles, dishwashers, washing machines, electric showers)
  • Energy savings and reduced spend on cleaning products
Is it OK to drink softened water?

Generally yes for healthy adults, but softened water contains a small amount of sodium. People on a low-sodium diet and babies should not drink softened water. Always maintain one unsoftened tap directly from the mains.

How does a water softener work?

Hard water flows through resin beads that trap calcium and magnesium and exchange them for sodium ions. Once full, a brine salt solution regenerates the beads, flushing the minerals down the drain. Refill with salt every 6-8 weeks.

Reverse Osmosis Systems
What is a reverse osmosis water filter and why would I install one?

A water purification process using a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, sediments, chlorine, salt, and microorganisms at a molecular level. Removes the fluoride and chlorine added to tap water, producing great-tasting drinking water. Replace filters every 6-12 months; system lasts up to 10 years.

UV Disinfection Units
What is a UV disinfection unit?

An economical, chemical-free way to safeguard drinking water. UV light permanently alters the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Effective against 99% of microorganisms with no chemicals and no change to water taste. Replace UV lamps annually (9,000-hour lifespan).

Where can UV disinfection units be used?

On mains water with bacterial contamination and well water that can become contaminated seasonally due to rainfall, septic tank leakage, or animal waste.

Water Bowsers
What different types of water bowser are available?

Highway bowsers are for dust suppression and road maintenance. Site bowsers are portable tanks for construction sites — dust suppression, concrete mixing, equipment cleaning. Plant watering bowsers are designed for gardens and nurseries with precision dispensing and adjustable nozzles.

Underground Water Tanks
Do I need planning permission for an underground water tank?

Depends on your location, tank size, and purpose. Tanks in designated areas may face stricter rules. Always check with your local planning authority before installation.

How deep should an underground water tank be?

Deep enough to sit below the local frost line to prevent freezing, and above a high groundwater table to prevent floating. Consult local authorities and installers for your specific area.

GRP Water Tanks
What is a GRP water tank and how long does it last?

Glass fibres fused with resin create an exceptionally strong, lightweight composite that resists corrosion, most chemicals, and UV degradation. WRAS approved for cold water storage. Minimum lifespan of 25 years — significantly longer than standard plastic tanks. Available from 90L to 2,000,000L in 1-piece, 2-piece, and sectional formats.

Bladder Tanks
What is the purpose of a bladder tank?

Flexible, collapsible containers for storing and transporting water where space efficiency and rapid deployment are essential — emergency response, remote construction sites, agriculture, and firefighting. Standard PVC bladder tanks cannot store fuels or certain acids.

Water Butts
What are the benefits of having a water butt?

Collects and stores rainwater for reuse — watering plants, washing cars, cleaning outdoor spaces. Reduces tap water consumption and bills. Rainwater is naturally soft and chemical-free, making it healthier for plants.

Can you drink rainwater from a water butt?

Not without proper treatment. Rainwater is untreated and can contain dust, pollen, bird droppings, and air pollution contaminants. Suitable for garden and outdoor use only.

Rainwater Harvesting
What can I use harvested rainwater for?

All outdoor uses: watering the garden, washing cars, cleaning patios and driveways. Indoors: flushing toilets and feeding washing machines. Not suitable for drinking, showers, or baths without UV filtration treatment.

Is collecting rainwater legal in Ireland?

Yes — collecting rainwater from your roof is generally legal and encouraged for gardening, flushing toilets, and washing vehicles. No special permits are typically required for domestic collection.

Wastewater
Sewage Pumping Stations
Does every house need a sewage pump station?

Only when gravity cannot move wastewater to the main sewer — for example if sewage is below the sewer level or a ridge blocks gravitational flow.

How often do sewage pump stations need to be serviced?

Annual servicing is recommended — emptying and cleaning the tank, removing blockages, and replacing faulty parts promptly.

How long should a sewage pump run per cycle?

10-15 seconds per cycle until the float switch detects the water level has dropped. A pump that runs constantly may need servicing or replacement. Average lifespan is approximately 10 years.

What size tank do I need for a sewage pumping station?

Allow 150 litres per person multiplied by the number of occupants for 24-hour storage capacity. Contact us for commercial sizing advice.

Service & Commissioning
What products do you offer service plans for?

Domestic and commercial wastewater systems, separators, pump stations, hot water cylinders, and rainwater harvesting systems. Also tank emptying, desludging, and facilities management.

My system is not working. What should I do?

Book an engineer's visit as soon as possible. Book here.

How do I contact the Kingspan Service Team?

Phone: 0818 543 500 | Email: helpingyou@kingspan.com. Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5pm, Friday 8:30am-4pm.

How do I register my product warranty?
Silt Traps
How does a silt trap work?

Water is directed into the silt trap basin upstream of the soakaway. Silt and sediment settle to the bottom; filtered water flows through to the drainage system. Without a silt trap, silt would clog pipes and soakaway systems.

GRP Tanks
What is a GRP tank?

Glass Reinforced Plastic tanks manufactured to BS EN 13280:2001. Suitable for all cold water applications, fully WRAS approved, available in 1-piece, 2-piece, and sectional formats.

What is the difference between AB and AG air gap tanks?

An AG type provides fluid category 1-4 protection. An AB type (category 5) has a raised float valve housing with a spill-over weir — a higher level of contamination prevention.

Septic Tanks
How often should I empty my septic tank?

Once a year as a general rule. The contractor must be registered to carry out the work.

Can rainwater go into a septic tank?

No. Rainwater increases the flow rate and prevents adequate settlement of solids, causing pollution and health hazards. Only grey water and black water should connect to the septic tank.

How far should my septic tank be from the house?

At least 7 metres from any dwelling, and within 30 metres of an access point for emptying.

Do I need to register my septic tank?

Yes — register with your Local Authority at protectourwater.ie. There is a 50 euro registration fee.

Do I need to upgrade under the new regulations?

Only if your system discharges directly into a watercourse. Standard soakaway systems remain legal.

What should not go into a septic tank?
  • Anything other than bodily waste and toilet paper
  • Grease or oil down any drain
  • Paints, solvents, or chemicals
  • Caustic soda or drain cleaners
  • Rainwater
Sewage Treatment Systems
What is the difference between a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant?

A sewage treatment plant produces clean effluent safe for direct discharge to a watercourse. It requires electricity and regular servicing. A septic tank needs emptying once a year, uses no electricity, but produces polluting effluent that must go to a soakaway. Septic tank discharge direct to watercourses is no longer permitted.

What are the benefits of a sewage treatment plant?
  • Environmentally friendly — natural biological processes
  • Preserves your drainage field
  • Produces effluent you can sample to verify treatment quality
  • Long lifespan and lower risk of blockages
What is a soakaway?

A pit or trench filled with gravel or porous material that allows treated water to percolate into the ground. Required for septic tank discharge — not necessary for sewage treatment plants which produce effluent safe for direct watercourse discharge.

How long do sewage treatment plants last?

Up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Avoid flushing kitchen roll, food waste, nappies, wipes, grease, fats, oils, or sanitary products.

Grease Traps
What is a grease trap?

A grease trap collects fats, oils, grease, and starch (FOGS) before they enter the main sewer system. Poor FOGS management causes drain blockages, bad smells, pest infestations, and potentially heavy fines or business closure.

Are grease traps a legal requirement in Ireland?

Yes. All food service establishments must have a licensed, regularly serviced grease trap. Irish Water requires a licence to discharge wastewater into the public sewer, and compliance includes a functioning grease trap. This applies to cafes, pubs, restaurants, takeaways, bakeries, and staff canteens.

Can you clean your own grease trap?

No. Fats, oils, and grease removed from a grease trap can legally only be disposed of using a licensed waste removal contractor.

Cesspools
What is a cesspool and when would I need one?

An underground tank that stores wastewater and sewage with no outlet — requires emptying by a tanker typically every 40 days. Used where connection to a sewer is not possible and soil conditions prevent soakaway installation. Far less practical than a septic tank which only needs emptying once a year.

Wastewater Accessories
What is a distribution box on a septic tank?

A distribution box divides the effluent flow from a septic tank into two or more percolation areas, ensuring even distribution across the drainage field. It is a critical component — if it fails you risk percolation field failure.

Pumps
Fuel Pumps
What types of fuel pump are available?

We stock hand fuel transfer pumps for manual, low-volume transfers; battery-powered fuel transfer pumps for portable operation on site; and electric fuel transfer pumps for mains-connected, higher-volume dispensing.

What flow meters are available for fuel tanks?

We stock a range of flow meters for diesel dispensing. Flow meters require adequate pump pressure — they cannot be used with hand pumps or gravity-fed systems. None of the flow meters we sell are certified for fuel resale (Weights and Measures certification required for that purpose).

Water Pumps
What types of water pump do you stock?

We stock submersible water pumps for wells, boreholes, and flooded areas; clean water pumps for transferring uncontaminated water; cold water booster sets for increasing mains pressure; and water controllers for automated pump management.

What is a cold water booster set?

A booster set increases water pressure in a plumbing system where the mains pressure is insufficient. Commonly used in multi-storey buildings or commercial premises. GRP break tanks are often used alongside booster sets.

Sewage & Wastewater Pumps
What is the difference between an effluent pump, a macerator pump, and a submersible sewage pump?

Effluent pumps remove grey wastewater after solids settle — for residential and small commercial use. Macerator/grinder pumps grind solid waste into a slurry before pumping — used where waste needs to travel uphill or over long distances. Submersible sewage pumps operate submerged in sewage, handling solids without blocking.

How do I know if my sewage pump is working correctly?

Signs of a problem: dirty or brown water at the discharge point; the pump is not running or struggling; constant running without switching off; sewage backing up into the building; smell of sewage; no fluid emptying from the holding tank; or no power to the pump. Contact us to arrange a service visit.

Chemical
IBC Tanks
What is an IBC tank?

An Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) is a large reusable industrial container for the transport and storage of liquids, semi-solids, and solids. Typically holds 275-1,250 litres, sits on a pallet for forklift handling, and is available in HDPE plastic or stainless steel.

What can IBC tanks store?

A wide range of liquids including water, chemicals, food-grade liquids, oils, and hazardous materials. The material (HDPE vs stainless steel) determines what it can safely store. Always check compatibility with the specific liquid before use.

Chemical Storage Tanks
What regulations apply to chemical storage in Ireland?

Chemical storage is regulated under the Chemicals Act 2008, associated regulations, and the SEVESO Directive for larger quantities. You must ensure tank material is chemically compatible with the substance stored, secondary containment (bunding) is in place for hazardous liquids, and appropriate safety data sheets and risk assessments are available. Contact the Health and Safety Authority for specific requirements.

Chemical Dosing Tanks
What is a chemical dosing tank?

A tank that stores a liquid chemical for controlled, measured injection into a water supply, wastewater system, or industrial process. Commonly used in water treatment (chlorination, pH adjustment), agricultural applications, and industrial cleaning systems. We stock dosing tanks from 200 litres upward.

Agriculture
Livestock Drinkers & Footbaths
Why would you use a boot bath?

A boot bath can be ideally used at the entrance to poultry units, piggeries, dairies, and other livestock facilities to disinfect, clean, and decontaminate boots before entering. This helps control and prevent the spread of disease between areas.

Why use a sheep dip tub?

Sheep dip tubs are used to fully immerse sheep in a dipping solution to treat and protect against external parasites including sheep scab, ticks, lice, and blowfly. Always follow manufacturer and veterinary guidance for correct concentration and immersion time.

What types of livestock drinker are available?

We stock cattle drinkers, sheep and lamb drinkers, and multi-species troughs in a range of sizes. Key considerations are the number of animals, water consumption rate, and whether you need frost-protection features. Contact our team for sizing guidance.

Slurry Tanks
What are slurry tanks used for?

Slurry tanks store animal waste (dung, urine, and water from livestock units) for later spreading on land as fertiliser. In Ireland, slurry storage and spreading is regulated under the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Regulations — all farms must have adequate storage capacity to comply with closed spreading periods.

What are the slurry storage regulations in Ireland?

The GAP Regulations require a minimum storage capacity (typically 16-26 weeks depending on region and farming system) and restrict spreading to certain times of year — closed spreading periods apply from October to January in most areas. Contact Teagasc or your local Department of Agriculture office for requirements specific to your farm.

Liquid Fertiliser Tanks
What are liquid fertiliser tanks made from?

Typically polyethylene (PE), which offers good resistance to liquid fertilisers such as UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate) solutions. Always confirm tank material compatibility for the specific fertiliser product being stored.

Coal Bunkers
What sizes of coal bunker are available?

We stock a range from compact domestic units to large agricultural and commercial storage. All are designed for outdoor use with weather-resistant construction. Can also be used for smokeless fuel, wood pellets, and briquettes. Keep bunkers dry and well-ventilated to maintain fuel quality.

Brands
Klargester
Who or what is Klargester?

Kingspan Klargester is one of the world's leading manufacturers of wastewater treatment systems with over 65 years' industry experience. Their range covers sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, cesspools, fuel/oil separators, and grease traps.

How does a Klargester BioDisc work?

The BioDisc uses a Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system with three stages: primary settlement where solids settle; Biozone 1 where microorganisms on the RBC break down waste; Biozone 2 with final settlement producing clean effluent suitable for discharge to a watercourse.

How often should you empty your Klargester tank?

Every 12-18 months as a general guide, though frequency depends on household size, water usage, and tank capacity.

What is the difference between an Alpha and Gamma Klargester septic tank?

The Alpha is light, watertight, and strong with easy handling and minimal visual impact. The Gamma prioritises environmental sustainability — easy to install, durable, strong, and lightweight.

Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is happy to help.

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