Oil Tank Health Check & Water Removal Service
Servicing your oil tank regularly is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to protect your boiler, prevent environmental incidents, and avoid unexpected repair costs.
It is very common for oil tanks to contain water at some stage. This usually occurs due to condensation, caused by temperature differences between the inside and outside of the tank. Water can also enter through unseen cracks, corrosion, or failing seals. During winter months, any water present may freeze, potentially disrupting your heating supply until it thaws.
Occasionally, customers question whether water has been delivered with their fuel. This is not the case. Water has very low solubility in fuel oil, and our delivery tankers are never flushed with water or water-based cleaning agents. All tankers are fitted with water-trapping and filtration systems to prevent contamination.
Regular tank servicing helps control condensation, identify early signs of failure, and prevent expensive repairs or environmental incidents.
Benefits of Servicing Your Tank
Prevents damage to your heating system
Protects the environment
Reduces the risk of spills and contamination
Avoids unexpected, costly repairs
Helps prevent damage to your property
What Does Our Tank Health Check Include?
Dip test to indicate whether water is present
Visual inspection of the tank, base, pipework, and fittings
Tank condition assessment and risk report
Professional advice on maintenance, lifespan, and replacement timing
If water is present, we can remove and dispose of it in accordance with environmental regulations (additional charge applies).
All inspections are carried out by a registered OFTEC Technician, who will review the overall condition of the tank and provide practical guidance on how to extend its life or plan for replacement.
We carry out tank inspections daily across domestic, agricultural, and commercial sites throughout Central Scotland.
Visual Inspection – What You Should Check Regularly
It’s good practice to visually check your tank monthly. Just like a car or boiler, a tank can become unsafe between services. Our drivers carry out a visual inspection before every delivery – and you can too.
Look out for:
Cracks – small or large cracks in the tank body
Discolouration – whitening or fading due to UV exposure
Bulging – bowing or distortion of the tank walls
Strong fuel smells – may indicate a leak
Stains or wet patches – signs of leakage around the tank or base
Corrosion – rust or damage to pipework and fittings
How to Help Prevent Tank Damage
In addition to regular servicing, fuel additives can help extend the lifespan of your tank and heating system. Additives improve efficiency, lubricate components, reduce carbon deposits, and promote more complete combustion.
James D Bilsland offers Bilslands Premium Kerosene for Boilers and Cooker’s when ordering fuel, along with a range of fuel additives available to purchase.
To book your tank service phone us on 01360 660264 or use the form below and we will be in touch via email.
Health Check: £65+VAT
Additional Water Removal (if present) : £50+VAT
* Note: Delivery is subject to a mileage charge out with 35-mile radius from our main depot based in Croftamie, Call for details.
Commercial & Larger Tank Disclaimer
Tank health checks for commercial installations, multiple tanks, remote locations, or tanks exceeding standard domestic capacity may require additional time and equipment.
Where this is the case, additional charges may apply and will be discussed prior to attendance or confirmed following an initial inspection.
Large volumes of water, heavily contaminated fuel, or tanks requiring extensive remediation may require a separate quotation.
“Just getting in touch to say that Dougie has just been and taken approx. 60 litres of water out of my oil tank! He explained everything to me well and gave very good advice to the future maintenance of tank. So glad that I have had it checked and serviced, well worth the price for peace of mind! Thanks Dougie.”