Refurbishment
Reasons that require refurbishment:
Defective double jacket of the tank (leak indicator on alarm)
Every underground tank today must be double-walled. Corrosion damage is often the cause. This can occur both in the shaft (water) and on the outer wall of the tank due to age.
Corrosion damage inside the tank is rather rare.
How can these be remedied?
In many cases, corrosion damage in the shaft can be repaired by welding holes. However, this requires the tank to be taken out of service beforehand.
Extinguishers in the inner and outer shell can only be repaired by means of coating (tank in tank) or tank inner shell
.
Interior refurbishment
What are the main reasons for an interior renovation?
- Corrosion damage to the outer shell of the buried tank (holes)
- Corrosion damage in the shaft area (water)
- Corrosion damage inside the tank
- Conversion of heating oil or fuel tanks in the ground
In most cases, these tanks are far older than 40 years. Renovation of the outer shell would only be possible if the tank were removed from the ground, which is often not possible. The two options are
- Refurbishment using the "tank in tank" system - which is equivalent to a new tank system. Certainly a solution if the tank is needed in the next 30 years or more.
- Refurbishment using inner tank foil. A value-preserving solution which experience has shown to last 20 years or more (vacuum between existing tank and inner tank liner)
Important: the inner tank foil can be used for both heating oil and gasoline.
Tank inspection every 10 years
Heating oil and fuel tanks must be inspected every 10 years. Based on the results of the inspection, we will suggest the appropriate measures.
Do I always have to renovate my underground tank?
Most single-walled underground tanks are equipped with a full vacuum, which requires an annual service. These tanks must be refurbished.
Would you like to know why? 
Click here for the KVU information sheet.
My tank has an inner shell, does it need to be refurbished?
However, if your tank is fitted with an inner tank cover (service every 2 years), it meets the minimum legal requirements.
How can I determine whether my tank has an inner cover?
Tank lid on – head in – look ;-), NO if you cannot determine this from the outside or have a corresponding technical description of the tank, it is better to leave this task to us.
Just call 033 345 75 50
Possible refurbishment options
Variant 1: Add a PVC inner protective cover to the tank. You can find more information here or in this video.
Variant 2: (value-preserving) Coat the inside of the tank and add a PVC inner protective cover. Watch the video on this topic.
Variant 3: (new tank system) “Tank in tank” – installation of a double-walled tank in the existing tank system (without inner protective cover). This is then considered a new system.
Variant 4: Installation of a new tank system using small tanks. Click here for more information.
Tank inspection every 10 years
Heating oil and fuel tanks must be inspected every 10 years. Based on the results of the inspection, we will suggest the appropriate measures.
Do you have any questions or would you like a personal consultation? Contact us – together we will find the best solution for you.
Tank room renovation
Was there a complaint about the tank compartment during the last tank inspection?
In concrete terms, this means that the tank room, which serves as a catch basin in the event of an accident (overfilling, rusting through of the tank), is no longer leak-proof. According to legal regulations, rooms in which tanks are installed must be carefully sealed. This is the only way to prevent leaking, water-polluting liquids from reaching the ground and contaminating the groundwater.
Possible variants
Variant 1: The tank compartment has a few small cracks
In many cases, sealing with a liquid plastic is sufficient.
Variant 2: Many large cracks in the floor and walls
Lining with a prefabricated tank compartment foil made of tear-resistant, elastic PVC sealing sheets. Despite our many years of experience, the tank compartment is checked for leaks after lining.
- Simple installation in new buildings and existing tank rooms.
- No special treatment of the substrate is necessary.
- Cracks or other leaks in the masonry are no longer a danger once the foil has been installed.
- Heating operation does not have to be interrupted during installation.
- No waiting or drying times as with the installation of polyester linings.
- Our tank compartment films (Sarnafil) are tested and approved.
- We grant a ten-year guarantee on tank compartment films.
Here you can see the work process of a tank room refurbishment:
Variant 3: Tank replacement with new tank system
Step 1:
The existing tank is taken out of service, dismantled and disposed of.
Step 2:
Installation of a new tank system, for example with double-walled small tanks.
Variant 4: Conversion to rainwater tank
If you convert the existing heating oil tank into a rainwater tank, the tank room does not need to be renovated…. (Is that right?)
Take the tank out of service and use it for rainwater.
Click here for more information.
Variant 5: Alternative heating system
Decommission and dismantle the tank. Click here for more information.
Variant 6: Convert the tank room
You would like to convert the spare room into a cellar, fitness room or hobby room.
Take the tank out of operation, dismantle and dispose of it.
Do you have any questions or would you like a personal consultation? Contact us now – together we will find the best solution for you.
Tank interior coatings
The internal coating of a tank is considered if the tank has severe seizures inside the tank. In individual cases, holes in the inner tank shell can also be welded. This is a value-preserving measure.
Internal tank coating is primarily used when converting a tank system (heating oil to rainwater). Coating the steel is a must in this case. Ideally, the tank is sandblasted before coating (but this is not a prerequisite)
Do you have any questions or would you like a personal consultation? Contact us – together we will find the best solution for you.
Manhole renovation
The shaft to the underground tank also has a safety-relevant function, provided it is tightly lined. This is particularly important in the event of overfilling. In the case of heating oil and diesel systems, the shaft can also be used for ventilation. Special attention must be paid to the following points:
- Pipes that are routed into or through the shaft must be fitted with tight sleeves. (Tightness of the tank)
- The space between the inner and outer manhole must be cleaned periodically (remove sand / stones and other dirt with high pressure or suction vehicles)
- The cover of the inner shaft must be in tact.
- Periodic cleaning of the shaft, removal of condensation prevents corrosion.
Do you have any questions or would you like a personal consultation? Contact us now – together we will find the best solution for you.
Manhole cover
Weather, stress and repeated assembly and disassembly can damage your manhole cover. Whether the cover is made of concrete or cast iron, a defective manhole cover will cause water to enter the tank shaft. Particularly in winter, when the water that has entered freezes, this can cause major damage. And what is the solution?
With a new top tank manhole cover, you have the following advantages:
- Water can no longer penetrate through the manhole cover. This means the fittings rust less. However, the formation of condensation cannot be prevented.
- Two gas struts actively support the opening and closing of the service lid, for double safety and a longer service life.
- The larger service opening with Ø 65 cm instead of the previous Ø 60 cm provides 17% more space for serving.
- The larger opening angle with secure open position ensures even better access.
- With a permissible load of over 16 tons of wheel pressure (three times more than cast iron covers), they are already equipped for 40-ton trucks.
- Cost savings during service work: Easy installation and removal of the complete cover is possible by one person without tools thanks to the lightweight, flat sandwich design.
- You receive a 2-year guarantee and service throughout Switzerland.
The top tank manhole cover is available in three round sizes (80 cm/100 cm/125 cm). This allows existing cast iron covers to be replaced quickly, easily and without any structural work. The cover is simply inserted into the existing cast iron ring and locked in place.
Do you have any questions or would you like a personal consultation? Contact us – together we will find the best solution for you.
Frequently asked questions:
When Do I Have to Arrange for an Internal Cleaning?
We recommend that heating oil tanks undergo an inspection with internal cleaning every 10 years.
When was the last revision?
You will find a sticker on the door to the tank which tells you when the last work was carried out on your tank.
Do I Have to Expect Additional Costs for an Inspection in Winter?
No, we will create a temporary heating system for you (a temporary oil feed for your heating).
I Filled My Tank in Spring. How many Liters Can You Extract from the Tank without Additional Costs?
Up to a maximum of 15,000 liters. However, it is important for us that you can give us as accurate information as possible about the heating oil level. This allows us to arrange the right tank trailer for the temporary storage for you. The easiest way to do this is to measure the oil level with the measuring stick.