ᐅ Using an Oil Storage Tank as a Cistern: Has Anyone Done This?
Created on: 18 Jan 2020 16:25
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Pinky0301
Hello,
I wasn’t sure in which section to post this question, but since I find the topic ecological, I chose to post here.
Our house, which we are renovating, had an oil heating system until this week. The tank is a 10,000-liter (2,642-gallon) spherical tank buried in the front yard. Now the question is what to do with it.
Option 1: Disposal. I am currently getting some quotes for that. I wonder how much of the area around the tank needs to be excavated and how to fill the hole afterward.
Option 2: Use it as a cistern for garden irrigation. We have a large roof area, so we definitely collect a lot of water. The downspout is about 15 meters (49 feet) away. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to get the water from the downspout into the cistern. Maybe the distance is already too far? Also, a cistern needs to be cleaned. The tank has a very small access hatch; I can’t imagine how someone could fit through it.
Has anyone here ever done something like this (option 2) or heard about it?
I wasn’t sure in which section to post this question, but since I find the topic ecological, I chose to post here.
Our house, which we are renovating, had an oil heating system until this week. The tank is a 10,000-liter (2,642-gallon) spherical tank buried in the front yard. Now the question is what to do with it.
Option 1: Disposal. I am currently getting some quotes for that. I wonder how much of the area around the tank needs to be excavated and how to fill the hole afterward.
Option 2: Use it as a cistern for garden irrigation. We have a large roof area, so we definitely collect a lot of water. The downspout is about 15 meters (49 feet) away. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to get the water from the downspout into the cistern. Maybe the distance is already too far? Also, a cistern needs to be cleaned. The tank has a very small access hatch; I can’t imagine how someone could fit through it.
Has anyone here ever done something like this (option 2) or heard about it?
Common procedure in this case: pumping out the remaining oil and cleaning the tank by a certified specialist company, inspection of the tank and approval by a certified, independent expert (service provided by the specialist company). For an intact tank: quick approval. For a corroded tank and/or suspected risk of petroleum leakage into the soil: possible collection of soil samples and analysis by a geological laboratory, as well as potential soil replacement.
Afterwards, either filling the tank with approved material (offered by a certified specialist company), removal and scrapping of the tank plus filling/compacting the tank pit with approved material (civil engineering contractor), or as suggested: rehabilitation of the oil tank by coating applied by a certified specialist company.
Filling and leaving the tank in the ground is still the most cost-effective method.
Afterwards, either filling the tank with approved material (offered by a certified specialist company), removal and scrapping of the tank plus filling/compacting the tank pit with approved material (civil engineering contractor), or as suggested: rehabilitation of the oil tank by coating applied by a certified specialist company.
Filling and leaving the tank in the ground is still the most cost-effective method.
Vicky Pedia18 Jan 2020 20:16Let's be realistic. An oil tank hardly corrodes from the inside. Cleaning by a professional company is obvious. Then I would use it until it deteriorates. Disposing of a 10 cubic meter (10,000 liter) tank creates a huge hole. If the tank is no longer usable, fill it with soil. I myself use a decommissioned septic tank and had similar problems with liquid bitumen inside back then. Today, I am grateful for the 6 square meters (65 square feet). I coat it on the inside every three years, and it serves its purpose. Punky, you’ve read many opinions here, but ultimately you have to make the decision yourself.
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hampshire18 Jan 2020 22:07Vicky Pedia schrieb:
Let's be realistic. An oil tank hardly rusts from the inside.It doesn’t rust as long as it is in use. After that, it becomes vulnerable.Vicky Pedia18 Jan 2020 22:16Completely basic, but it’s there, costs nothing, and the benefit of 10 m³ (2650 gallons) of water for the garden is definitely significant. And if it develops a leak in 15 years, you can still look for a solution. At the moment, it only costs for cleaning; otherwise, you are, of course, right.