Last updated on March 31st, 2022
Cost of removing a domestic oil tank
Are you looking to remove your domestic oil tank? Whether you want to swap your existing tank for a new one with a bigger capacity, or you’re hoping to become more environmentally friendly by switching oil for LPG, removing your oil tank can be a lot easier and cheaper than you might think. Here, we’ll break down the average cost of removing a domestic oil tank.
Are you looking to remove your domestic oil tank? Whether you want to swap your existing tank for a new one with a bigger capacity, or you’re hoping to become more environmentally friendly by switching oil for LPG, removing your oil tank can be a lot easier and cheaper than you might think. Here, we’ll break down the average cost of removing a domestic oil tank.
How much does it cost to remove an oil tank?
| Item | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic oil tank removal | £500 | £1,000 | £750 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The cost of removing a domestic oil tank is normally between £500 and £1,000. This will typically include all labour, transportation and disposal costs.
| Task | Average UK cost |
|---|---|
| Ripping out | £300 |
| Electrical work | £600 |
| Wall Tiling | £850 - £950 |
| Vinyl Flooring | £250 - £950 |
| First fix plumbing | £25 - £40 per m² |
| Underfloor heating | £40 per m² |
| Bathroom re-plaster | £1,000 |
| Core drilling for new pipes | £100 |
| Re-configure layout, i.e. new studwork wall | £1,000 |
| Decorator | £400 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Factors affecting the cost of removing a domestic oil tank
The exact cost of removing your oil tank will depend on a number of factors. Here are the primary ones.
- Where your tank is located: If your tank is located belowground, it will normally cost more to remove as it will need to be excavated.
- The size of your tank: If your oil tank has a capacity of over 1,000 litres, it may mean facing additional costs.
- What’s in the tank: If your tank is empty or nearly empty, it will usually cost less to remove. If it’s full, the cost will vary depending on whether it contains oil, diesel or another kind of chemical.
- What’s it made from: Plastic tanks tend to cost less to remove than tanks made of steel or other kinds of metal, as they’re lighter.
- How it’s removed: Depending on access and other factors, your tank may need to be cut up rather than removed whole.
- Your location: Getting an oil tank removed from a remote location could cost more.
- Whether you’re replacing your tank: Some oil tank installers will remove your old tank while they install your new one, which won’t usually cost much more in terms of labour.
Cost to remove an oil tank from the basement
If your old oil tank is located in the basement, it might cost a bit more to remove as it’s unlikely that it would fit whole up the basement stairs. This means it will probably need to be cut up in order to be removed. A professional will be able to fully empty and clean it before breaking it down into smaller pieces to remove it.
Cost to remove an underground oil tank
If your oil tank is buried underground, it can still be removed. However, it will usually cost more as it will need to be excavated, which may require specialist machinery. Plus, pipes and utility lines will need to be taken into consideration.
With specialist equipment, you can even remove oil tanks that are located beneath buildings. This machinery can cut the tank into pieces in order to remove it, reducing the amount of excavating that’s required.
FAQs
How long do oil tanks last?
Most oil tanks last for 15 to 20 years.
How long does it take to remove a domestic oil tank?
Usually, domestic oil tanks only take around half a day to remove. But if your oil tank is located underground or the job is more complex, it could take a whole day or even longer.
How much does it cost to replace a domestic oil tank?
If you’re looking to replace your old oil tank with a new one, the cost will vary depending on the type and size of your new tank, as well as your location. Generally, you’ll be looking at a cost of between £800 and £3,800. Our oil tank installation cost guide has the full lowdown.
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