Fuel Tank Guide: Types, Materials, and Easy Maintenance Tips

Fuel tanks play a vital role in storing and managing fuel for homes, businesses, farms, and industrial sites. Whether you're storing diesel for a generator, heating oil for your home, or petrol for machinery, understanding your fuel tank options can help ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the different types of fuel tanks, materials they're made from, and maintenance tips to keep your tank in top condition for years to come.

Why Fuel Tank Knowledge Matters

Choosing the right fuel tank isn't just about storage—it's about safety, efficiency, and long-term cost savings. The wrong tank can lead to fuel contamination, leaks, fines, or even equipment damage. The right one helps you store fuel securely, avoid waste, and meet local and national storage laws.

Whether you're managing a fuel storage tank for a home, farm, or business, having the right setup is essential to avoid costly breakdowns or environmental risks.

Types of Fuel Tanks

There are several types of fuel tanks designed for different storage needs. Let's break them down:

1. Above-Ground Fuel Tanks (AGT)

These tanks are installed on the ground and are the most common type for residential and small commercial use.

Pros:

• Easier to install and inspect
• Lower installation cost
• Accessible for maintenance

Cons:

• Visible (may require fencing or enclosures)
• Exposed to weather and temperature changes

2. Underground Fuel Tanks (UGT)

Buried below ground, these are used in commercial, industrial, or high-volume residential settings.

Pros:

• Saves surface space
• Protected from extreme weather

Cons:

• Harder and more expensive to install or repair
• Potential environmental hazard if they leak

3. Mobile Fuel Tanks

These are portable tanks designed for transport, typically mounted on trailers or trucks.

Use Cases:

• On-site fuel for farms or construction sites
• Emergency fuel supply
• Transporting diesel or petrol to different locations

Common Tank Capacities

Fuel tanks are available in a wide range of sizes—from small portable containers (50–200 liters) to industrial-scale tanks holding thousands of liters. For domestic or farm use, 1,000–2,500 liter tanks are common.

When choosing a size, consider:

• Daily or weekly fuel usage
• Delivery frequency
• Available space for installation
• Backup storage needs

Materials Used in Fuel Tanks

The material your fuel tank is made from affects its durability, cost, and suitability for different environments. Here are the most common types:

1. Plastic (Polyethylene) Tanks

Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, these tanks are ideal for domestic and light commercial use.

Advantages:

• Cheaper than metal tanks
• Rust-proof
• Easy to install

Limitations:

• Can degrade under prolonged sun exposure
• Less durable under mechanical stress

2. Steel Tanks

Known for their strength and durability, steel tanks are widely used in industrial and commercial settings.

Advantages:

• High resistance to physical damage
• Longer lifespan in controlled conditions

Limitations:

• Can rust if not protected
• Heavier and harder to install

3. Galvanised Steel Tanks

These are steel tanks coated with a protective layer of zinc to prevent corrosion.

A galvanised steel tank offers the strength of steel with better resistance to weathering. They're a great option for outdoor installations and long-term storage in exposed locations.

Bunded Fuel Tanks – The Safer Option

A bunded fuel tank is essentially a tank within a tank. The inner tank holds the fuel, while the outer tank (the "bund") provides secondary containment in case the inner tank leaks.

Benefits:

• Required by law in many commercial installations
• Reduces environmental risk
• Ideal for areas with high rainfall or spill risk

When it's needed:

• If you store over a certain amount of fuel (varies by country/region)
• In environmentally sensitive locations
• Near waterways, drains, or buildings

Maintenance Tips for Fuel Tanks

Fuel tanks are built to last—but only with regular maintenance. Poor upkeep can lead to leaks, blockages, water contamination, and fire hazards. Here's how to keep your tank in good condition:

1. Inspect Regularly

Look for signs of rust, cracks, dents, or leaks. Check fittings, hoses, and valves for signs of wear or damage. Inspections should be monthly for most tanks and more frequently for older systems.

2. Clean the Tank Annually

Over time, sludge and debris can build up in tanks, especially in a diesel fuel tank. Schedule a professional tank cleaning at least once a year to remove these impurities.

Signs your tank needs cleaning:

• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Blocked filters or fuel lines
• Visible sludge in fuel samples

3. Watch for Water Contamination

Water can enter fuel tanks through condensation, poor seals, or rain. It can lead to microbial growth (diesel bug), rust, and poor fuel performance.

Prevention tips:

• Use fuel additives that prevent water contamination
• Make sure your tank has a water separator
• Check tank lids and openings are sealed properly

4. Use a Fuel Stabilizer

If you're storing fuel for long periods (especially diesel), adding a fuel stabilizer can prevent the fuel from degrading. This is important for backup generators, seasonal equipment, or emergency supply tanks.

5. Protect Against Overfilling

Always monitor during refueling to prevent spills. Some tanks come with overfill protection valves—if yours doesn't, never leave a tank unattended while filling.

Legal and Safety Regulations

Depending on your location and the amount of fuel stored, you may be subject to local or national fuel storage laws. Some common requirements include:

• Secondary containment (bunded tanks)
• Safe distances from buildings or boundaries
• Fire protection measures
• Regular tank inspections
• Spill kits and emergency procedures

Always check local regulations before installing or modifying a fuel tank system.

Choosing the Right Tank for Your Needs

Selecting the right tank depends on what you're storing, how much, and where. Here's a quick reference:

Whether you're storing petrol, kerosene, or diesel, every application benefits from safe, long-lasting storage.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Tank

Even the best tanks wear out. Here are signs your fuel tank may need replacing:

• Rust, especially around welds or seams
• Cracks or UV damage on plastic tanks
• Persistent fuel smells or damp areas nearby
• Inconsistent fuel flow or repeated clogs
• Age over 15–20 years (depending on material)

When it's time to upgrade, modern fuel storage tanks offer better insulation, monitoring, and safety features than older models.

Final Thoughts

Fuel tanks may seem like simple storage solutions, but they require the right materials, proper installation, and regular care to work safely and efficiently. By understanding the different types of tanks, what they're made from, and how to maintain them, you can ensure long-lasting performance—whether you're storing fuel for your home, business, or farm.

From choosing a bunded fuel tank for environmental safety to opting for galvanised steel tanks for outdoor durability, every decision you make impacts your fuel system's reliability. And with regular inspections, cleaning, and smart usage, you can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to costly repairs or environmental damage.

Take care of your tank—and it will take care of your fuel.