Oil Tanks & Water Cisterns

Above-ground tanks: The most common type, visible on a property.

Underground tanks: Buried beneath the ground, less common for domestic use due to higher installation costs and the potential for difficult leak detection.

Single-skinned: Consists of a single layer of material. Less common now due to environmental regulations.

Bunded (double-skinned or integrally bunded): These are essentially a "tank within a tank," providing a secondary containment area to prevent spills and pollution in case of a leak from the inner tank. In the UK, bunded tanks are often legally required, especially if the tank is near a watercourse or in an environmentally sensitive area, or if it holds more than a certain volume (e.g. over 3,500 litres in England).

Above-ground: Visible, easier to install and maintain.

Underground: Buried, saving space and helping to keep water cool.

"Loft tanks" or "header tanks": Common in older UK properties, situated in the loft to provide gravity-fed cold water to some taps and the hot water cylinder.

Benefits: Allows for bulk fuel purchases, provides an independent fuel supply, and can be crucial for properties off the gas grid.

Risks: Environmental pollution from leaks/spills, fire risk if not installed and maintained correctly, and potential for theft.

Benefits: Reduced reliance on mains water (saving money and promoting sustainability) stormwater management, and a backup water supply.

Risks: Contamination (especially for potable water) if not properly maintained, designed, or installed. Potential for stagnation if oversized. Limited capacity during dry periods.