Electrics and gas
The survey photographs an oil tank against the kitchen wall. Has that photograph measured a bund, or decided the tank is lawful?
No. The photograph of the oil tank against the kitchen wall has not measured a bund and has not decided the tank is lawful. The survey records what could be seen: the tank, where it sits, and whether any catch wall appeared in the frame. It does not dip the oil, test the pipe, or apply a legal test to the installation. A bund is a physical catchment. A picture of a lip is not a measured volume and not a ruling that the setup is allowed. Ask an oil technician to inspect the tank, the base and the visible pipe before you treat the heating as settled.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.
What is the fuller explanation?
A home survey is visual. The oil tank is recorded because it stood against the kitchen wall, not because anyone measured a catchment. A bund is the tray or wall meant to hold a spill. Whether that tank is lawful is a different question about the tank, its base and its position. A photograph can show a lip, a wall, or neither. It does not state a volume, and it does not decide that the setup is allowed.
Before exchange, ask an oil technician to inspect the tank, the base and the visible pipe, and to say in writing what they could and could not check. Do not treat the survey photograph as that visit. If the tank sits tight against the kitchen wall, point that out so the technician looks at clearance and support, not only at the filler. Keep their note with the survey paragraph for your solicitor.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- Did you see a catch wall or tray around the oil tank, or only the tank shell?
- Was the tank hard against the kitchen wall for its full length, or only at one end?
- Which parts of the base and the oil pipe were hidden from where you stood?
What are the typical next steps?
- Ask an oil technician to inspect the tank, base and visible pipe in writing.
- Do not treat the survey photograph as a bund measurement or a legal clearance.
- Keep the technician's note beside the survey paragraph for your solicitor.
Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.
Also asked about this
Does a plastic shell in the photograph mean the oil tank is modern and sound?
No. The picture shows only the shell that was there. It does not date the tank, test the pipe, or prove that the base under it is sound.
Should you empty the oil tank on a viewing to look for a bund?
No. Do not interfere with the oil installation on a viewing. Ask a technician to inspect it once the seller has agreed proper access.