How often must a heating oil tank be inspected?

In Flanders, have an underground domestic heating oil tank of up to 5,000 kg inspected every 5 years. An above-ground tank of that size no longer needs periodic inspection.

A leaking underground tank pollutes soil and groundwater without you noticing. That is why Flanders requires a periodic inspection by a certified technician. Larger tanks follow a different schedule.

1. Find the date of the last inspection on the certificate or tank plate
2. Book a certified heating oil technician
3. Make sure the manhole and fill pipe are accessible
4. Keep the inspection certificate and note the colour of the sticker

45 to 90 minutes.

• appointment with a certified technician
• previous inspection certificate

Flanders (Belgium): a domestic underground heating oil tank of up to 5,000 kg must be inspected every 5 years by a certified technician. Since 1 March 2009, above-ground tanks of that size no longer need periodic inspection.

This rule applies in Flanders. Wallonia and Brussels have their own intervals, which are on separate pages. The rules for other countries have not been checked here.

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Work safely and follow the manual. If in doubt, or if it involves gas, combustion or working at height, leave it to a qualified professional.

Source

• Departement Omgeving, Vlaamse overheid — Hoe vaak moet een particuliere stookolietank na ingebruikname gecontroleerd worden?

Checked on: 2026-09-27

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