Tank Testing in Australia – Accurate, Fast, and EPA-Compliant
Protect Your Fuel System, Stay Compliant, and Avoid Costly Leaks
Flowco Australia delivers precision tank testing services to clients across every state and territory in Australia. Our work helps fuel retailers, fleet operators, industrial facilities, and government organisations protect their assets, meet environmental regulations, and operate with confidence.
At the heart of our service is the proven Flowco tank test. This method has been developed, tested, and refined over decades to provide exceptional accuracy in detecting even the smallest leaks. It enables us to find and confirm issues quickly without disrupting your operations. The process is entirely non-invasive and can be performed while your tanks remain in service, which means there is no loss of revenue due to downtime.
Our testing meets and in many cases exceeds EPA and Underground Petroleum Storage System (UPSS) compliance requirements. This ensures that once your tanks have been tested and certified, you can be certain they are safe, leak-free, and ready for inspection by regulators or auditors. With over twenty years of industry experience, Flowco Australia is trusted by major petroleum brands, independent operators, and government facilities across the country.
Why Tank Testing Matters
Fuel tanks are essential to your operation, but without regular and reliable testing they can pose serious risks. Leaks often begin as small, almost undetectable seepages, but over time they can lead to significant fuel loss, contamination of surrounding soil and groundwater, and costly repairs or clean-up work.
Environmental contamination from leaking fuel tanks can have severe consequences, both financially and reputationally. A single undetected leak can result in a multi-million-dollar remediation project and long-term damage to your business name. Regulators take these issues seriously, and failure to meet testing requirements can lead to substantial fines or even suspension of operations.
Beyond compliance, leaks represent direct financial loss through wasted product. Even a slow leak can accumulate into thousands of litres of lost fuel over a year. In addition, water ingress caused by faulty seals or corroded fittings can damage pumps, filters, and other equipment, leading to breakdowns and unplanned service interruptions. Regular tank testing is the most effective way to prevent these problems before they occur.
How Our Tank Testing Works
Our tank testing process has been carefully designed to deliver fast, accurate results with minimal disruption to your operations. It begins with a detailed site assessment. Our team reviews your fuel system layout, identifies the tanks and lines to be tested, and ensures all necessary preparation is completed.
We then conduct the test itself using the Flowco / LOB method. This highly accurate system is capable of detecting leaks as small as 0.1 litres per hour. It operates effectively in both wet and dry conditions and can be performed while your tanks remain in use. This means no draining, no fuel removal, and no lost trading time.
Once the testing is complete, we provide you with a detailed compliance report. This report contains all the information required to satisfy EPA and UPSS requirements, and it clearly documents the condition of your fuel storage system. If the results show that your tanks are in good condition, you have written confirmation of compliance. If a leak or other issue is identified, the report will specify its location and severity, along with our recommendations for rectification.
Our team does not simply hand over the results and walk away. We provide follow-up support, including arranging or performing repairs, conducting tank cleaning, and scheduling re-testing as needed to ensure your site returns to full compliance as quickly as possible.
Our Technology – Setting the Standard in Leak Detection
The Flowco tank test is one of the most advanced underground fuel tank testing methods available today. Developed through years of research and thousands of field applications worldwide, it combines precision instrumentation with proven testing protocols to deliver unmatched accuracy.
This method can detect leaks far smaller than those found using traditional approaches, with sensitivity down to 0.1 litres per hour. It works reliably regardless of whether conditions inside the tank are wet or dry, which allows testing to be carried out year-round in any environment. Because there is no requirement to remove fuel, businesses avoid costly downtime and service interruptions.
The Flowco tank test is also recognised by Australian environmental regulators as a compliant method for UPSS and EPA reporting purposes. It is trusted by fuel operators globally for its accuracy, efficiency, and reliability — and Flowco Australia is one of the leading providers of this service in the country.
Compliance and Accreditation
Navigating Australian fuel storage compliance can be complex, but Flowco Australia makes it straightforward. Our services are fully compliant with AS4897 standards and state-based EPA regulations. Every tank test we conduct meets the requirements for Underground Petroleum Storage Systems, and our reports are accepted by regulatory authorities throughout Australia.
Our technicians are highly trained and accredited in all aspects of fuel system compliance testing. Each test is carried out in line with strict quality assurance processes, ensuring both the accuracy of the results and the safety of the testing procedure. We also provide clear and detailed documentation, making audits and inspections stress-free for our clients.
Proven Results – Case Studies
Retail Fuel Site – Western Australia
A busy retail fuel site in Western Australia had been experiencing minor, irregular fuel stock discrepancies for several months. The discrepancies were small enough to remain within the industry’s allowable tolerance limits, meaning there was no immediate breach of compliance. However, the site operator knew that even minor unexplained losses could be an early indicator of a larger, hidden problem.
Flowco Australia was engaged to perform a full system integrity check using the Flowco tank test. Unlike standard testing methods that may not detect losses below certain thresholds, our technology is highly sensitive, capable of identifying leaks as small as 0.1 litres per hour.
The test revealed a small leak in an underground product line leading to one of the site’s busiest dispensers. Although technically below the reportable leak threshold, the finding was critical — left undetected, the leak would have led to long-term fuel loss, increased costs, and potential environmental risk. Early detection meant the repair could be completed quickly, with minimal excavation and no service disruption.
Retail Fuel Site – Melbourne
A metropolitan fuel retailer in Melbourne began recording ongoing fuel inventory losses that could not be explained through normal operations. The situation created both financial strain and concerns about possible compliance breaches.
The Flowco tank test was conducted to check the integrity of the underground storage tanks and lines. Within minutes, our testing identified a small leak at a pipe fitting. Because the leak’s location was pinpointed precisely, repairs were targeted and efficient, avoiding unnecessary excavation. Compliance was restored, losses stopped, and the site avoided what could have become an expensive remediation project.
Industrial Facility – Brisbane
An industrial fuel storage facility in Brisbane relied on large diesel reserves for operations but faced repeated contamination issues. Water was frequently detected in the diesel tanks, causing clogged filters, reduced engine performance, and unplanned downtime.
Flowco Australia was brought in to identify the cause. Using the Flowco tank test, we confirmed a persistent point of water ingress through a deteriorated manway gasket. The faulty gasket was replaced and the tank professionally cleaned, with no need to drain fuel during testing. Since then, the facility has had no further contamination issues, equipment reliability has improved, and operational downtime has been eliminated, saving the business both maintenance costs and lost production time.
Nationwide Service Coverage
Flowco Australia provides tank testing services across every major metropolitan area as well as regional and remote locations. In Victoria, we service Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and surrounding towns. In New South Wales, our coverage extends from Sydney to Newcastle, Wollongong, and the regions beyond. Queensland customers are supported from Brisbane through to the Gold Coast, Cairns, and Townsville. We also operate extensively in South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, ensuring that wherever your site is located, you have access to expert testing services.
Book Your Tank Test Today
A properly tested fuel tank is more than just a compliance requirement — it is peace of mind. By booking a Flowco / LOB tank test, you are taking an active step to protect your investment, safeguard the environment, and maintain the smooth running of your business.
To arrange an EPA-compliant tank test anywhere in Australia, call us on 1800 FLOWCO or CONTACT US today. Our team is ready to provide the expertise, technology, and support you need to keep your fuel system safe and compliant.
Tank Testing – Frequently Asked Questions
How often should fuel tanks be tested in Australia?
In Australia, most Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS) require testing at least once every 12 months to comply with state EPA regulations and AS4897 standards. However, sites with older infrastructure, high fuel throughput, or a history of leaks may need more frequent testing.
Why not a vacuum acoustic test?
While vacuum acoustic tank testing is a recognised method that uses sound waves and pressure monitoring to detect leaks, it is not always the most reliable or practical solution in real-world operating conditions. Vacuum-based testing can be influenced by environmental noise, variations in tank construction, and site conditions, which may affect the accuracy of results. In some cases, this method may also require more preparation time, site disruption, or conditions that are not suitable for every location.
The Flowco tank test is designed to overcome these limitations. It provides consistent, highly accurate results in both wet and dry conditions, detects leaks as small as 0.1 litres per hour, and can be performed without draining tanks or interrupting operations. This means no false readings, minimal downtime, and a greater level of certainty for compliance and operational decision-making.
Do I need to empty my tanks for testing?
No. Flowco Australia’s precision tank testing can be performed with fuel still in the tank, meaning there is minimal disruption to your business operations.
What happens if a leak is detected?
If a leak is found, you will receive a detailed compliance report outlining the location, severity, and recommended actions. Flowco Australia can assist with arranging repairs, tank cleaning, and follow-up testing to restore compliance.
Is tank testing mandatory?
Yes. Under Australian environmental and fuel storage regulations, tank testing is a mandatory requirement to identify leaks, prevent contamination, and ensure public safety. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and costly remediation work.
How long does tank testing take?
Most tank tests can be completed in a few hours, depending on the size and number of tanks. Multiple tanks can often be tested in a single site visit to minimise downtime.
How much does tank testing cost?
The cost depends on factors such as number of tanks, location, and site accessibility. For an accurate quote, contact Flowco Australia for a tailored compliance testing proposal.
Which areas do you service?
Flowco Australia provides nationwide tank testing services, covering metro, regional, and remote sites across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
