Your oil tank and supply line: what to keep an eye on

When an oil boiler plays up, the boiler often gets the blame. Quite often the cause is further back: in the tank, or somewhere along the line that brings the oil to the house. Here is what is worth keeping an eye on.

Water in the tank

Water gets into oil tanks through condensation and, on older tanks, through tired lids and seals. Being heavier than oil, it sits at the bottom. A little can cause trouble on its own, and in a hard frost it can freeze in the line. Keeping the lid secure and the tank in good order helps.

Sludge at the bottom

Over the years, a layer of sludge builds up at the bottom of a tank. It is usually left alone, but if the tank is run almost empty, the boiler can draw it into the supply line and the filter. That is one good reason not to let the level get too low, especially in winter.

The filter on the supply line

Most supply lines have a filter that catches dirt and water before it reaches the boiler. A blocked filter starves the boiler of oil and can look like a boiler fault. It is normally checked as part of the yearly service.

Signs of a problem with the tank itself

• Cracks, bulges or splits in a plastic tank
• Rust or weeping seams on a steel tank
• A strong smell of oil, or staining on the ground nearby
• Oil use that suddenly goes up with no obvious reason

If you see any of these, get it looked at. A leaking tank is a problem for your wallet and for the ground around it.

Where we come in

Our team is now registered to work on oil boilers, and every oil job starts with a site visit. On that visit we look at the tank and supply line as well as the boiler, because there is no sense fitting or fixing a boiler that is being fed badly. Ring 07712 646488 or use the form below to book.