How To Detect & Remove Water From Your Heating Oil Tank

Over a long period of time, water can build up in your domestic heating oil tank caused by a number of different factors, these include:

• Damaged Tank

• The filler cap being left open

• Condensation build-up

• Severe weather conditions

Your boiler can be affected significantly by water contamination in your oil tank, so it is important to know how to spot it and the steps you can take to avoid it.

Condensation

More common during the warmer months and in partially filled fuel tanks, water contamination can occur when cold water vapour meets a warmer surface.

When the external temperature begins to increase during the summer months, the tanks internal temperature is cooler than the outside climate. This causes moist air to cool inside of the tank and water vapour in the air to produce water on the inner walls. Since water is heavier and denser than most liquid fuels, this produces a layer of water that settles at the bottom of the tank.

We recommend ensuring your tank is topped up year-round to help reduce the risk of condensation in your tank and also reduces the risk of your tank running dry. Not filling your tank can leave room for air which can increase the chance of condensation.

Rainwater

Older, single skin tanks have a much higher chance of rainwater entering than a newer/well-maintained tank.

Signs to look out for include:

• Cracks/splits in tank

• Corroded seals

• Damaged vents

• Filler caps not tightened

Domestic heating oil tanks have a lifespan of around 10-15 years with the correct maintenance. At James D Bilsland we can supply and install a wide range of heating oil tanks and offer a tank health service to ensure that your heating system is operating smoothly.

Water Contamination

Microbial Contamination - Water creates a suitable breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Bacteria release acid that can corrode fuel lines, filters and causes sludge build-up on the bottom of the tank.

Frozen Fuel Lines - If your fuel is contaminated with water it can freeze at 0°. These can create wear in fuel systems, blocking fuel filters and increasing corrosion by expanding inside larger cracks

Corroded oil tank – with metal tanks, corrosion forms as a result of water contamination, from the inside out – so without regular checks, you won’t be aware of any issues that are occurring within. Water produces iron oxide (rust) when it comes into contact with iron and steel surfaces, causing abrasive wear to machinery and equipment parts. Corrosion causes sediment and bacteria to build up, causing injector problems, damaged burner components and eventually, a full tank replacement.

How To Spot Water In Your Tank

Tank Service/health check

Visual inspections alone cannot adequately check for water within your tank. Our registered OFTEC engineer can come to your home and test your fuel for water. If only a small amount of contamination is found, our engineer can remove the water and decontaminate your fuel back to normal. If water is present, we can remove & Dispose of it in accordance with environmental regulations (Additional Cost). For more information click here

Water Detection Paste

A water detection paste can help determine if there’s water present in your tank. The paste will change colour when it comes into contact with water.

To check for water, apply some of the water detection paste on a stick and gently place it into the tank until it hits the bottom. Leave it for roughly 30 seconds and then remove it from the tank. If the paste has changed colour then there is water present in your tank.

To ensure that all the water is removed the oil filter should be changed and the boiler feed pipe flushed. This can be carried out by a registered OFTEC engineer if it is out of your expertise.

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To book a tank health check or for more information, give our office a phone on 01360 660264 and one of our friendly staff will assist you.