Causes of Water in an Oil Tank and How to Fix It
Causes of water in an oil tank and how to fix it, water in your oil tank is more than just an inconvenience—it can cause costly damage to your heating system and reduce its efficiency. Understanding how water gets into your oil tank and how to address it is important to maintaining a safe and functional heating system. In the article, I’ll explain how water gets into your tank and how to remove it.
How Does Water Get Into an Oil Tank?
- Condensation Inside the Tank
One of the most common causes of water in an oil tank is condensation. When the temperature outside fluctuates, moisture can build up inside the tank, especially if the tank isn’t filled to capacity. Over time, this condensation can collect and settle at the bottom of the tank. - Faulty or Damaged Fittings
Poorly sealed caps, vents, or fittings can allow rainwater to seep into the tank. This is a particular issue for outdoor tanks exposed to the elements. - Cracks or Corrosion
Old or poorly maintained tanks may develop cracks that allow water to infiltrate. - Delivery Issues
In rare cases, water contamination can occur during the delivery of heating oil. If the oil supplier’s tank or hoses contain water, it could inadvertently end up in your tank.
Why Is Water in Your Oil Tank a Problem?
Water in your oil tank is a hidden threat that can lead to significant issues if not addressed. Here’s a closer look at the potential problems caused by water contamination:
1. Blocked Fuel Lines
Water in the bottom of the tank can freeze during cold weather, forming ice blockages in the fuel lines. This can restrict or completely cut off the flow of oil to your heating system, leaving you without heat. Even in milder conditions, water can mix with oil and create an emulsion that disrupts fuel flow, causing your boiler or burner to struggle and reducing its efficiency.
2. Corrosion
Water accelerates the process of rust and corrosion inside your tank, particularly for steel tanks. Over time, this weakens the structure of the tank, increasing the risk of leaks. Leaking oil tanks can lead to environmental hazards and costly cleanup operations, with some oil spills costing thousands of pounds to remediate.
3. Damage to Boilers and Burners
If water enters your heating system, it can damage critical components such as boilers and burners. Water doesn’t burn like oil and can cause misfiring, inefficiency, and even complete system failure. Repairs to boilers and burners damaged by water can be costly, and in severe cases, replacement might be necessary.
4. Bacterial Growth
When water mixes with oil, it creates an ideal breeding ground for microbes, particularly in the stagnant areas of the tank. These microbes feed on the oil and produce a sludge-like substance that can clog filters, pipes, and fuel lines. Over time, this sludge can settle at the bottom of the tank, making it harder for the system to draw clean oil.
Causes of Water in an Oil Tank and How to Fix It
When it comes to water contamination in your oil tank, here’s a detailed guide on what to do:
1. Test for Water in Your Oil Tank
Before taking any action, you need to confirm whether water is present in your oil tank.
- Water-Finding Paste: This is a simple and cost-effective method. Apply the paste to the end of a dipstick and lower it into the tank. The paste will change colour if it comes into contact with water, giving you a clear indication of contamination.
For a step-by-step guide, read our article on how to test for water in your oil tank.
2. Remove the Water
Once you’ve confirmed the presence of water in your oil tank, the next step is to remove it. While this task can be done manually, it requires specific tools and careful handling to avoid damaging the tank or creating an environmental hazard.
What You’ll Need
- Fuel Transfer Pump: A pump designed for transferring liquid fuels is required for safely extracting the contaminated water from the tank.
- 20-Litre Drums: These will be used to collect the extracted water and oil mixture. Ensure the drums are leak-proof and approved for kerosene fuel storage.
- Fuel Pipe with Inline Filter: A flexible fuel pipe long enough to reach the bottom of the tank is necessary, as water tends to settle below the oil. Attach an inline filter to the pipe to trap debris and prevent blockages in the pump.
Steps for Water Removal
- Insert the Fuel Pipe: Carefully lower the fuel pipe into the tank until it reaches the bottom, where the water has settled.
- Start Pumping: Use the fuel transfer pump to extract the water and oil mixture into the 20-litre drums. Monitor the process to ensure the pipe remains at the tank’s bottom to remove as much water as possible.
- Dispose of the Contaminated Liquid: Once the water is removed, ensure it is disposed of safely and in compliance with the local Northern Ireland Environmental Agency regulations.
Sludge and water removed from tank
Contact Removerr Oil Tank Services
While it’s possible to remove water yourself, the process can be challenging and time-consuming. Using the wrong equipment or failing to remove all the water can lead to further complications, such as blocked filters or damage to your heating system.
At Removerr, we specialise in water removal from oil tanks, we take care of:
- Safely extracting water and sludge.
- Minimising disruption to your heating system.
- Disposing of contaminated water responsibly.
Removerr proudly serves a wide range of areas across Northern Ireland, including Bangor, Belfast, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber, Dundonald, Carrickfergus, Lisburn, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick, the Ards Peninsula, North Down, East Belfast, and South Belfast. If your area isn’t listed, feel free to contact us at 07434 691 809 or email andrew@removerr.co.uk.
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