It is very hard to know whether any water has gone inside your oil tank and only gets noticed when your boiler starts to play up or stops functioning. Unfortunately, water may be detrimental to the oil tank and your heating system, so keep an eye on it and take action if you suspect your fuel has been affected.
Continue reading to learn how water may seep into oil tanks, why this can be a problem, and what you can do to fix it.
Why is there water in my oil tank?
Water can get into your oil tank in many different ways. Many assume it gets in when they get delivery for fuel, which is very unlikely. One of the main ways water gets in is through condensation. This is because oil pulls moisture from the air in your tank over time, causing water droplets to develop on the walls.
Another way water can access your fuel is via loose inspection lids, poorly fitted filler caps, broken vents, rusted seals, or gaps or cracks in the tank walls.
Why is water in my oil tank a problem?
Even though water is harmless, it can cause your oil tank and heating system to get damaged. Here are a few ways water can damage your central heating system...
The fuel line
When enough water gets collected, it enters the fuel line, causing further damage to your boiler's burner parts.
Freezing
In the UK, there is a high chance of water freezing during the winter; this can cause your fuel supply to be cut off.
Corrosion
If you have a metal tank, there is a high chance that you will experience corrosion. This also leads the tank's structure to deteriorate, resulting in a sludge build-up. When this happens, the sludge gets drawn into the fuel line and eventually causes damage to your boiler.
How do I know if there is water in my oil tank?
It is not always simple to determine if water has gone inside your oil tank. This is because water sinks to the bottom of the tank, as it is denser than oil. There are, however, methods for determining whether or not there is moisture in your fuel tank. Keep an eye out for any cracks or damaged seals on your tank. If you notice any, there is a good chance of water inside.
You may also use a specific paste to check if water has sunk to the bottom. You can purchase a tube of water detecting paste and put it to one end of a clean stick. Then, immerse the stick in your oil tank, ensuring it reaches the bottom. Hold it in place for the time specified on the tube, then remove it. If water is present, the colour of the paste will change.
How to remove water from your oil tank
If you notice any presence of water in your oil tank, you should get it looked at immediately. The most efficient method will depend on the sort of tank you have and the amount of water in it.
Lots of water
Is there more than an inch of water in your oil tank? If so, you need to hire an Oil Safe Assured engineer to remove the water for you safely. This is even more so if your heating tank is caused by an issue allowing water to enter.
Tiny amounts of water
If only small amounts of water are present, you can choose to remove the water yourself or get a qualified engineer to help you with it. For metal oil tanks, you can check to see if you have a sludge valve that you can use to remove the moisture. You can try to syphon the water for plastic tanks using a pump.
Moisture build-up
A highly absorbent material that has been chemically treated to attract water may be inserted into the tank for extremely tiny levels of moisture. These items can typically absorb around 2 cups of moisture.
You can even use tank sponges. They are made of absorbent materials such as cotton and are weighted to fall to the bottom of the tank. They can hold more than half a litre of water and are very easy to remove and replace.
Whatever technique you choose, keep in mind that any contaminated water you remove will need to be disposed of securely and ethically. Your local authority should be able to direct you to the appropriate disposal facility in your region.
At Green and Reliable Heating, we are Oil Safe Assured and specialise in oil boiler repairs throughout York, Malton, Wetherby and Harrogate. Get in touch with us today by calling us on 08001182467 or 07717574470.
