Homeowners must do all that they can to ensure water does not get into their oil tank. Otherwise, you will end up with a damaged tank and heating system. Many homeowners do not realize that their tank is already experiencing this issue. When the symptoms appear, the water might have already wreaked havoc in your system. Therefore, you need to be more vigilant to avoid contamination from happening.
Read on to find out all you need to know about what happens when there is water in your heating oil tank.
How Does Water Get In The Heating Oil Tank?
- How Does Water Get In The Heating Oil Tank?
- Why Is Water A Problem For My Oil Tank?
- How To Determine If There Is Water In The Residential Oil Tank
- How Do You Get Water Out Of A Home Oil Tank?
- 1. Metal Heating Oil Tank
- 2. Plastic Heating Oil Tank
- How To Remove Water From An Underground Oil Tank
- How To Prevent Water From Getting In Your Fuel Oil Tank
- Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Reputable Oil Supplier
Water is almost always present in any environment. After all, water can be present in the air through water vapor. It might not be visible, but the humidity allows us to feel it. Therefore, if you keep the fill hole open for an extended period, vapor can creep into your tank. It can also happen when the filler cap is not screwed in tightly or is the incorrect size for the hole. Rainwater is another culprit as it can trickle down and get inside your system via corroded seals, loose inspection lids, cracks, holes, and damaged vents.
Why Is Water A Problem For My Oil Tank?
Water is a nourishing liquid for humans. However, it does not hold true for machines. It can cause significant damage to your tank and heating system once it is inside unless you do something to stop it. The more water gets in, the more problems you’ll have. For instance, the water might be sufficient enough to fill in your tank. When the temperature drops, the water will freeze and block the fuel supply. Water can also corrode the interior tank walls. The holes can cause fuel to leak through, and this can result in a dangerous situation. Rust can also create sludge inside your tank and cause damage to your boiler as time passes.
How To Determine If There Is Water In The Residential Oil Tank
Water and oil tanks do not go well together. Therefore, homeowners should conduct regular checks to ensure that there are no holes, cracks, and broken seals. These can become entrances that let water inside your tank. You can also use a water-finding paste if you want to be more certain. This product is applied to a long stick, which is lowered into your tank. Once you reach the bottom, wait for a few minutes before you pull it out. If the paste changes color, water is present inside your tank.
How Do You Get Water Out Of A Home Oil Tank?
You should act fast once you have determined that there is water inside your tank. This way, further damage is avoided. Proper removal of the water in your tank depends on how much water is in it. The type of tank is also a factor. If the problem is severe, it is recommended that you leave the task to the experts.
Keep in mind that the water that has been removed from your tank should be disposed of properly. It should not just be flushed down the drains. Call your local, trusted technicians to assist you. They should also flush the boiler feed pipe and replace the fuel filters.
Listed below are two types of tanks available:
1. Metal Heating Oil Tank
If there is only about an inch or so of water in the tank, you can probably do the removal on your own. The process is a straightforward one if you have a metal tank. Find the sludge valve at the bottom. Make sure to turn it slowly, or else oil can leak through if you are too excited. Once you turn the valve a little, water will begin to drain immediately. Close it as soon as all the water has escaped through.
Keep in mind that although you can deal with it yourself, it is not recommended. You might cause further problems, so it is best to call an HVAC company that also conducts fuel deliveries.
2. Plastic Heating Oil Tank
A plastic tank might not have a sludge valve. Therefore, a hand pump might be needed to remove the water. Conduct a DIY only if you know how to work the tools. If not, it is best to let a professional do the job. Another solution is to use a material that will absorb the water but not the oil. These materials go through special chemical treatments so that they can do this effectively. There are also weighted tank sponges available. You only need to drop them inside the tank, and they will sink to the bottom to absorb the water there. All you need to do is pull the string attached so you can take it back once it is full. Remember that calling an HVAC company that specializes in fuel delivery is still your best option to do this task.
How To Remove Water From An Underground Oil Tank
Having an underground tank makes removing the water inside it a more difficult task. Some homeowners utilize a hand pump. However, this can cause a lot of trouble and hassle. Many things can also go wrong if you are not careful. Hence, call an HVAC expert to ensure that the water removal process goes safely and quickly.
How To Prevent Water From Getting In Your Fuel Oil Tank
Cover your tank with insulation. It will serve as protection so that your tank is not affected when temperature fluctuations happen. It will also keep condensation from forming along the tank walls. You should also ensure that your tank never goes empty. Refill it immediately when there is only around 50 percent of the fuel left. Select a trustworthy heating oil company to ensure that you receive high-quality fuel at all times. They can also assist you during tank maintenance.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Reputable Oil Supplier
The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. Also, we assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy-efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior home heating oil delivery service near you, click the button below. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.