You should immediately stop the flow of the oil to help prevent the oil from entering water sources or soaking into the ground.

You can then use absorbent materials such as sand (or cat litter) to contain oil.

Turn off supply lines (in case the oil is leaking from a pipe).

Then you should call an oil technician to arrange a clean-up.

To help prevent the buildup of water and sludge (which can lead to leaks & corrosion) it is recommended that the inside of oil tanks should be cleaned out every 5 years.

Contact us and we can arrange for one of of team to organise this service.

It is advised to get your Boiler services once a year, and you AGA serviced twice a year. If you have not have them serviced within that time, it is recommended that you should book in a service ASAP, so that your appliances are in good working order before they are expected to do there most amount of work. Contact us and we can organise for one of our Heating Engineers to book one in for you.

Currently the oil market is fluctuating due to many external factors. However like every other year it is still advised to order your fuel ASAP, as when we get further into the Winter season fuel demand increases and delivery dates fill up fast.

If when you inspect your tank you notice any of the following: Cracks, Bulges, Corrosion or Leaks, then you should arrange a replacement tank. When organising a replacement tank you may discover that oil storage regulations have changed since your last instalment. Give us a call and we can discuss with you potential solutions for a repl;acent and it’s installation.

If your tank has discolouration of the outer shell, due to sun damage, you may also wish to consider a replacement tank.

Cracks- Check for any small / large cracks on your tank.

Discolouration – If the tank is turning white / fading due to sun exposure it may be time to replace your tank.

Bulges- Bowing, where the tank is bulging.

Corrosion- Check your tanks pipework for rust and damage.

Smell – If there is a strong smell of kerosene you may have a tank leak.

Stains – If you see stains / wet patches by your tank it could suggest there is a fuel leak.

Leaks – If you notice any fuel leaks, contact us immediately.

During the colder months it is advised to check your tank at least once a month. You should also check it after extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow fall, high winds and large down pours of rain.

By doing this your can ensure you catch any potential problems before they become irreversible.

You should always use a padlock on your tanks lid, although this doesnt ensure your tank won’t get broken into it will at least deter less prepared thieves.

During Winter fuel prices are generally higher, this makes it a prominent time for criminals to steal oil from tanks.

Condensation occurs naturally inside your oil tank and can be caused by both hot weather and a change in weather conditions. Condensation, when built up over time, can drip into the fuel, causing contamination.

It can be difficult to check for contamination using a visual assessment. Instead it is recommend that after periods of extreme hot weather, and during the change from Summer to Winter, you should test that your heating system is operating as it should. That way if it is not, you have the time needed to get it fixed before the Winter weather catches you off guard.

During your tank inspections you should ensure your heating storage tank is waterproofed. You should check the lid is securely fastened, and also check for any signs of damage where water could seep into your tank. After heavy rainfall you would be advised to make an unscedules check on your tank, just in case the weather conditions have adversely affected the integrity of your tank.

 

If water does get into your fuel it can cause the growth of unwanted bacteria and the formation of sludge at the bottom of your tank. These can cause many problems if they then enter your fuel lines. If this happens you will need the assistance of a Heating Engineer to flush the pipes to return the tank to working condition.