Oil fired Central Heating

treeman

treeman

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Just moved house and we're off the grid for gas, so have inherited an Oil CH system.

Just wondered if its right that the oil tank should smell of oil every now and again?
 
It will have a breather pipe so maybe just a bit if vapour check for any leaks etc. Is it metal or plaggy?
 
what bump said, it can smell due to the breather. unless youve noticed the level dropping (assuming minimum use in the current weather) it could be leaking.

our plastic one always used to smell up close.
 
We have a big green plastic tank and there is no smell of oil. Definitely worth getting it checked. If it has not been done already this year, get the boiler serviced.

Dave
 
treeman said:
Just moved house and we're off the grid for gas, so have inherited an Oil CH system.

Just wondered if its right that the oil tank should smell of oil every now and again?
Click to expand...

What did the survey say?

Did it flag up any potential issues?
 
I've got a big metal tank which sometimes gives off a few whiffs, but then the filling point is just covered by a metal flap on the top rather than any sort of seal.
 
Oil is expensive stuff and if your tank leaks you get in a heck of a lot of trouble. I'd get the tank replaced now before winter.
 
Heating oil has very little volatility, but may give off some vapour on a warm day. Does it get any direct sunlight?
 
Mine is big green and plastic and I often get a smell close ish too it, usually it's just from the flue y thing near it as the boiler is in the outhouse right near it..
A lot of tanks like these are now against regulations and mine doesn't pass any tests as it's too close to the house as well as tank style




Sent from button moon...
 
Are you sure it's the tank r could it be exhaust fumes from the flu.
Ours smells sometimes when the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, but it comes from the flu, not the tank.
 
I would get an occasional faint whiff from my tank when standing next to it, but it was 40 years old, single skin and the sight gauge was not very well sealed (and didn't work, so I had to dip it).

When I moved at the top of my requirements for my new home was "on the gas main".
 
Had the heating engineer around this afternoon, and he said that as its in full sun all day long, it will tend to give off more fumes as it expands. Its pretty old too, so budgeting for anew one and to re-site it in a shady spot.

Thanks all for you comments ;-)
 
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