12/07/2023

What happens if you get water in your oil tank, and how do you fix it?

Water contamination in your oil tank can happen at no fault of your own and is often hard to spot. Unless your oil tank has physical damage that shows water is seeping in, the leakage in your oil tank may be going unnoticed. Prolonged water in your tank can cause many problems, including corrosion and rust. If you want to know how water contamination happens and how to prevent it, keep reading.

How does water contamination happen?

There are lots of ways that water can get into your oil tank and contaminate the continents, from manufacturing faults to accidental physical damage. Understanding what causes water contamination in your tank can help you identify the problem early on and prevent the issue from worsening. The following are just a few ways that water can seep into your tank:

• Rainwater can get into loose or poorly fitted filter caps.
• Corroded seals occur when they are continuously subject to water; once corroded, the water will continue to seep into the tank.
• Poorly fitted or damaged vents act as a vessel for water to leak into.
• Physical Damage such as holes, splits, cracks and bulges are some of the most common ways water can get into an oil tank.
• Fluctuations in temperature can cause condensation build-up within your tank and, therefore, water contamination.

If you suspect there is water in your oil tank, but there are no obvious signs, you can carry out your own check to confirm. Put some water detection paste for oil tanks on the end of a long stick, and dip it into the oil in the tank. The paste will change colour if water is present; now is the time to contact a professional and arrange to remove the water from your tank.

What happens if you don’t remove the water in your tank?

Domestic oil tanks are not designed to store oil and water; if the water sits in your tank for an extended time, you can face many issues.

• Corrosion: If water is left in the tank too long, it will cause corrosion. Corrosion can cause a malfunctioning oil tank system and splits, bulges or cracks in your tank, leading to leakages and failures. Corrosion also creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
• Rust: Water produces rust when it comes into contact with iron or steel and can cause an oil tank’s integrity to decrease. Rust can be abrasive to machinery and equipment, damaging your domestic oil tank.
• Ice: In winter, water can freeze in your tank, blocking the pipes. Water can also freeze in the oil, creating hard particles that clog fuel filters, enhances corrosion and make wear in the fuel systems.
• Bacteria: Water in oil tanks create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. The mixture of corrosion, bacteria and water can form a sludge in the bottom of your oil tank, compromising the quality of oil and the effectiveness of your tank.

What to do if there’s water in your oil tank

The next step you need to take depends on how much water contaminates your tank. You can extract water yourself in a few ways, though we recommend contacting a professional for your oil tank issue.

OFTEC technicians use the first two methods to remove large amounts of water from your oil tank.

• Drain it: Drain the water with the sludge valve at the bottom of metal tanks. Not all the water comes out, but it is a good start. Collect and dispose of the watery/oily sludge via a licensed waste removal company.
• Pump it: If your tank doesn’t have a sludge valve at the bottom, you can use a hand pump to remove the water from your tank.
• Removal and Replacement: If your tank shows signs of long-term water damage, it may be impossible to repair your oil tank. In this situation, the professional will recommend the removal and replacement of your oil tank.

If there is a minimal amount of water in your tank, and it is caused by non-structural damage, then you can remove the water yourself using the following methods:

• Water absorbent sock: Place a water-absorbing piece of material into your tank until it is full of water, then remove and dispose of it. Absorbent socks can absorb around a cup of water; if you need more, it is possible to use multiple absorbent socks – though be mindful that much more will require professional service.
• Alcohol-based dispersant: Simply put the additive into your tank and let it get to work. These dispersants may also break down sludge, but be aware they may cause your oil filter to clog.

Prevention of water contamination of oil tanks

Annual oil tank inspections by an OFTEC technician will pick up on earlier signs of water contamination. They can even identify any issues such as cracks, slits and corrosion, which could lead to water contamination further down the line. Your heating engineer should also check for system efficiency, which covers potential water contamination. Double-check during both these inspections to ensure your oil tank’s integrity isn’t compromised.

Changing the position of your tank in the garden helps prevent the risk of your oil tank getting contaminated with water. Putting it in a shaded area to avoid condensation or being aware of hazards such as falling branches are easy and cost-effective preventatives.

Finally, you can conduct your own inspections. Check the seals, fixtures, filters, caps, valves and taps regularly for signs of gaps or corrosion. If you notice anything unusual, contact an OFTEC technician.

Conclusion

If there is water in your oil tank due to structural issues, or physical damage, you may need an oil tank removed and replaced. Suppose your tank is experiencing water contamination due to a change in temperature, ill-fitting parts or another reason. In that case, you may just need to buy the proper oil tank accessories or reposition your tank in your garden.