Oil Tank Care: Keeping Your Heating Oil Supply Safe Through Winter

Keeping your oil supply safe through winter comes down to five things: order oil before you run low, check the tank and supply pipe for damage, keep the area around the tank clear, protect against theft, and have the boiler serviced so the whole system is checked. A few minutes’ checking in autumn can save a cold, expensive week in January.

If your tank or boiler hasn’t been looked at recently, our oil boiler team can check the full system.

1. Keep an eye on your oil level

Don’t let the tank run too low going into winter. Low levels risk:

• Running out during a cold snap, when delivery times can be longer
• Drawing sludge and water from the bottom of the tank into the filter and supply line
• The boiler needing bleeding and a reset after a refill

Check the gauge regularly and order in good time, especially before Christmas and New Year.

2. Inspect the tank

Walk round the tank every few months, and after storms, looking for:

• Cracks, bulges or discolouration on plastic tanks
• Rust or weeping seams on steel tanks
• A cracked or unstable base
• Water or debris in the bund
• Damaged or loose fittings

3. Check the supply line and valves

The pipe carrying oil from the tank to the boiler should be secure and undamaged. Look for staining around joints and the fire valve near the boiler. Exposed sections may benefit from insulation in very cold weather.

4. Keep the area clear

Overhanging branches, plants growing against the tank and stored items nearby can all cause damage or make inspection harder. Keep a clear space around the tank so it can be inspected and filled easily.

5. Protect against oil theft

Heating oil theft can be a problem in rural areas. Simple precautions include:

• A lockable tank cap or tank lock
• Screening the tank from the road
• Security lighting
• An oil level monitor that alerts you to sudden drops

What to do if you run out of oil

1. Arrange a delivery
2. Wait for any sediment to settle after refilling, following the supplier’s advice
3. Try resetting the boiler once, following the manufacturer’s instructions

If the boiler won’t fire, the supply line may need bleeding to remove air. That’s a job for a technician if you’re not confident. Don’t keep pressing reset, as repeated attempts can flood the burner.

If you find a leak

• Turn off the oil supply valve if it’s safe
• Contain the oil with absorbent material, sand or soil
• Keep it away from drains, ditches and watercourses
• Contact a qualified technician and your insurer
• For significant spills near water, report it to the Environment Agency

Oil heating around Alresford, Stockbridge and Salisbury

Many rural homes across this part of Hampshire and Wiltshire rely on oil, with deliveries along country lanes that can be affected by bad weather. Keeping a healthy level in the tank through winter is simple insurance against a cold spell. If your oil boiler is struggling, our pages on boilers and service plans explain your options.

Frequently asked questions

How often should an oil tank be inspected?

A quick visual check every few months, and a professional inspection at the annual boiler service, are sensible. Check after storms too.

Can water get into an oil tank?

Yes, through condensation, damaged seals or a poorly fitted cap. Water in the tank can cause boiler problems and should be dealt with by a technician.

Does heating oil go off?

Kerosene stored properly generally keeps well, but tanks can accumulate water and sludge over time. Regular maintenance keeps the supply clean.

Want your oil system checked before winter?

Give us a call on 01794 651123 or drop us a message and we’ll come and look over your tank and boiler.