Leaks from oil tanks and boilers are inconvenient and expensive.
They are also a risk to public health because they give off fumes which can cause headaches, nausea, skin rashes, sore throats and drowsiness. You should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to prevent it building up in your home.
Oil leaks are caused by a range of things, including:
- accidental fractures or cracks in the fuel supply pipeline
- overfilled oil storage tanks
- accidental spillages
- poor installation of oil-fired central heating systems
- corrosion of metal domestic oil storage tanks
- cracks in plastic domestic oil storage tanks
- worn out pipelines between domestic storage tanks and nearby houses
- boilers which have not been serviced
- faulty oil-filling indicators
- vandalism
Preventing an oil leak
There are several things you can do to prevent an oil leak in your home, such as:
- checking the condition of your tank and boiler regularly
- watching out for black stains
- keeping a check on how much oil you use
- getting your heating system serviced regularly
- do not overfill your oil tank
- keeping the fill points on your tank clear
You should also review your home insurance policy to make sure you are covered for oil leaks or spills.
Identifying an oil leak
There are several warning signs that you may have an oil leak.
These include:
- a strong smell of solvent, petrol or oil inside or outside your home or in your cupboards
- black stains and dead plants or grass around your tank
- a sudden increase in the amount of fuel you use
If you suspect an oil leak, you should follow these steps:
- try to find out where the leak is coming from
- switch off your oil supply at the tank and arrange to have it emptied (if needed)
- arrange for an engineer to repair or replace your tank or pipework
- if the leak could affect a stream, pond or other water supply, call the Northern Ireland Environment Agency Emergency Pollution Hotline on 080 0807 060
- never use detergents or a hose to wash the spill away
- prevent the spill from entering drains by blocking its flow using earth, sand or commercial products that absorb oil
- keep your home well-ventilated by opening windows and doors
- call your household insurance company or landlord and make them aware of the leak
if there is a strong smell of oil in your home, call the Public Health Team on 028 3752 9626
Do not put off taking action or assume the problem will go away.
