How to Remove Water from Fuel Oil?

Water contamination in fuel oil can cause various problems, so removing it is important. The method to remove water from fuel oil depends on your tank type.

Methods for Removing Water From Fuel Oil

Here's a breakdown of how to remove water, based on your tank type:

Metal Fuel Oil Tanks

• Sludge Valve Drainage:
  • Metal heating oil tanks often have a sludge valve at the bottom. This valve is designed to allow you to drain off water and sediment that settles at the tank's bottom.
  • Procedure:
    1. Locate the sludge valve.
    2. Place a container underneath the valve to collect the water.
    3. Carefully open the valve, allowing the water to drain out.
    4. Close the valve once only fuel oil is coming out.

Plastic Fuel Oil Tanks

• Pumping:
  • If you have a plastic tank, removing the water requires a pump.
  • The approach depends on the amount of water you're dealing with. For smaller amounts, a manual pump might suffice. Larger quantities may require a powered pump.
  • Procedure:
    1. Carefully insert the pump's intake hose into the tank, reaching the water layer.
    2. Operate the pump to remove the water, being careful not to draw fuel.
    3. Dispose of the collected water and any separated fuel responsibly.

Summary