Oil Line Between Tank and Boiler Question

[Beemer]

In the 40 year life of our house we have had to have the copper oil line blown out twice when the boiler wouldn't fire for that reason.
It is less than convenient because it happens in the dead of winter.

My question is can the line be replaced with a larger diameter or do the boiler pumps have a specific size required?

 

[rlitman]

If you're getting sludge clogging the line, a bigger line isn't the solution.

 

[Beemer]

If you're getting sludge clogging the line, a bigger line isn't the solution.

The line is over 40 years is so I can imagine very slow buildup.
When the filter is changed annually there is not much in there to be alarming; definitely slight black on the filter but no globs. Since the first occurrence (perhaps 20 years ago) I started using conditioner every time the delivery comes but the second clog came some time later.
when the line was blown out the second time it didn't look like much other than clean oil.

 

[American Locomotive]

I would probably switch to finer filtration at the tank before going through the hassle of trying to upgrade oil line to a larger size. Typical Northeast oil burner supply pipes are already a pretty decent size. I rarely seem or hear of them clogging.

Are you sure it's not just your pump getting weak?

 

[Beemer]

I would probably switch to finer filtration at the tank before going through the hassle of trying to upgrade oil line to a larger size. Typical Northeast oil burner supply pipes are already a pretty decent size. I rarely seem or hear of them clogging.

Are you sure it's not just your pump getting weak?

What is the standard copper line size expected to be seen?

The repairman tested the pump the last time the problem occurred before we blew out the line. I can't saw what the pump condition might be now but it seems to be working.

 

[rlitman]

3/8" is pretty typical.

What type of tank do you have?

 

[Beemer]

3/8" is pretty typical.

What type of tank do you have?

275 gallon steel in at the same level as the boiler

 

[PCustoms]

Indoor or outdoor?

 

[Dagny]

I have seen where the filter looked like someone put a whole tube of grease in it. Never saw a line plugged up.

 

[Beemer]

I have seen where the filter looked like someone put a whole tube of grease in it. Never saw a line plugged up.

Very little settled material in the filter can. The element is changed atleast yearly.

 

[Beemer]

Indoor or outdoor?

Everything inside below ground level where the temperature is pretty stable 60 to 75 degrees. Generally 60 except i winter when the heat runs. Boiler runs all year to maintain hot water storage tank.

 

[PCustoms]

Everything inside where the temperature is pretty stable 60 to 75 degrees.

I got nothing then.

Change the line and don't worry for the next 20+ years

 

[Beemer]

I got nothing then.

Change the line and don't worry for the next 20+ years

Sounds like a plan. That's past my lifetime.

 

[BillK]

How long is the line ?

 

[Beemer]

How long is the line ?

Maybe 35 feet

 

[Jackfre]

I’m assuming you have relationship with your oil company and that they are the ones doing the filter change and tune-ups, correct? I also assume you are hearing from the tech on the job. In your position I think I’d stop by the oil company office and have a chat with the Service Manager.What are your options and what are your risks. You do have a 40 yrs old steel tank. Maybe its fine, maybe not. At the least I would replace the line.

 

[pcmeiners]

A new line will do nothing. 3/8" copper could feed multiple oil burners. If you have clogs get a better filter. You could also have the tank cleaned but it will cost you...better off with a new filter. Parents had oil for 60 years, had multiple stoppages was always due to clogging of the oil nozzle or clogging of the filter. Lastly a larger pipe/tub size will cause a lower velocity in the pipe, great for very fine sludge build up.

 

[PCustoms]

A new line will do nothing.

Really?

If the line has closed off from sludge twice already, how are they supposed to clean the crud out?

Yes, the filter appears to have issues. But fixing that and expecting an ancient plugged, dented etc like to suddenly work perfectly is unrealistic.

Additionally, depending where the OP lives uncoated lines may no longer be allowed. Around here the oil Co has to check the tank and lines every 3 years, and it now has to be plastic coated.

 

[fitter30]

Blowing out either line doesn't make sense. Single stage pump 5-10" of vacuum, 2 stage 10-15" vacuum. Discharge of pump set between 100 - 160 psi. Working pressure of 3/8" tubing is 485 psi. Once I'll call it a mistake twice. Never seen enough dirt to pass by a tank filter and where is it coming from. Rarely have seen a nozzle sinter bronze filter with just a little dirt on them. Failed line at the break looks swollen and split?

 

[Beemer]

Blowing out either line doesn't make sense. Single stage pump 5-10" of vacuum, 2 stage 10-15" vacuum. Discharge of pump set between 100 - 160 psi. Working pressure of 3/8" tubing is 485 psi. Once I'll call it a mistake twice. Never seen enough dirt to pass by a tank filter and where is it coming from. Rarely have seen a nozzle sinter bronze filter with just a little dirt on them. Failed line at the break looks swollen and split?

Not visible. It's mostly covered with cement coating, presumably for protection.

 

[Beemer]

Really?

If the line has closed off from sludge twice already, how are they supposed to clean the crud out?

Yes, the filter appears to have issues. But fixing that and expecting an ancient plugged, dented etc like to suddenly work perfectly is unrealistic.

Additionally, depending where the OP lives uncoated lines may no longer be allowed. Around here the oil Co has to check the tank and lines every 3 years, and it now has to be plastic coated.

Sounds like oil companies did some lobbying up there.

 

[PCustoms]

Sounds like oil companies did some lobbying up there.

Doubtful.

It's an environmental thing. I think a licensed plumber, boiler tech etc. Needs to sign off and the oil Co has to verify inspection prior to filling.

Thankfully I burn wood with propane as the "primary" (backup) heat.

 

[Sumboodie]

I’m assuming you have relationship with your oil company and that they are the ones doing the filter change and tune-ups, correct? I also assume you are hearing from the tech on the job. In your position I think I’d stop by the oil company office and have a chat with the Service Manager.What are your options and what are your risks. You do have a 40 yrs old steel tank. Maybe its fine, maybe not. At the least I would replace the line.

My folks had to replace theirs simply due to age. Insurance mandated it.

 

[Wrench97]

Sounds like oil companies did some lobbying up there.

Insurance companies did the lobbing coming soon to a state near you.....

 

[PCustoms]

Insurance companies did the lobbing coming soon to a state near you.....

I'd think homeowners started it with 5 figure spill cleanups

 

[ratdoggy]

I had to blow out the line once in 15 years. If the tank is level the crud will get into the line. My tank was tilted away from the line so any crud would be downhill of the line. Also, I never ran the heat right after a fill-up

 

[Beemer]

I'd think homeowners started it with 5 figure spill cleanups

That would do it.

 

[PoorUB]

I'd think homeowners started it with 5 figure spill cleanups

They got by cheap!

 

[PCustoms]

They got by cheap!

It was a conservative guess.

I remember seeing one from a foreclosure rehab years ago where they hauled the tank off on on a lowboy. Never did find out if it was an old dairy or fuel tank. Either way just digging the massive hole and fill wasn't cheap, I'm sure the petroleum testing and possible disposal pushes it waaaaay up.

 

[Beemer]

I had a friend who bought a large historic factory building for a dollar. The catch was that he and the original owner (truly original) shared the cost of ground cleanup.

 

[Kaizen]

typical delemma in our area. oil tanks grow sludge animals in the bottom. If you run the tank out or low they get sucked up. Also if the tank is low and you get if filled they will be swirled around. Short term change to a spin on oil filter like this.

Copy 1 Fuel Oil Filtration System F100 - The Home Depot

The Westwood Fuel Oil Filtration System is an accessory for a boiler system. This filtration system includes a spin-on filter and a head. It has a 17 GPH capacity.

www.homedepot.com

Readily availble replacements at home depot. If you have ever changed your car oil you can do this 2x a season while in use. When i switched to this and changed them i never had to have them here to blow out the line again.
A few years ago i changed that metal tank out for the plastic square ones, an overhead line, and a tiger loop. Not one supply problem since.

 

[locomotiveman]

In the 40 year life of our house we have had to have the copper oil line blown out twice when the boiler wouldn't fire for that reason.
It is less than convenient because it happens in the dead of winter.

My question is can the line be replaced with a larger diameter or do the boiler pumps have a specific size required?

Both of my oil-fired Boilers needed cleaning between the line and the nozzle orifice. Same goes for Steam Locomotives.. ask me how I know.