Oil Boiler Feed Pipe Leak

[nick1854]

I recently had a delivery of heating oil and noticed the smell of oil around the boiler. I checked for leaks and couldn't find any. I disconnected an electrical earth on to the pipe (10mm plastic covered copper) and found a tiny amount of oil seeping not from the copper pipe but I think from between the plastic and the copper. I guess what has happened is that the copper pipe has a hole which is leaking into the plastic covering and that the leak could be anywhere upstream back towards the tank. Do I fiddle on trying to find the leak (how to do this?) or just replace the whole line? I can't see any physical damage other than some cracking of the plastic where the pipe curves and connects to the oil tank. I suppose having the tank filled increased the pressure on the hole enough to make it weep. Anyone come across anything similar?

Thanks

 

[Burnerman]

You could try peeling the plastic coating away from the area where you suspect the leak to be.......any damage evident?
The pipe is easy enough to join with a 10mm compression connector if you can find the leak - or replace the full length of pipe.
Are you sure it's not the braided or flexible pipe connecting to the burner that's leaking?
John

 

[nick1854]

Hi John

Pretty sure it's not the flexible pipe as I put blue roll under the pipe work in the boiler to find any oil staining and nothing. Also the leak is from the tank side of the cut in the plastic coating where the earth was installed. Make sense? It is so tiny that it doesn't form into a drop but if you dab it with a bit of blue roll it stains it on the side closest to the tank As for peeling back the plastic I really can't see any damage to prompt a look. Can these pipes corrode internally?

 

[Burnerman]

Plastic coated copper oil pipe is about as corrosion free as it gets......injury could cause issues of course.
I guess the earth clamp is direct onto the copper pipe - any damage there?
I can't see oil running down the pipe from the tank itself, but there again kero can penetrate where normal liquids can't.
Have you checked the fire valve outside for interference?
John

 

[nick1854]

There is some marking to the copper where the plastic is cut away, but no holes. There is no fire valve fitted, it's on the list to be done. If it was playing up surely it would just restrict or cut off the oil flow?

 

[Burnerman]

That’s exactly what a fire valve does - but of course the supply pipe has to be cut to install it......just wondering if the leak culprit was there.
I’m very surprised your system doesn’t have one of these, they’ve been around for ages - sometimes installed inside the boiler casing but outside is the place to be.
John

 

[nick1854]

Well that prompted me to have a look inside the casing and I found a fire valve! Didn't know they could be fitted there.

 

[nick1854]

Hi John

I noticed you are in Northumberland and wonder if could help me sort my oil pipe problems, paid of course. I can probably do a lot of the work, but your experience would be really useful.

Thanks

Nick

 

[Burnerman]

Hi Nick
I'm afraid I'm not a plumber or heating engineer, so all I can do is to offer a little advice!
If you want a good heating company, Nicholsons of Cramlington are great if they are near to you.
John

 

[nick1854]

OK thanks John. Sometimes I find intelligent amateurs to be more helpful than professionals.