Things You Need To Do Before Your Heating Oil Delivery Arrives

When you are expecting home heating oil delivery, you need to ensure that the driver can get to the tank and everything is working correctly. You can do some things to prepare for the delivery that will make it easier and ensure the safety of the operator filling the tank for you.

Tank Whistle

Heating oil storage tanks use a whistle on the top of the tank to tell the heating oil delivery driver that air is coming out as the oil is going in. When the whistling sound starts to diminish or stop, the air level is reduced or eliminated by fuel in the tank. 

The heating oil delivery service uses that whistle to tell when the tank is full, and if it is not working, the tank can be overfilled, spilling heating oil on the ground around the tank. If the whistle on your tank is not working, the delivery driver can refuse to fill the tank because they do not want to risk a spill. Even if you know the tank is empty and holds a specific amount of fuel, there is enough variation in the capacity that a spill may occur. Make sure your whistle is working correctly.

Tank Condition

The condition of your heating oil tank is essential, and if it is starting to rust, it can develop a leak that would allow fuel to spill. If your tank is outside, the heating oil delivery service can look at the tank when they arrive to verify the condition before filling it. 

A tank in poor condition is a risk to fill, and the delivery service may recommend an inspection be done to the tank to ensure it is intact. Since the tank does not hold pressure, it does not present a safety issue for the driver during filling, but leaks can develop later. An active, visible leak can result in the driver refusing to put more oil in the tank, and if that is the case, they will show you the leak. 

Replacing a leaking tank is often the best way to ensure the issue is resolved, but you will most likely need to have a heating service look at the tank to determine the best way to fix the problem.

Tank Access

The access to the tank or filler mustn't be blocked when the heating oil delivery services arrive at your home. Make sure nothing is blocking the path to the filler or tank, and in the winter months, shoveling the snow around them is a good idea.

If the tank or the filler is hard to get to, the delivery driver may not want to fill it, so keeping them clear and shoveling a path for the driver is extremely helpful, and they will appreciate the effort.  

For more information about heating oil delivery, contact a local company.