pinching a heating oil feed line
drystone
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
While digging out a banking to put in steps I hit the copper oil feed line, reducing the diameter to half over a couple of inches. The oil tank is about fifteen feet above the boiler and oil is gravity fed, there is no pump. Will this constriction affect the boiler, especially when the tank nears empty and there is less pressure behind the oil?
Replies
THe important issue here is the potential for a leak where the line was hit. If there is a leak in the future - potential big cleanup closts. Would replace the line to make sure there is no future problem.
I have checked the line, it is only 10mm in diameter (before squashing), it is otherwise sound, if I do reuse the line it will be encased in something to avoid further damage
That line will never be easier to access and replace than right now. If it were me I wouldnt take the chance that its okay. I'd just change it.
The folks here have a good point. Cleaning up an oil spill can be VERY expensive, and you can open yourself up to significant liability. Be absolutely sure that the line is good before you cover it up.
Thanks all for your comments, I will take the chance to replace the pipe.