leaking home heating oil has left strong smell in house

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rory22

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I have had a slow leak of home heating oil from the talk at the side of my house. I was away for a couple of weeks and returned to a very strong smell of oil in the house, the oil seems to have seeped into the ground beside the house and also into the wall. I have fixed the leak but can't get rid of the stink. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
You would probably be best advised to contact your local oil supplier to recommend a company to remediate the ground where the leak took place.
 
Sounds like an expensive option, I was hoping there was some sort of solution that could be poured onto the ground to break up the oil. I don't think there was much spillage as the oil level in the tank does not seem to have changed much.
 
runner said:
It will also get much worse when the weather warms up and oil evaporates.
Click to expand...

I don't think so, heating oil is pretty viscous and heavy so I reckon it'll just sit there, although it will be displaced and migrate through soil and the building structure thanks to rain water- that's why I'd have the problem looked at by a specialist ASAP.
 
Thanks carpenter, I suppose there's no point taking a chance never mind the fact the fumes are giving me a headache!
 
had a similar problem but the leak was in the house (internal boiler). Major problem, floors had to be dug up, plaster hacked off walls etc to remove all contaminated materials.

Had to claim on house insurance. You can get a spray which breaks down the oil but it takes time, and if there is a smell in the house you won't want to wait, as oil fumes are carcinogenic.

the company i used were called spilltech and found them excellent.
 
If you really wish to do something immediately get a couple of bags of oil dri or simliar from motor factors. sprinkle it around affected area it will absorb oil and reduce smell.
Replace it as it becomes saturated.
Garages use it all the time

Advise your insurers and Call an independant insurance assessor for advice.
 
similar problem

rory22 said:
I have had a slow leak of home heating oil from the talk at the side of my house. I was away for a couple of weeks and returned to a very strong smell of oil in the house, the oil seems to have seeped into the ground beside the house and also into the wall. I have fixed the leak but can't get rid of the stink. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...


I have a similar problem to this and was wondering how you resolved youre problem. Is there any solution that might neutralise smell.
Any advice would be appreciated.
 
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