Are oil supply lines ever too small?
Are oil supply lines ever too small?
Expert
Maestro
This is commonly only on lines serving outside, above ground storage tanks. In cold climates, fuel oil thickens and doesn't flow well. Therefore, the oil supply line into the house needs to be much larger than the typical 3 /8 -inch-diameter copper line. Otherwise, the burner may be fuel-starved and may shut down. Usually in these installations, a 2-inch steel line is used, with the line changing to the small copper line about 4 feet inside the house. This distance allows the oil to warm up.
Sometimes a different grade of oil is used in these installations. This grade is thinner, allowing the oil to flow better in cold temperatures, and is supposed to be more pure, reducing the risk of ice build-up inside the tank.
Where you can trace the outdoor line, check its size. If it's less than 2-inch-diameter, recommend that it be checked by a specialist.
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