ᐅ Oil Heating Questions – Odor and Mechanical Lever

Hello!

Our new home has an oil heating system from 2008, and since we've only had gas heating before, I have a few beginner questions.

The three oil tanks date back to the 1980s, and although they are sealed, the smell of oil is quite strong. Are there any common weak points to check that might help reduce the odor?

There is a mechanical lever on one of the pipes that I can’t identify (see photo/arrow). Does anyone know what its function might be?

Thanks a lot!

Checking if there is any oil leaking anywhere.

In our case, the oil filter was dripping a little, and you could really smell it. After the repair, the smell was almost completely gone.

Otherwise, the classic: ventilate.

If nothing is leaking, the smell diffuses through tiny cracks and the plastic. This is less common with steel tanks. So, a certain odor is normal.
Try searching online for "anti-siphon valve" in relation to the lever.

Hello

This is a quick-closing valve.
Usually, there is a pull cord that runs up to just before the storage room, allowing the valve to be closed from the outside in case of fire or emergency.

Olli

wrobel schrieb:

Hello

This is a quick-release valve. Usually, there is a pull cord leading up to the storage room, so the valve can be closed from outside in case of fire or other emergency.

Olli

Thank you very much!
That also explains the wire in the hallway.