Oil burner making outside wall black!

lucast2007us

Hi there folks.
We bought our house 2 months ago it was empty for a full year before that.

The boiler we noticed recently is making the outside wall all black. Does it just need a service, it was obviously not being used for over a year and god knows if it was ever serviced before that.

The boiler is 9 inches from the wall.

Anyone had this happen before. Hopefully a easy fix with a service. Have attached picture.
Thanks

jimf

a good service engineer will be able to sort it for you

probably not serviced for a few years


don't use it for now as your only making the problem worse as it will be all sooted up inside plus co readings from it could be through the roof

I know its an outdoor boiler but badly placed vents etc can allow a dangerous level to make its way indoors

lucast2007us

jimf wrote:

a good service engineer will be able to sort it for you

jimf wrote:

probably not serviced for a few years

Cool thanks for that would I be able to hose it down to remove the marks on the wall?
My wife is going nuts about the wall

jimf

lucast2007us wrote: »

Cool thanks for that would I be able to hose it down to remove the marks on the wall?
My wife is going nuts about the wall

no reason why you cant wash the wall down once up and running properly

just be careful you don't get water into the flue of the boiler

disposableFish

Worth noting that you have no idea what kind of dodgy oil the previous owner was getting or what kind of crud is in the tank.

Still though, you need a good service ASAP.

punisher5112

The exhaust is facing into the wall???

Not great should be facing away.

lucast2007us

Thanks all how do I know if it is a condensing or non condensing boiler?

Wearb

punisher5112 wrote: »

The exhaust is facing into the wall???

Not great should be facing away.

No. It's a 360 degree exhaust.

Wearb

lucast2007us wrote: »

Thanks all how do I know if it is a condensing or non condensing boiler?

From what I can see it's non condensing.

lucast2007us

Wearb wrote:

No. It's a 360 degree exhaust.

Thanks so the exhaust is the chimney looking thing sticking out of the top?
Ha sorry for all the questions

Wearb

lucast2007us wrote: »

Thanks so the exhaust is the chimney looking thing sticking out of the top?
Ha sorry for all the questions

Yes. Mostly called the flue.

Don't worry about all the questions. Lots of helpful posters here to help answer them.

lucast2007us

Wearb wrote:

Yes. Mostly called the flue.

Wearb wrote:

Don't worry about all the questions. Lots of helpful posters here to help answer them.

Thanks again. Is the black stuff dangerous?

Wearb

lucast2007us wrote: »

Thanks again. Is the black stuff dangerous?

It's oil soot and is classed as dangerous. It will be ok when wet while washing off. Wear a fine particle dust mask and gloves.

lucast2007us

Do I need any special chemical to get it off the wall or just hose it and scrub it?

Wearb

lucast2007us wrote: »

Do I need any special chemical to get it off the wall or just hose it and scrub it?

It's difficult enough to remove. A car washer is good, but if not scrubbing brush, hot water and detergent.



As mentioned already, if you are going to be splashing water about, turn off heating and pull a plastic bag over the flue.