URGENT - Helpful advice needed please...

Gorteen · 04-02-2026 05:50PM #1

I usually 'dip' my heating oil (kerosene) tank twice a year to check when I might need to get a refill. When I dip, I use an old 3ft wooden brush handle. This evening, and I don't know how, but I lost my grip and the handle fell into the tank! I can't see it and wonder (1) would it have sunk in the kerosene and (2) how am I going to retrieve it???

Helpful advice please…

mykrodot · 04-02-2026 05:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058432154/urgent-helpful-advice-needed-please

what's wrong with leaving it there? It won't cause any problems.

Gorteen · 04-02-2026 05:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124206065#Comment_124206065

Won't it rot and/or block the oil to the burner?

mykrodot · 04-02-2026 05:56PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124206071#Comment_124206071

I would have thought kerosene would have acted as a wood preservative, the same as oil? Its not like water. I doubt the stick will rot, I'm sure it will float. Its unlikely to block the oil as the exit pipe is at ground level. I'm no expert but if it was me I would just get another stick.

Goldielocks123 · 04-02-2026 06:32PM

Could you ask the man who delivers the oil if he can take it out?

magicbastarder · 04-02-2026 06:35PM

regarding whether the broom handle would float - i think it probably wood. there are woods denser than kerosene but the likes of ash, or beech wiuld be a bit less dense.

T-Maxx · 04-02-2026 06:52PM

Next time you get it filled ask your man if he can fish it out for you. It wood float indeed.😉

JVince · 04-02-2026 10:11PM

No issues there. Oil tanks are slightly raised at one end to ensure all impurities move away from the outlet.

Outlet is also about 5 cm off the base.

So even if it floats, it will float away from the outlet.

Btw, I've dropped two thin metal prods in over the years. Still no problem

The Continental Op · 05-02-2026 10:16AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124206742#Comment_124206742

Feel free to google for info to prove your statement but most of the manufactures say that you install a tank with the outlet end lower to prevent water accumulating.

Cluedo Monopoly · 05-02-2026 10:32AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124207451#Comment_124207451

My outlet pipe is definitely higher than the base of the tank. It's probably about 2 inches from the bottom. I also thought that was done to prevent dirt getting in.

The Continental Op · 05-02-2026 11:30AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124207486#Comment_124207486

Thats the normal method here but its not the normal manufactures recommendation. The inline filter should catch any water along with any dirt.

Mr321 · 05-02-2026 12:14PM

Get a cheap pair of litter picking / grab aid and stick your arm in the opening and get it. Reward yourself with tea and biscuits after it

Hooked · 05-02-2026 01:16PM

Get a fresh fill of oil and when it floats to the top just fish it out… 🤣

URGENT - Helpful advice needed please...

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