Best Practice to unclog fuel lines

AlexMinolfo

Hi All,

I am currently researching the standard method to unclogging fuel lines connecting heating tanks to furnaces.

Is there a best practice manual or standard for how to remove the clog?

If not, what is the typical industry solution?

Thanks,
Alex Minolfo

EDIT: See comment for clarification

Tim McElwain

Are you referring to the gas line to the equipment? You need to be more specific in describing exactly what you are talking about.

Jamie Hall

like to start with -- are we talking oil, natural gas, LP?

AlexMinolfo

Hi Jamie and Tim,

I am specifically talking about the fuel pipe connecting an above ground storage tank containing #2 fuel oil to a residential heating furnace.

I apologize for the ambiguity this is my first time posting on here.

Thanks,
Alex

Jellis

I use the Co2 Blowout tool for this. remove the fuel line from the tank and the fuel pump. blow the crud into a waste container (carefully) and then flush the line out with clean fuel.

Robert O'Brien

NORA strongly recommends against the use of CO2 cartridges, they can develop pressures in excess of 800 PSI and can rupture copper oil lines. A hand push/pull pump is the preferred method

STEVEusaPA

Agree totally with @Robert O'Brien
If you can’t unclog it with a push pull, replace it.
Also important to determine why it clogged, or even if it’s clogged. Could be pinhole in supply tube in tank.
-Bad fuel
-Dirty tank
Both would require draining/cleaning tank and/or additives.
-Filter not at tank
-Collapsed/pinched fuel line.

HVACNUT

And no offense, but if you're researching you need to call a Pro. That is not DIY. You dont wants an "oops" with a tank full of fuel oil.

AlexMinolfo

@HVATNUT , None taken. I won't be performing any of this myself. I am simply gathering information to find a
cite-able source (i.e. manual, standard) for a report I am writing.