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Do I really need an OSV

Miata
Miata Member Posts: 37
in THE MAIN WALL

Roth tank outside with 9 ft. drop from top of tank to burner w tiger loop. Roth suggests OSV as does tiger loop. I am not questioning professional suggestions as I am just a homeowner. Have read many of the reasons why an OSV is a good idea. My question is has anyone in this forum experienced a pump seal leak or other problem caused by lack of an OSV due to a tank above burner creating too much line pressure.

Comments

  • techforlife
    techforlife Member Posts: 106

    I have seen many times when the OSV saved someone from having a basement full of fuel. As far as pumps and lines go, the lack of an OSV does not cause a leak. Having an OSV prevents the oil from flowing out of the leak. As for the Tiger Loop, the OSV keeps the head pressure off of it. Also, when oil is delivered, the tank and fuel system components can get pressurized. The OSV guards against that and increases the life and safety of the Tiger Loop. They are truly a safety device and have avoided many a catastrophe.

    Mad Dog_2EdTheHeaterManmattmia2
  • leonz
    leonz Member Posts: 1,433

    You are only dealing with one atmosphere of pressure bearing down on your oil supply if the tank vent is working correctly.

    You could add a webster oil safety valve for $140.00+, but if you have a Fire-O-Matic valve at the burner you already have some protection. Keep in mind that adding the Oil Safety Valve will add six more flair fittings, one shut off valve and six more possible places for air leaks creating problems for you.

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 10,234

    Do I really need an OSV

    Not if you switch to gas or electric.

    If your fuel tank is above the oil burner and the fuel line leaks between the tank and the burner, or the pump seal fails for some reason, the OSV will not let the oil pass unless there is a vacuum on the outlet side of the OSV. Without the OSV the "one atmosphere of pressure" that @leonz mentioned, on that fuel line leak or failed pump seal will allow oil to leave the tank through the leak until someone finds the problem and resolves it, or your tank runs out of oil.

    I have had hundreds of customers with above ground oil tanks connected to basement oil burners that did not have an OSV and only one had a major spill. I can tell you that the customer was not happy with the result. But the other customers never had a problem. You are probably just like one of those customers of mine. I just can't tell you which one from this chair that I am retired in.

    Only you can tell after you have had the experience after you sell and move, without a problem, or if you have the problem my one other customer that was not happy had.  I can tell you that some of my customers that do have OSVs on their oil line, never had the problem that my one unlucky customer had. Not one!

    I would never suggest that you should not install a safety device. That would be stupid on my part. And my insurance carrier would drop me in a second if they found that I recommended that a customer not get a OSV and then there was a major oil spill at that location. Especially if the fuel spill was the type that an OSV would prevent. 

    So if you were to ask me, Professionally, I would reply YES. If you ignored my advise I would have no problem with that. I just would have my recommendation in writing in my records somewhere and that you decided not to purchase the OSV. Cover My ****

    Just some ramblings from an old oil burner man that has seen a lot of stuff in the last 50 years

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    PC7060

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