Contaminated Oil Fuel – A Common Cause of Boiler, Aga & Rayburn Breakdowns in North Devon

One of the most common causes of oil boiler, Aga, and Rayburn breakdowns we see across North Devon—including South Molton, Winkleigh, Chulmleigh, Umberleigh, and High Bickington—is contaminated heating oil. Whether your heating appliance is brand new or has served you faithfully for years, fuel contamination can quietly lead to costly repairs, reduced performance, and system failure if not addressed early.

At Jad Mottram Plumbing and Heating, we’re experienced in diagnosing and resolving fuel-related issues in oil-fired boilers, Agas, and Rayburns.

Common Causes of Contaminated Heating Oil

🔧 1. Sediment Build-Up Over Time

Over time—especially in older systems (10–20 years or more)—it’s normal for sediment and sludge to accumulate in your oil tank. Each refill stirs up residue at the bottom of the tank, which can:

• Clog your oil filters and burner nozzles

• Cause irregular burner performance

• Lead to boiler lockouts or shutdowns

✅ Solution: Regular Filter Maintenance

We always recommend having your oil tank filter inspected and cleaned regularly. Installing an additional inline paper-type oil filter is highly effective in capturing fine particles and preventing them from reaching your boiler or range cooker.

🦠 2. The Diesel Bug – A Growing Problem

Another major issue is the diesel bug, a microbial contamination that forms when water is present in your heating oil. This creates a slimy sludge (similar to frogspawn) that settles between the water and oil layers inside the tank. Left unchecked, diesel bug contamination can:

• Cause severe blockages in fuel lines and filters

• Damage burner components

• Lead to frequent breakdowns in Agas, Rayburns, and oil boilers

How We Can Help with Oil Fuel Contamination

If you’re experiencing repeated oil boiler breakdowns, burner faults, or fuel flow problems, our experienced engineers can:

• Test your heating oil for water or microbial contamination

• Clean or replace clogged filters and fuel lines

• Install inline filtration systems for improved protection

• Advise on oil tank water removal and fuel polishing options (if necessary)

• Ensure your Aga, Rayburn, or oil boiler is burning clean, reliable fuel

We cover a wide range of locations in North Devon, including Chulmleigh, Chawleigh, and Lapford, offering both emergency call-outs and routine servicing.

Book an Oil Fuel System Check or Service Today

Don’t let contaminated fuel shorten the life of your heating system. If your oil-fired boiler, Aga, or Rayburn isn’t running as it should—or if you've noticed frequent lockouts or burner failures—we can help.

📞 Call us today or 📧 email jadmottram@hotmail.com to arrange an inspection and fuel system service in North Devon.

Protect your appliance, reduce breakdowns, and enjoy peace of mind with local experts you can trust.