Underground Oil Line

[ShaunCorbs]

Need to repair an oil line that’s underground (digger/ old oil line that’s being disused) now I know it’s not the best but what’s the best practice eg flared and denso

 

[SimonG]

How deep?

Standard compression with pipe inserts will do, unless you have a flaring tool.

Regs state you need permanent access to an underground joint, so should be in a pit with lift off lid.

 

[SJB060685]

450mm deep trench. 40mm of compacted sand as base, run pipe and a further 40mm of sand on top. Builders grade polythene above sand. Then backfill with soil and position an oil line marking tape 150mm below the surface.
Note. Joints underground should be avoided, permanent access must be provided to any and all joints made.
Compression with inserts is acceptable but many argue flared is the way, its swings and roundabouts, both are acceptable and if done right never a concern.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

How deep?

Standard compression with pipe inserts will do, unless you have a flaring tool.

Regs state you need permanent access to an underground joint, so should be in a pit with lift off lid.

around 300-350mm deep

no way of doing it without an inspection? As it’s in a flower bed / going to be

 

[SimonG]

around 300-350mm deep

no way of doing it without an inspection? As it’s in a flower bed / going to be

Can only state the regs, reality is often different

 

[SJB060685]

around 300-350mm deep

no way of doing it without an inspection? As it’s in a flower bed / going to be

As Simon says we can only inform you to what the regulations require my friend. Any new installation or remedial work requires permanent access to all joints that are sub ground and installed to how I said above. Admittedly this is not what you want to hear but it is what it is.
I don't know how much oil work you do, or how much you know but you could phone up OFTEC and for £5 plus posting you can buy their pocket guide that has all this information and a whole lot more.

 

[SimonG]

That pocket book is well worth it.

 

[SJB060685]

It is Simon yes. I'm not currently OFTEC registered (personally I'm in two mind about that) but this pocket guide is well worth the few quid it costs. Yes buying the book set gives a lot more information but you spend £100 on books now and in two months time some idiot who sits behind a desk with no hands on experience has changed all the regulations again and the books are useless. £5 every time regs change is worth it.

 

[SimonG]

It is Simon yes. I'm not currently OFTEC registered (personally I'm in two mind about that) but this pocket guide is well worth the few quid it costs. Yes buying the book set gives a lot more information but you spend £100 on books now and in two months time some idiot who sits behind a desk with no hands on experience has changed all the regulations again and the books are useless. £5 every time regs change is worth it.

Mine ran out over 2 years ago, wont be renewing.

 

[SJB060685]

The problem with OFTEC is it's not policed like gas is. They'll rush anyone through a week long course with a guaranteed pass. There lies one problem, you get some halfwit who's done this course and instantly believes he knows everything, causing more problems than remedies on his first breakdown call. Also you notify OFTEC of bad workmanship by another party and they don't care, nothing ever comes from them.
I know of a lot of guys who are in two minds like me. I know I don't legally have to be OFTEC to repair an oil fired appliance, as long as I know current regs and stay up to date with them then I'm free to attend but then I've been trained by some very good guys, with decades of experience and I know what I'm on about.