How To Identify Fuel Contamination

At Compass Fuels, we know that fuel contamination can be a costly fix. But it’s easier to prevent than you think. In this article, we are going to give you a clear answer on how to identify fuel contamination.

Fuel within your tank is not completely secure from the weather outside. The damp and freezing weather during the winter months can bring issues with the contents of the tank. It can also happen during the summer months with humid air.

There’s no clear sign as to when these changes can happen; when the weather changes, your fuel is at risk of being contaminated with water, bacteria, and more which can lead to breakages in the system, fuel damage, and costly business expenses.

It is vital to do a routine check-up on your fuel. The earlier you spot any problems, the easier it will be to fix them. You will be able to spot some visible symptoms in the fuel which will help you identify issues. These could be:

  • Cloudy fuel
  • Blocked filters
  • Slime residue in the filter
  • The machine has difficulty starting up
  • Stuttering in the machine’s system
  • Visible rusting in the tank
  • Visible rusting outside the tank

It would be wise to have your tank professionally cleaned at least once every year minimum. You can hire an OFTEC-accredited specialist to perform an examination.

If there are any unfortunate symptoms like the ones above, then it would be best to hire a professional to perform an examination of the fuel and system. They will specify any problems, look for erosion in the tank, see if there’s any unwanted bio-matter, or see if there’s any excessive water that has been trapped in the system.

If there aren’t any visible issues after checking your fuel, you have defeated half of the possible problem. Move on to checking the tank’s condition.

Your tank is important to take care of just as much as the fuel itself as this will avoid any contamination or damage to the contents inside.

If you are searching for more information about fuel contamination, fuel uplifting, or our fuel polishing services, then check out our sister company, Network Environmental! Looking for fast, dependable supply of fuel oils like red diesel or kerosene? Get in touch with Compass Fuels’ expert team today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Deliveries

  • What areas do you deliver to?

    We deliver to most regions in the UK. To check if we service your area, please use our delivery postcode checker or contact our support team 01772 619 461 

  • What is the minimum order quantity for delivery?

    The minimum order quantity varies depending on the fuel type. For most orders, it is 500 litres, but smaller deliveries may be available upon request for example barrels of 205l fuel.

  • How long does delivery take?

    Standard deliveries typically take 3–5 working days. We also offer express delivery options for urgent orders.

  • What should I do if my tank is overfilled or damaged during delivery?

    Please report any issues to our customer service team immediately. We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

  • Can I change or cancel my delivery?

    Yes, you can modify or cancel your delivery by contacting us at least 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time.

  • Do you charge a delivery fee?

    Standard delivery is included in the fuel price for most orders. Express deliveries or orders below the minimum quantity may incur additional fees.

  • What types of vehicles are used for delivery?

    We use a fleet of fuel tankers suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural deliveries. For restricted access locations, we may send a smaller vehicle.

  • What if my delivery is delayed?

    While we strive to deliver on time, delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If your delivery is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.

  • What should I do to prepare for a delivery?

    Ensure your tank is easily accessible, remove any obstructions, and secure pets or gates. If your tank has a lock, please make sure it is unlocked.

  • How will I know when my delivery will arrive?

    You will receive a notification with an estimated delivery date once your order is confirmed. On the day of delivery, our driver may contact you directly.

  • Do I need to be present during the delivery?

    In most cases, you don’t need to be present as long as your tank is accessible and ready for filling.

  • What happens if I’m not available during the delivery?

    If you’re not available, our driver can deliver the fuel to your tank as long as it is accessible and safe to do so. If access is restricted, we will contact you to reschedule.

  • Can I schedule my delivery?

    Absolutely. You can choose a preferred delivery date during the order process. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?

    Yes, same-day and next-day delivery options are available in select areas. Additional charges may apply.

Payments

  • What currency are payments processed in?

    Payments are processed in GBP (British Pounds). If you are paying from outside the UK, your bank may apply conversion fees.

  • Is my payment information secure?

    Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your payment details.

  • Can I request an extension on my payment due date?

    Yes, payment extensions may be available upon request. Please contact our billing team to discuss options.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Refunds are processed in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact our support team for further assistance.

  • How can I update my payment details?

    You can update your payment details by contacting our customer service team. 

  • Can I split my payment across multiple methods?

    Unfortunately, we do not support splitting payments across multiple methods at this time.

  • What should I do if my payment is declined?

    If your payment is declined, double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or our support team for assistance.

  • How do I receive my invoice or receipt?

    Invoices and receipts are sent to your registered email address or by letter.

  • Is there a surcharge for using a credit card?

    No, we do not charge additional fees for payments made using a credit card.

  • Do you offer credit terms for businesses?

    Yes, we provide credit terms for eligible business customers. Please contact our sales team to discuss account setup and terms.

  • Can I set up a direct debit or recurring payment?

    Yes, you can set up direct debit or recurring payments to ensure timely and hassle-free billing.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers. For business customers, we also offer account-based billing.

  • I paid for my order by card, I received less fuel than I paid for due to the tank being full, what happens now?

    We have a couple of options available, we can refund your payment card, this takes 3-5 working days from the date we process your refund. Alternatively, we can leave the credit sat on your account and adjust this amount from the payment for your next order.