Emergency Heating Oil Delivery Guide for Hampshire Homeowners
What to do when your heating oil tank runs empty. Step-by-step guide for homeowners in Andover, Marlborough & Hungerford.
It's a familiar scenario for rural Hampshire homeowners: you wake up to a cold house, realise the heating hasn't come on, and discover your oil tank is empty. With around 30% of homes in areas like Andover, Marlborough, and Hungerford relying on oil heating, running out unexpectedly is more common than you'd think.
This comprehensive guide covers exactly what to do when your heating oil runs out, how to get emergency delivery, and most importantly, how to prevent it happening again.
1Immediate Steps When Your Tank Runs Empty
Turn Off Your Boiler
Switch off your oil boiler at the main switch. Running it dry can cause the burner to attempt to fire without fuel, potentially damaging components and definitely introducing air into the system.
Check Your Tank Gauge
Confirm the tank is actually empty. Sometimes gauges stick or fail. Gently tap the gauge or look through the tank sight glass if accessible. If you can hear oil sloshing when you tap the tank, there may be a different issue.
Assess the Urgency
Consider: Are there vulnerable people in the home? Is it freezing outside? Do you have alternative heating? These factors determine whether you need emergency same-day delivery or can wait for a scheduled top-up.
Find Alternative Heating
While arranging oil delivery, use electric heaters, a wood burner if you have one, or gather family in one room to conserve heat. Don't use the oven for heating - it's a fire and carbon monoxide risk.
2Your Oil Delivery Options
Standard Delivery (48-72 hours)
- •Cheapest option per litre
- •Minimum order typically 500 litres
- •Available from most oil suppliers
- •Longer wait during winter peak
Emergency Top-Up (Same Day)
- •From £285 including call-out
- •Smaller quantity to bridge the gap
- •Can include system restart
- •Reaches rural properties quickly
Hampshire Tip: Many standard oil suppliers prioritize deliveries by area, not urgency. If you're in a remote village like Shipton Bellinger or Burbage, emergency top-up services may reach you faster than waiting for the tanker route.
3What Happens When You Run Completely Dry
When your oil tank runs completely empty, air enters the fuel lines between the tank and your boiler. This creates what's called an "air lock" - and it's why your boiler won't simply restart when you add more oil.
Signs of an Air-Locked System:
- Boiler attempts to fire but shuts down after a few seconds
- Lockout light or error code on the boiler
- Strange sounds from the fuel pump (sputtering, air sounds)
- Oil delivery has arrived but heating still won't work
The Bleeding Process:
To remove the air lock, the fuel lines need to be "bled" - a process that involves loosening specific bleed nipples to release trapped air while the fuel pump pushes oil through. This should be done by a professional for several reasons:
- Oil spillage risk (environmental regulations apply)
- Burner components need correct reassembly
- Multiple bleed points may need attention
- Warranty implications if done incorrectly
4Cost Comparison: Emergency vs. Standard Delivery
| Delivery Type | Timing | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Tanker | 48-72 hours | ~65-75p/litre | Planned refills |
| Next Day Priority | 24 hours | Premium + £30-50 | Urgent but not critical |
| Emergency Top-Up | Same day | From £285 | Cold snap, vulnerable people |
| Weekend Emergency | Same day | From £325 | Out-of-hours urgent need |
Worth noting: While emergency top-ups cost more, they often work out cheaper than a night in a hotel or the health risks of a cold home for elderly or young family members.
5Hampshire-Specific Considerations
Living in rural Hampshire, Wiltshire, or Berkshire brings specific challenges for oil heating:
Rural Delivery Challenges
- • Long tanker routes mean longer waits
- • Narrow lanes may limit tanker access
- • Multiple villages share delivery days
- • Weather can delay deliveries
Winter Peak Demand
- • December-February sees longest waits
- • Cold snaps spike demand instantly
- • Suppliers prioritize existing customers
- • Prices fluctuate with demand
Local Oil Suppliers to Know
For standard deliveries in our area, homeowners typically use suppliers like Watson Petroleum, Ford Fuels, or Certas Energy. Save their numbers in your phone before you need them.
For same-day emergency top-ups when you can't wait for the tanker, local services like ours can bridge the gap to get your heating running immediately.
6How to Restart Your Heating After Running Out
Once you've received oil (whether emergency top-up or tanker delivery), here's what happens:
Wait 10-15 Minutes
After delivery, oil needs to settle in the tank. Sediment stirred up during filling needs time to sink back down.
Reset Your Boiler
Many boilers have a reset button (often red). Press and hold for 3-5 seconds. The boiler may attempt to fire.
If It Doesn't Start - Don't Keep Trying
Repeated reset attempts can flood the combustion chamber with oil. If it hasn't started after 2-3 attempts, you likely have an air lock that needs professional bleeding.
Call for System Restart
Emergency oil top-up services often include system restart. If you've had a standard delivery and the boiler won't fire, you'll need separate air-lock clearing service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I go without heating oil before my system is damaged?
Running completely dry can introduce air into your oil lines, causing air locks that prevent the boiler from firing. While this won't permanently damage your system, it will require professional bleeding before your heating works again. It's best to never let your tank run completely empty.
Can I put diesel in my heating oil tank in an emergency?
Technically yes - road diesel (DERV) will work in most oil heating systems as it's similar to kerosene. However, it's more expensive and you shouldn't run your system on diesel long-term. It's an absolute last resort and won't void most warranties for occasional use.
Why won't my boiler start after running out of oil?
When your tank runs completely dry, air enters the fuel lines. Most oil boilers have safety cut-offs that prevent firing when air is detected. The system needs to be bled to remove air before it will restart - this is a job for a professional.
How much does emergency oil delivery cost?
Emergency oil top-up services typically start from £285 for same-day delivery in Hampshire. This includes a small quantity of oil to tide you over until your regular delivery arrives. Weekend and evening call-outs may cost more.
Need Emergency Oil Now?
Same-day emergency heating oil delivery across Andover, Marlborough & Hungerford. Don't suffer in the cold.