Knowledge Hub
Understand oil spills, one clear topic at a time.
Browse plain-English guides about heating oil, contamination, clean-up, insurance and prevention. Action pages tell you what to do; the Knowledge Hub explains why it matters.
Start with the foundations
One question. A clearer understanding.
Choose a topic below, or begin with the basics of heating oil and how spills spread.
FOUNDATIONS
Oil spills explained
How spills begin, spread and affect property and the environment.
FUEL
Heating oil and fuels
Properties, common domestic systems and why different fuels behave differently.
Soil, water and the environment
Follow where the oil can travel.
Explore the ground beneath a property, nearby drains and water, and the wider environmental effects.
GROUND
Soil and contamination
Migration, staining, sampling, excavation, treatment and verification.
WATER
Groundwater
How oil can reach water below ground and why investigation may take time.
DRAINS
Rivers, drains and surface water
Pathways, reporting, containment and environmental sensitivity.
IMPACT
Environmental effects
Potential effects on plants, wildlife, water, soil and neighbouring land.
From evidence to action
Understand the work behind recovery.
EVIDENCE
Testing and monitoring
What samples, laboratory results and monitoring can and cannot show.
RECOVERY
Clean-up and remediation
Investigation, objectives, remedial methods, waste and closure.
The practical questions
Your system, your claim, your responsibilities.
SYSTEMS
Tanks and heating systems
Tanks, boilers, pipework, filters, supports and common failure points.
FINANCIAL
Insurance and liability
Claims, evidence, roles, cost factors and third-party concerns.
RULES
Authorities and responsibilities
Jurisdiction-specific reporting, environmental duties and official guidance.
ALL ARTICLES
Browse all guides and insights
Explore the published articles directly, or choose a topic above.
Start with the basics
How domestic heating-oil spills spread
Water and the environment
How heating oil can affect groundwater
What happens when heating oil reaches drains or surface water?
Plain-English glossary
Plain-English glossary
Clear definitions of the technical terms you may encounter.
Getting the most from a guide
Read the summary. Check where it applies.
Start with the practical answer, then explore the explanation and sources when you want more detail. Rules and contacts can vary by location.
For important decisions, look for the author or reviewer, supporting sources, review date and any limits to the guidance.
Can’t find the right guide?
Start with what has happened, not the technical term.
The guided route can point you towards the most relevant action page, explanation or type of professional support.