February 25, 2011 Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law


Massachusetts has a new law to address oil leaks from home heating systems (Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008, as most recently amended in 2010). This law has two major provisions that require:

  • the installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices; and
  • insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.

Most homeowner policies do not currently include such coverage, leaving many to pay for costly cleanups out of their own pocket. Although it is mandatory that insurance companies make this coverage available by July 1, 2010 to homeowners whose systems are upgraded, the insurance is an optional purchase.

If you are one of the homeowners required to follow the new safety procedures, BE SURE YOU HIRE A LICENSED OIL BURNER TECHNICIAN to complete the work.

TJ’s Plumbing and Heating, Inc. holds a current oil burner license and is qualified to perform a safety check or installation for you. Check out our credentials.