FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about keeping your fuel systems clean and efficient? We’ve written some FAQs that helps provides clear answers about our services, processes, and what you can expect when working with Diesel Brothers, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
What fuel decontamination services can Diesel Brothers provide?
We specialise in on-site fuel decontamination, tank cleaning, and removal of sludge, water, and metal particles from diesel and other fuel systems. View our full list on our services page.
How does fuel decontamination work?
Using a state-of-the-art filtration system, we remove contaminants caused by diesel bug from your fuel and return it directly to your tank, ensuring none is wasted.
Which UK areas do you cover for fuel decontamination?
Yes. Our mobile team is equipped to provide full services regardless of location or access challenges.
We travel to: East Anglia Waters, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
What types of diesel and fuel do you treat?
Our tools and specialists are trained specifically for diesel decontamination, however we may be able to advise on other fuel types on request.
How long does on site fuel decontamination take?
Service duration depends on tank size and contamination level, but most jobs are completed within a few hours on-site.
What happens to contaminated diesel fuel?
Our process cleans and returns the fuel directly to your tank, so there is no loss of fuel when using Diesel Brothers.
How often should diesel tanks be decontaminated?
This depends on usage, storage conditions, and fuel quality, but regular maintenance helps prevent costly engine or system issues. Get in touch for tailored advice.
What happens engines and equipment during fuel cleaning?
Our filtration system is designed to remove contaminants without causing harm to fuel systems or engines.
Does your fuel decontamination work include a guarantee?
We stand by the quality of our work and provide assurances that your fuel will be returned clean and contaminant-free.
What are the signs of diesel bug contamination?
Common signs of diesel bug contamination include:
- Sludge or dark residue in the tank
- Blocked fuel filters
- Engine hesitation or loss of power
- Increased exhaust smoke
- Corrosion inside the tank
- Strong, unpleasant fuel odour
If left untreated, contamination can lead to breakdowns, injector damage and costly repairs.
Can contaminated fuel be saved?
In most cases, yes. Contaminated diesel can usually be restored through professional fuel polishing and decontamination. The process removes water, microbial growth and sludge while filtering the fuel to restore cleanliness.
Severely degraded fuel may require partial disposal, but the majority of contaminated fuel can often be recovered, helping to reduce waste and replacement costs.
Do I need fuel tank cleaning or fuel polishing?
Fuel polishing is suitable when contamination is caught early and the tank structure is still clean. It filters and treats the fuel while removing water and microbial growth.
Fuel tank cleaning is required when heavy sludge, corrosion or long term contamination has built up inside the tank. In many cases, a full tank clean combined with fuel polishing provides the most effective long term solution.
How can I prevent diesel bug returning?
To prevent diesel bug returning:
- Keep tanks as full as possible to reduce condensation
- Regularly drain water from the tank
- Inspect and replace damaged seals
- Schedule routine fuel testing and polishing
- Use preventative biocide treatments where appropriate
Ongoing maintenance is the most effective way to protect stored diesel and avoid repeat contamination.
Do you work on boats, heating oil tanks and generators?
Yes. Professional fuel decontamination services are available for marine vessels, heating oil tanks, standby generators, agricultural machinery and commercial fuel storage systems.
Each system is assessed individually to ensure the correct cleaning, polishing and treatment method is used for safe and reliable operation.
How Often Should Diesel Bug Treatment Be Added to a Fuel Tank?
Following professional fuel decontamination, maintaining fuel quality is essential to prevent future contamination and operational disruption. We recommend dosing fuel with a suitable diesel bug preventative treatment at each refuel or prior to extended storage periods, alongside keeping tanks as full as practical to minimise condensation and water ingress. For vessels and equipment operating intermittently, periodic fuel inspection or polishing is advisable. While preventative treatments inhibit microbial growth, they do not remove contamination once established, making proactive maintenance the most effective long-term protection for your fuel system.
What causes diesel bug in fuel tanks?
Diesel bug is caused by microbial growth in diesel fuel. Bacteria, fungi and yeasts develop where water and diesel meet inside a tank. Water can enter through condensation, damaged seals, poor storage conditions or contaminated deliveries.
Modern biodiesel blends can also increase the risk because they absorb more moisture. Once water is present, microbes multiply quickly, forming sludge that blocks filters and damages fuel systems.
How do I book a fuel decontamination service?
Simply contact us via phone, email, or use our in-website booking system to arrange a convenient on-site appointment.