Rust never sleeps, and small leaks can, over time, contaminate large areas underneath your tank and oil lines. It is often unnoticed by homeowners. Wet spots under your tank are one of the first signs of an issue. A tank’s contents gauge must also be correctly installed to avoid clogging.
Cost
A buried oil tank is a major liability that can come up when you decide to sell your home. You may be forced to pay for contamination cleanup or have issues with your insurance company. If the tank’s gauge is damaged, keeping track of the fuel levels can be difficult, and the tank will likely need replacement. If the tank leaks, it’s important to have it removed and the soil tested.
A slow leak can add up over time, contaminating the yard, groundwater supply, and large areas under a foundation. It can be very costly to clean up and repair. Before this happens, hiring oil tank services Westchester County NY is a much cheaper option. In addition, you’ll avoid potential problems with your insurance company.
Safety
An underground oil tank that leaks can cause environmental damage. The leaking fuel can contaminate soil and groundwater, affecting plant and animal life. It can contaminate wells, water supplies, wetlands, ponds and streams. Over time, an underground tank can wear out and crack. It can allow oil to escape and contaminate the surrounding soil. It is a major health and safety concern.
If the tank leaks, it must be removed, and the soil around it tested. It can be expensive and time-consuming. It can also deter potential buyers, as they may require you to provide certification that the tank did not leak before they buy your home. It could lead to higher sales prices and lower property value for your home.
Maintenance
When an underground oil tank is abandoned and left leaking, it can lead to environmental and property issues that could cost thousands of dollars to fix. Additionally, if an oil tank leaks into the ground or soil, the cost of cleanup is typically not covered by homeowner’s insurance coverage. Leaks from a buried oil tank can also ruin any plans to renovate your home. In addition, they can affect the price of a new home and even prevent its sale. Mortgage companies are wary of properties with buried oil tanks and require proof of proper tank abandonment before closing a house. A company that provides an oil tank removal certificate can prove that a tank was decommissioned, inspected and filled with foam before being abandoned.
Time
Although it is becoming more common to use alternate home heating methods, many properties still have a buried oil tank. Underground oil tanks are extremely hazardous and can leak over time, contaminating soil and groundwater. It can not only affect the property owner, but it also impacts those in the surrounding area. When a tank is not properly decommissioned or removed, it can become a problem for new property buyers. If a new buyer finds that the tank has leaked or contaminated the soil, they may be responsible for remediation and cleanup costs. To help prevent this, ensure your contractor can test the soil around the tank and piping before starting work. It can be done by collecting soil samples and sending them to a laboratory for ETPH testing.
Convenience
If you sell your home, an underground oil tank will be a major turnoff for potential buyers. They’ll likely require the tank to be removed before they’ll agree to finance or purchase your property.
If the previous owner had their tank tested, you may be able to prove that there is no contamination underneath the ground. A good test will look for wet spots, rust or dents on the tank, oil odors in the soil or a sheen on the groundwater. Aside from being an eyesore, a corroded tank will take up valuable space in your yard that could be better used for garden beds or antique furnishings. Keeping an eye on your tank can keep it from becoming a nuisance and save you money in the long run.
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