Sylvie Willis
Underground fuel tanks are prone to corrosion and perforation, which can lead to soil and groundwater contamination. Before purchasing a property, it is crucial to determine the presence and condition of any buried fuel tanks to avoid costly cleanup fees and health risks. If you suspect a buried fuel tank, you can perform a simple test by putting your ear to a pipe protruding from the ground and banging on it with a hammer. If the tank is present, you will hear an obvious echo. Alternatively, you can hire a specialist company to inspect the tank or perform a tank sweep using ground-penetrating radar. Removing or decommissioning a buried fuel tank is often advised due to the risk of leakage, and some states mandate removal when a tank is no longer in use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify a buried fuel tank | Look for pipes protruding from the ground, copper pipes in the basement that have been capped off, or listen for an echo-y cavern by putting your ear to one of the pipes and banging on another with a hammer |
| Risks of a buried fuel tank | Environmental damage, groundwater contamination, negative health impact, financial burden of cleanup, lawsuits |
| Insurance coverage | Homeowners insurance rarely covers the costs associated with a leaking underground oil tank; separate tank insurance policies are available in case of a leak |
| Removal regulations | Vary by state; some states require removal if the tank is no longer in use, while others have no regulations |
| Recommended actions when buying a property with a buried fuel tank | Have the property evaluated by a specialist contractor, try to get the tank decommissioned by the seller, register the tank as soon as you take ownership |
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What You'll Learn
Pipes protruding from the ground are a tell-tale sign
If you suspect a buried fuel tank on your property, one of the most obvious indicators is pipes protruding from the ground. Underground oil tanks have two pipes: a fill pipe used to fill the tank with oil, and a vent pipe. If you see pipes sticking out of the ground or the foundation wall, it could mean one of two things: either the tank is still there, or it was removed by someone unqualified. No professional fuel oil tank removal contractor would leave the vent and fill pipes exposed.
If you are inspecting a house and notice pipes sticking out of the ground, it may be a sign of a fuel oil tank somewhere on the property. While most homes are heated with natural gas, there is still a small percentage of homes that use fuel oil, and there are many houses with abandoned fuel oil tanks. When a home gets converted from fuel oil to natural gas, the fuel oil tank is abandoned and must be removed or filled in place. If left buried, it could eventually leak, causing an environmental hazard that could cost a lot of money to clean up.
If you suspect a buried oil tank, you can try a simple test to confirm its presence. Put your ear to one of the pipes sticking out of the ground and bang on the other with a hammer. If there's a buried tank, the sound will be obvious, like a big, echoey cavern. If you confirm the presence of a tank, it is recommended to call a company that specializes in fuel oil tanks. They can advise on the best course of action, whether it's removal or filling it in place.
It is important to address underground oil tanks due to the risks associated with them. The tanks can wear out over time due to factors like corrosion or damage, leading to a compromise in their walls. This allows oil to leak out and contaminate the soil and groundwater, causing a negative impact on the environment and the health and safety of people. Even if the leak doesn't reach the surface water, the concentrated oil vapors can have health impacts, ranging from headaches and drowsiness to more serious conditions with long-term exposure.
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Bang on the pipes to confirm the presence of a tank
If you suspect there is a buried fuel tank on your property, it is important to confirm its presence. One way to do this is by checking for pipes protruding from the ground—underground oil tanks have two pipes: a fill pipe and a vent pipe. If you come across any pipes, you can try a simple test to confirm the existence of a tank. Place your ear against one of the pipes and then use a hammer to bang on the other pipe. If there is an underground tank, you will hear a loud and obvious echo that resembles the sound of a large, cavernous space.
Performing this test can help you quickly determine whether there is a buried fuel tank on your property. If you suspect a tank is present, it is recommended to contact a specialist company that deals with fuel oil tanks to confirm its existence. Additionally, consider the potential risks associated with underground tanks, including environmental, legal, financial, and health hazards. Leaking tanks can contaminate the soil and groundwater, leading to costly cleanup processes and negative impacts on public health and wildlife.
If you are purchasing a property or currently own one with an active oil heating tank, it is advisable to have it covered by insurance. Some states mandate the removal of tanks that are no longer in use, regardless of whether they are leaking. Even if it is not a requirement in your state, removing or filling in an unused tank can help prevent future issues. Before removing a tank, ensure you have the proper documentation to prove that it did not leak, as this may be a concern for potential buyers if you decide to sell your property.
If you are buying a property with an active oil heat system, ensure that the current owner has registered the tank. Registering the tank yourself as soon as you take ownership is also crucial. This helps establish a history of coverage, reducing the likelihood of insurance companies claiming a pre-existing condition if a problem arises. Remember that the presence of pipes protruding from the ground could indicate either an abandoned tank or an active one. It is important to investigate further and, if necessary, have the property evaluated by a contractor specialising in oil tank location and decommissioning.
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Copper pipes in the basement that lead outside
If you suspect that there is a buried fuel tank on your property, it is important to confirm its presence and ensure that it is sound. One indicator of a buried fuel tank is the presence of copper pipes in the basement that lead outside. Here are some steps you can take to investigate and address this situation:
Identify the Pipes
Firstly, it is important to correctly identify the copper pipes in your basement. Real estate attorney and investor Rajeh Saadeh states that "underground oil tanks have two pipes: a fill pipe that is used to fill the tank with oil, and a vent pipe." If you notice copper pipes in your basement that have been capped off and lead outside, they may be associated with an underground oil tank.
Confirm the Presence of a Buried Tank
If you suspect that the copper pipes are related to a buried fuel tank, you can take several steps to confirm its presence:
- Inspect the pipes: Check if the pipes are protruding from the ground or foundation wall. If they are, it is likely that there is a buried tank.
- Perform a tank sweep: Hire a professional tank removal company to conduct a tank sweep. They will use ground-penetrating radar to identify the presence of an oil tank. This method can help confirm the existence of a tank even if the fill and vent pipes have been removed.
- Listen for echoes: As a quick and simple method, you can put your ear to one of the pipes and bang on the other with a hammer. If there is a buried tank, you will hear a loud, obvious echo.
Address the Buried Tank
Once you have confirmed the presence of a buried fuel tank, there are several steps you should take to address it:
- Contact a specialist: Get in touch with a company that specializes in fuel oil tanks or underground storage tank (UST) removal. They can inspect the tank and advise on the best course of action.
- Remove or fill the tank: Depending on local regulations and the condition of the tank, you may need to remove or fill the tank. Removing the tank eliminates the risk of future leaks and is often recommended by realtors before listing a property for sale. Filling the tank in place is also an option but may not be advisable due to potential environmental concerns and resale hardships.
- Register the tank: If you are buying a property with an active oil heat tank, ensure that the current owner has registered it. If they have not, register the tank as soon as you take ownership to ensure coverage in case of any issues.
- Obtain insurance: Consider separate tank insurance policies that provide coverage in case of a leak. Keep in mind that homeowners' insurance rarely covers the costs associated with a leaking underground oil tank.
- Decommission abandoned tanks: If the tank is abandoned, it is crucial to have it decommissioned properly to prevent environmental and health hazards. Try to have the seller decommission the tank before you take ownership of the property.
It is important to address buried fuel tanks promptly to mitigate potential risks, including environmental contamination, legal issues, financial burdens, and health concerns. By following these steps, you can take appropriate action to ensure the safety and integrity of your property.
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Get a tank sweep done by a professional
If you suspect that there is a buried fuel tank on your property, it is important to take action to verify its presence and condition. One effective method is to engage a professional to perform a tank sweep, which can provide accurate and reliable results.
A tank sweep involves hiring a professional tank removal company to conduct a specialised assessment. They utilise advanced equipment, such as metal detectors with ground-penetrating radar, to detect the presence of a buried oil tank. This technology enables them to identify the precise location of the tank and determine whether it is still active or has been abandoned. The cost of a tank sweep service is typically around $250, and it is important to emphasise that this task requires a professional with the right equipment.
By engaging a professional, you can benefit from their expertise and experience in handling these situations. They will be able to provide valuable insights into the condition of the tank and advise you on the best course of action. This may include recommending further steps to confirm the soundness of the tank or discussing options for removal or decommissioning if it is no longer in use.
It is worth noting that buried fuel tanks can pose significant risks if left unattended. Over time, these tanks can corrode or become damaged, leading to potential oil leaks. Leaking oil can contaminate the surrounding soil and groundwater, causing severe environmental damage and impacting the health and safety of those nearby. Therefore, taking proactive measures through a tank sweep can help prevent future complications and ensure the safety of your property and the surrounding area.
Additionally, if you are considering purchasing a property with a buried fuel tank, it is highly recommended to have a professional evaluation conducted. This will provide you with a clear understanding of any potential risks associated with the tank and allow you to make an informed decision. It is always better to address these issues before taking ownership of the property to avoid future complications and costly cleanup fees.
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Check for capped-off copper pipes in the basement
If you're looking to determine whether a buried fuel tank is sound, one of the key things to look out for is capped-off copper pipes in the basement. Here's what you need to know about checking for these pipes:
Firstly, it's important to understand why checking for these pipes is significant. Capped-off copper pipes in the basement can indicate the presence of an underground oil tank, which may be abandoned or even leaking. Abandoned oil tanks can pose serious environmental, health, legal, and financial risks if they start leaking, contaminating the soil and groundwater. Therefore, identifying and dealing with these tanks is crucial.
Now, let's discuss how to check for capped-off copper pipes in the basement:
- Inspect your basement thoroughly: Look for any copper pipes that appear to be capped off. These pipes may run outside your home and underground. If you find such pipes, it could be a sign that your home previously used heating oil.
- Understand the purpose of the pipes: Copper pipes in the basement that lead to an underground oil tank were typically used for filling the tank with heating oil. These pipes are known as fill pipes.
- Check for additional indicators: Besides capped-off copper pipes, other signs of an underground oil tank include vent pipes. Vent pipes allowed fumes to escape from the tank and are usually located near the fill pipes. They are typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter, protrude 6 to 12 inches from the ground, and have a bell or mushroom-shaped cap.
- Seek professional confirmation: If you suspect the presence of an underground oil tank based on the capped-off copper pipes and other indicators, it's advisable to contact a specialist. A company specializing in fuel oil tanks or a contractor experienced in oil tank location and decommissioning can confirm the presence of a tank and provide expert advice on the necessary steps to take.
Remember, if you discover any signs of leaked oil, it's important to contact a removal specialist promptly to address potential hazards and mitigate risks.
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Frequently asked questions
If you suspect there is a buried fuel tank on your property, look out for pipes protruding from the ground. Underground oil tanks have two pipes: a fill pipe that is used to fill the tank with oil, and a vent pipe. If you see these pipes, you can either call a company that specialises in fuel oil tanks to determine if a fuel oil tank is present, or you can perform a 'tank sweep' using a metal detector with ground-penetrating radar.
Buried fuel tanks can be prone to corrosion and perforation, which can lead to leaks. A leaking underground storage tank can cause soil contamination and groundwater pollution, which can be costly to clean up and cause negative health effects. There may also be financial and legal consequences if your leak affects your neighbour's property.
If you discover a buried fuel tank, you should have it evaluated by a contractor who specialises in oil tank decommissioning. It is recommended that you have the tank decommissioned or removed by a professional tank removal service.
If you don't remove a buried fuel tank before selling your property, you may encounter difficulties finding a buyer. Many buyers will not want to take on the risks associated with having a buried fuel tank, and banks may not offer mortgages for properties with underground oil tanks.
