Identifying an Oil Tank on Your Property

Why Should You Identify an Oil Tank on Your Property?

If you are an owner of an older home, you may be surprised to find out that an oil tank is buried somewhere on your property. Many homes that were built in the early part of the 1900s were heated using oil, and therefore the installation of oil tanks was commonplace. Knowing the location and condition of an oil tank on your property is important for many reasons. It can prevent potential leaks that can contaminate your soil, groundwater, and possibly your drinking water. Additionally, dealing with a leaking oil tank can be a very costly and time-consuming process.

What Does an Oil Tank Look Like?

The most common type of oil tank that is found in residential properties is the underground steel tank. These tanks typically have a cylindrical, barrel-like shape and can be made of varying thicknesses of metal. The tanks may be completely buried, partially buried, or protruding above the ground. Another common type of oil tank is an above-ground tank (AST). Access this external content to dive deeper into the subject. Residential Oil Tank Removal, broaden your understanding of the topic covered.

How Can You Identify an Oil Tank on Your Property?

If you suspect you have an oil tank on your property, there are certain indicators that can help you confirm your suspicions. Here are some tips:

Look for fill and vent pipes that may be sticking up out of the ground near your home. These pipes may be visible close to the foundation of your house or at the perimeter of your property.

Inspect the interior and exterior of your home. Look for oil lines leading to the heating system and the location of the fuel filter.

Check for abandoned oil lines that may run along the outside of your home.

Check old property maps, blueprints, and insurance documents for possible locations of oil tanks.

Use a metal detector to detect the presence of a steel tank under the ground.

What Should You Do If You Find an Oil Tank on Your Property?

First and foremost, don’t panic! Although the discovery of an oil tank may seem overwhelming, it is important to address the issue quickly to prevent further damage. Here are some steps to follow: Expand your understanding of the subject by visiting this external website we’ve handpicked for you. https://www.commtank.com/services/oil-tank-removals-ma/, obtain a fuller understanding of the subject addressed.

Call a professional to confirm that the tank is indeed an oil tank and not a septic tank or another type of storage tank.

Ask the professional to conduct a soil test and check if there are any leaks or hazardous materials.

Take immediate action to address any leaks or potential soil contamination.

If removal is needed, hire a licensed and insured professional to remove the tank and dispose of any contaminated soil properly.

Notify your insurance company if you have a policy that may cover the cost of removal or soil remediation.

Conclusion

Identifying an oil tank on your property is crucial to prevent potential harm to your health and the environment. Knowing the location and condition of your oil tank is important to avoid costly remediation in the future. Regularly checking for the presence of oil tanks on your property is a proactive approach to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Would you like to explore other viewpoints on this subject? See the external links we’ve compiled to enrich your research:

Read this valuable document

Read this helpful document

Visit this informative study

Click for more information