Check Your Home Heating Oil Storage Tanks

Imagine being hit with a cleanup bill that costs more than your annual salary for an issue you didn't even know existed. Sounds far-fetched? Not if you have an abandoned heating oil tank lurking in your yard. These hidden hazards can lead to significant environmental, health, and financial woes if left unchecked. But don't worry! By knowing what to look for, you can tackle potential problems head-on. This guide will help you determine if you have a heating oil tank and what actions to take if you do.

What Are Heating Oil Storage Tanks?

From the 1930s to the 1980s, before natural gas became widespread, many homes were heated by furnaces burning heating oil. To store this oil, homeowners often buried large tanks in their yards to avoid theft or vandalism. While heating oil has mostly fallen out of favor, these tanks haven't disappeared.

Many homes today still have unused heating oil tanks buried in their yards. These forgotten tanks can cause costly problems, such as leaking into the water table and contaminating both surface and groundwater.

How Do I Know if I Have a Heating Oil Tank in My Yard?

Even if the tank is buried, you don’t need to dig around like you're hunting for treasure to find it. There are a few tell-tale signs that your home used oil for heat and that there might still be a tank buried near your house.

Copper Pipes

Take a look around your furnace. If you see capped-off copper pipes, there's a good chance your home used heating oil.

Fill Pipe

Heating oil tanks are generally buried close to the home's foundation. Look in a 10-to-12-foot radius from your foundation for pipes sticking up from the ground. These pipes were used by suppliers to fill the tank. They could still protrude a few inches or be flush with the ground and capped off.

Vent Pipe

Vent pipes allowed fumes to escape from inside the tank. These pipes are usually 1 to 2 inches in diameter, stick up between 6 and 12 inches from the ground, and have a bell-shaped cap on top.

What to Do if You Find Evidence of a Buried Heating Oil Tank

If you discover any signs that your home once used heating oil, there's a possibility the tank is still in the yard. Some local heating oil companies specialize in oil tank discovery and remediation, so you don't have to go it alone.

Once you contact a local contractor, they will assess the property and locate the tank, usually with a metal detector. Once your contractor finds the tank, they will dig it up, remove any remaining oil, and clean the tank thoroughly before removing it safely. The cost for heating oil tank removal varies but is usually between $1,000 and $2,000.

Do I Really Need to Have My Tank Removed?

It's crucial to have the tank inspected and removed or properly closed and sealed. If you choose not to have your tank removed, you may encounter problems down the road.

Over time, tanks can degrade. If previous homeowners didn’t properly abandon them, oil can leach into the soil, causing an ecological nightmare in your own backyard. Contaminated soil is hazardous to wildlife and humans, and oil can seep into groundwater and surface water, affecting aquatic life and farmers using ponds for irrigation.

Unfortunately, cleaning up oil spills can cost over $100,000, and many times it's not covered by homeowners' insurance. You should replace tanks every 15 years. The cost of oil tank replacement is about $1,900 on average.

Some states, like New York and Michigan, have laws requiring the safe removal of out-of-use heating oil tanks, while others do not. If you're unsure whether to remove your tank or leave it alone, check local and state ordinances to ensure you're on the right side of the law.

Homes with oil tanks are more challenging to sell or have a lower resale value than similar homes without tanks. Additionally, many mortgage companies will not provide funding for home purchases if there is an abandoned heating oil tank on the property.

Insurance might not cover remediation if problems occur, leaving you with a hefty bill. Special policies are available to cover oil tank leakage, usually offered through heating oil dealers but sometimes through standard insurance companies.

Tips and Reminders

• Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections for any visible signs of wear and tear.
• Documentation: Keep records of any inspections, removals, or replacements.
• Consult Professionals: Always consult with certified professionals for tank removal or maintenance.
• Check Local Laws: Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding oil tank abandonment or removal.

Conclusion

Abandoned heating oil tanks pose significant risks, but with the right actions, you can prevent potential disasters. Regular inspections, professional consultation, and understanding local regulations are key to managing these hidden hazards.

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FAQs

1. How can I find out if my property has a buried oil tank?

Look for signs like capped-off copper pipes, fill pipes, and vent pipes around your home. Professional contractors can also help locate tanks using specialized equipment.

2. What should I do if I discover an oil tank on my property?

Contact a professional contractor for an assessment. They can provide options for removal or proper closure of the tank.

3. Is removing an oil tank expensive?

Removal costs typically range from $1,000 to $2,000. However, costs can vary based on location and tank condition.

4. Are there laws about removing old oil tanks?

Yes. Some states require the removal of out-of-use tanks. Check local and state regulations to ensure compliance.

5. Can I sell my home with a buried oil tank?

While possible, it may lower the resale value and complicate the sale process, as many buyers and mortgage companies are wary of properties with old oil tanks.