An Above Ground Oil Tank - Buying A House With

: The tank must sit on a solid, level concrete pad. Uneven legs can lead to stress fractures or a catastrophic collapse.

: While leaks are visible, an uncontained spill can still reach groundwater or neighboring properties, costing between $20,000 to $90,000+ for remediation. buying a house with an above ground oil tank

A standard home inspection may not thoroughly evaluate an oil tank; you should hire a specialist to perform a comprehensive integrity test. : The tank must sit on a solid, level concrete pad

: Look for "weeping" seams, heavy rust, dents, or oil staining around the base and legs. A standard home inspection may not thoroughly evaluate

: Even if the current tank looks clean, testing the soil underneath is critical to ensure no previous tanks leaked in that same spot.

: Steel tanks typically last about 20 years. If the tank is older, experts often recommend immediate replacement rather than testing.

: Outdoor tanks are exposed to snow, ice, and falling branches, which can damage lines or cause "gelled" oil in extreme cold (below 16°F). Buying a House with an Abandoned Oil Tank - GreenTRAX, Inc.