When doing Uniondale, NY home inspections, I find there are many homes that are equiped with Buried oil tanks. In fact throughout long island, it is not uncommon to find many homes with buried oil tanks. In older properties whose homes or domestic water are heated with oil, buried ferrous metal oil tanks are common.Some consider a buried oil tank to be convenient. Since these tanks are very large and bulky, they can take up a lot of space and they are an eyesore. So having it underground means out of site, out of mind.
Your home inspector can usually determine the presence of a buried oil tank by finding the fill and vent pipes that extend above the ground.
If there is a buried oil tank on the property, here is some things to consider. The soil around it should be tested by a qualified environmental professional to determine if there is oil seepage. Even abandoned and old tanks are an environmental hazard. If a leak has been discovered,the tank and all the contaminated soil around it must be removed. The EPA will have to be notified, and this job comes with a very heavy price tag,ranging in the thousands of dollars. If a leak has not occurred, I, as your home inspector still recommend its removal because it may still be a potential problem in the future. Keep in mind that even if the tank is empty, it still may have residual oil in the bottom that can seep out and contaminate the ground. Many insurance companies, and even oil companies will not provide insurance for buried tanks. Ask the home ower if they have insurance. If they do then ask if it can be transfered to you the new owner.
All underground oil tanks, as well as all buried items are not within the scope of a visual home inspection. All testing must be done by a qualified professional.
So when getting your Uniondale, NY home inspection, we will advise you of the presence of buried oil tanks.
Thank for your time,
Eric Middleton,
Closer Look Property Inspections Inc.
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