Buying a home can be a tricky business, and this is one item you shouldn’t overlook. One of the most expensive issues that homeowners may face is discovering a buried oil tank on their property. These tanks are often found on older properties and can pose a major environmental hazard if not dealt with properly. If your home inspector recommends having the property inspected for a buried oil tank, it is essential that you take this recommendation seriously as the potential costs involved can be significant.

What is a buried oil tank & why should should they be identified during a home sale?

Oil was a popular heating fuel in Canada and the US for several decades, with oil storage tanks being located above ground, in basements, and even buried beside homes. Oil tanks were often buried due to their size and unsightliness. Oil heating was used mainly from 1930 and well into the 1970’s. Unfortunately, there is little to no documentation or records available to determine whether a property used oil heating in the past, making it challenging to identify the presence of a buried oil tank. In such cases, you can seek assistance from a utility locating company to help you ascertain whether there is a buried oil tank on the property. These experts have the necessary equipment and skills to detect the presence of underground oil tanks, ensuring that you can make informed decisions about your home purchase. Your home inspector may even see evidence of a buried oil tank on the property.

Utility Locating Companies servicing the North Okanagan

• Quadra Utility Locating Inc
• GeoScan

What are the issues?

• Oil leaks can contaminate soils around the home and property
• Remediation for oil leaks & oil tank removal can be expensive
• Insurance companies do not typically cover these types of issues

Buried oil tanks can cause several problems for homeowners. Firstly, they can leak and contaminate the soil and groundwater, leading to severe health problems, as well as legal and financial liability. Secondly, if an oil tank is discovered after the home has been purchased, the buyer may be responsible for the cleanup costs. Finally, removing a buried oil tank can be a costly process, which is why it’s essential to identify them before closing the deal.

During a home inspection of an older property, particularly those built prior to 1970, inspectors keep an eye out for signs of buried oil tanks. These signs include the fill pipes and vent pipes located near the foundation of the home, old oil lines in mechanical areas or an oil burning furnace with no above ground tank. The fill pipe is usually a 2-to-3-inch diameter with a threaded end, and the vent pipe is typically a smaller diameter with a cap to keep debris and water out of the tank. In many cases, the vent and fill pipes will be removed or cut below the ground making it difficult to find.

Field report

We recently identified a buried oil tank on a home built in 1902 during a home inspection. This tank was still over half full of oil and luckily the tank was in good condition and had not leaked. Our clients where thankful that we found this issue and the tank was removed from the property prior to their purchase. An interesting point of this story was the seller of the home bought during a hot market and did not have the property inspected prior to their purchase. In this case the vent & fill pipe where both identified(See photos below). Removing this tank involved a hydrovac company to evacuate the remainder of the oil and an excavation company to remove the tank and haul away. The evacuation of the oil fuel and removal and disposal of the tank cost approximately 5000$ and was completed in a day.

At the end of the day, buried oil tanks can be a costly and dangerous problem for homeowners. Hiring a professional home inspector can help you identify the potential for these types of issues. Not only will this protect you from liability and financial loss, but it will also ensure that your property is safe for you and your family. Don’t take any chances with your property – take the necessary steps to ensure its safety and longevity.

If your buying or selling a home in the North Okanagan or Shuswap, give the pros at Argos Home Inspection a call. Come find out why we are quickly becoming the highest rated home inspection company and why our clients love what we do! Check out www.argoshome.ca or give us a call at 250-937-7754.