Should I Remove My Oil Tank If It Isn’t Leaking?

There is no question that having a leaking oil tank on your property is going to be an issue. You will need to have the soil removed, the area remediated, and everything put back together again. With ERC, this will be no problem, and you will only pay one, flat rate for the entire process. No surprises, no gimmicks.

But, what if you have an abandoned tank on your property and it isn’t leaking? Is it still worth your while to get it removed?

The answer is an unequivocal “Yes!”

Why Remove a Tank That Isn’t Leaking

The logic here is simple.

If you had a mole that looked suspicious but wasn’t currently malignant, you’d probably have it removed, even though it wasn’t currently doing you any harm. If you had a tree with branches that were hanging over your roof, you’d have the branches removed before they did damage to your house.

If something has the potential to cause damage or be dangerous, people have it removed so they can avoid dealing with the aftermath of what could possibly happen.

Selling Your Home

Underground oil tanks, even if empty and secure, can cause headaches for homeowners looking to secure homeowners insurance. Many insurance companies ask for proof that a tank has been decommissioned and removed prior to signing a contract for insurance. The liability, down the road, is enough of a concern for insurers to steer clear of a property that may have future issues as the result of a tank that undergoes wear over time. Insurance companies want tanks removed rather than decommissioned and abandoned because a tank that is no longer present cannot cause a future problem.

Many realtors also urge their clients to remove underground storage tanks prior to even listing the house, because they are aware that prospective buyers do not want to buy trouble or inherit the problems of the previous owners. Increasingly, the detection of an underground tank, even one that has been decommissioned and abandoned is enough to halt any deal that may have been in the making. Buyers who decide to purchase the property anyway often include riders in the contract that state that the owners will be responsible for removing the tank prior to the closing.

Contact Us Today

So, even if your tank has been deemed safe and your soil has been tested and proven to be currently uncontaminated, it is wise to have the tank removed. Prevention is key. Call ERC Environmental today to discuss our flat-rate services and get started.